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Japan pledges more assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction projects

Japan pledged more short and long-term assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction projects in Sri Lanka when Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando met his Japanese counterpart Ms Yoriko Kawaguchi in Tokyo on Friday, the 'Japanese Times' reported.

In a special news story on its Saturday edition, the Japanese leading newspaper said Kawaguchi told Minister Fernando that specific assistance measures ranging from humanitarian assistance to major reconstruction will be decided once the report of Yasuhsi Akashi, the special representative of the Japanese Prime Minister is submitted. Mr. Akashi returned to Tokyo on Saturday.

"We will definitely take a key role with the establishment of peace in Sri Lanka," she has told Minister Fernando who thanked the Japanese government for their continuous assistance for peace building in Sri Lanka. "My country is emerging as a role model to the entire world in its endeavours in handling the menace of terrorism. We are a good example for democracy. However, Sri Lanka needs assistance from its friends like Japan. Also we are thankful for your assistance," Mr. Fernando told Ms Kawaguchi.

"We are now engaged in a process of building a solid nation. The effort has been a tremendous success and it needs more international assistance," he added.

"On that specific day, the late President Jayewardene contributed immensely for the rise of new Japan which had been devastated by war. Today his own country is devastated by a civil war, which dragged for more than two decades. Therefore, we thank the Japanese government for its assistance to the rise of new Sri Lanka which is governed by President Jayewardene's nephew Ranil Wickremesinghe," said Minister Fernando addressing the dinner gathering which consisted of senior parliamentarians and high officials in Japan.

Japanese senior vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi who represented Foreign Minister Kawaguchi at the dinner pledged every possible assistance to Sri Lanka.

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