Sri Lankan Origin Kamzy Gunaratnam Appointed Norway’s New Minister of Transport

Norwegian politician of Sri Lankan origin Kamzy Gunaratnam has been appointed the country’s new Minister of Transport, marking a significant milestone in her journey from a child refugee from Sri Lanka to a member of the Norwegian government.

Gunaratnam announced her appointment in a statement thanking the Norwegian government for its confidence in her and describing the new responsibility as an honour.

Reflecting on her personal journey, she recalled leaving Sri Lanka as a young girl in her mother’s arms and eventually building a life in Norway. She went on to study in Oslo, enter Norwegian politics and serve in the Storting, Norway’s parliament.

“From me as a little girl fleeing the war in Sri Lanka in the corner of my mother’s arm to Hammerfest… and now, into the Norwegian government,” she wrote.

Gunaratnam said her personal experience of displacement and migration had given her a particular perspective on the importance of transportation.

She described transport as being fundamentally about freedom and access, arguing that people should be able to reach work, schools, hospitals, family and friends regardless of where they live or how much they earn.

“The distance between you and the rest of society should not determine how freely you can live your life.”

As Transport Minister, Gunaratnam said she would focus on making better use of existing infrastructure while investing in new projects where necessary. She acknowledged that the government cannot fund every priority simultaneously and stressed the importance of making clear and responsible choices about public spending.

Among her priorities are improving the reliability of Norway’s railway network, making roads safer, strengthening public transport services and maintaining air connections across the country.

She also said more goods should be transported by sea and rail, while the taxi industry should be made safer and more professional.

Gunaratnam further pledged to work towards a transport sector with better working conditions and to combat social dumping in cooperation with trade unions and responsible businesses.

The green transition will also be a key part of her agenda. She said Norway must reduce emissions and embrace new technology without allowing the transition to undermine mobility or economic activity.

“Green transition should not mean that Norway is stopping. It should make our transport system better,” she said.

Gunaratnam also thanked outgoing Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård for his work and cooperation, saying he had provided important support during challenging times.

While acknowledging that major changes cannot happen overnight, the new minister promised that the government would take people’s concerns seriously and deliver tangible results.

“We need to prioritize. We must be honest about the choices we make. And we will deliver concrete results,” she said.

Gunaratnam’s appointment represents a notable chapter in the story of a Sri Lankan-born Norwegian politician who rose from a childhood shaped by war and displacement to one of the highest levels of political responsibility in Norway.