Sri Lanka has expressed concern over Norway's remarks that it would only resume the role of peace broker in a three-decade ethnic conflict if both sides agree to a set of conditions, a press report said yesterday.

Colombo expressed "concern" over the remarks made last week by Norwegian International Development Minister Erik Solheim, the Sri Lankan Sunday Times said, adding that it would raise the issue with Norway's ambassador.

"The ministry has also been told to express the government's displeasure over why Mr. Solheim had gone public in the international media over this matter when it should have been raised with the government," the newspaper said.

A foreign ministry spokeswoman said she could not comment on the report which came a day after Tamil Tiger rebels asked Norway to arrange an urgent meeting with the government to save a troubled truce in place since 2002.