Sri Lanka’s Economic Development Minister and External Affairs Minister during their five day visit, held talks with Japanese government officials on mutual cooperation between the two countries, says the External affairs Ministry.

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa who are currently in Japan on an official visit from 26th to 30th July, met with Seiji Maehara, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan and Yasuo Fukuda, Former Prime Minister of Japan and Honorary President of the Japan-Sri Lanka Association.

During their meeting with Mr. Maehara, the Ministers of External Affairs and Economic Development stated that as Sri Lanka has entered a period of peace and political stability, there were opportunities now available in Sri Lanka for rapid economic development after the eradication of terrorism. The two Ministers stated that Japanese companies have a vigorous role to play in the development of infrastructure in a variety of fields including highways, irrigation systems, power and energy, and the health sector.

In particular, they described the dramatic growth of tourism in the country and the substantial investment which is currently being made in the expansion of the hotel sector and the upgrading of facilities in Sri Lanka. Minister Maehara was also apprised of the details pertaining to the resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the efforts made for the restoration of their livelihoods.

Responding, Minister Maehara congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government of Sri Lanka on the eradication of terrorism and pledged the continuing co-operation of the new Government of Japan in respect of the invigoration of Sri Lanka’s economy at this crucial time, in keeping with the spirit of friendship and goodwill which has characterized the relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan over the decades. He also stated that the Government of Japan will ensure that the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) will be continuously extended to Sri Lanka in the fields of infrastructure and tourism.

Prof. Peiris and Mr. Rajapaksa also extended an invitation to Mr. Maehara to visit Sri Lanka.

 

Thereafter, Mr. Yasuo Fukuda, Former Prime Minister of Japan and Honorary President of the Japan-Sri Lanka Association received the two visiting Sri Lankan Ministers in Tokyo. The Ministers engaged in wide ranging discussions with the former Prime Minister of Japan on all aspects of the relationship between the two countries.

Isamu Nitta, President of the Japan-Sri Lanka Association and a former Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka and Kunio Takasaki, Secretary General of the Japan-Sri Lanka Association were associated with Mr. Fukuda during the discussions.

Esala Weerakoon, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan was associated with Ministers Prof. Peiris and Mr. Rajapaksa during the meeting.

The two Ministers are also scheduled to hold discussions with Katsuya Okada, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japanese Diet members, government officials, economic leaders, and others during this visit.

The visit by the two Ministers is expected to help further enhance the strong and friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka, says the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo.