President will provide leadership to resolve Lanka's national issue - Japanese official

Rodney Martinesz in Tokyo

Japan firmly believes President Mahinda Rajapaksa will provide strong leadership to resolve the country's national problem with the full backing of the majority of his countrymen, Shinsuke Shimizu, Director Southwest Asia Division said.

He said Japan upholds Sri Lanka's right to defend itself against terrorism while at the same time seeking avenue for a peaceful resolution of the present conflict. Shimizu who is also Director Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, said the upcoming visit of President Rajapaksa to Japan would provide an ideal opportunity for cementing existing bi-lateral ties between the two countries and venturing into new areas of co-operation.

While Sri Lanka's current conflict will be high on the agenda of discussions, matters relating to bilateral trade and investment too would figure prominently in the discussions between the leaders of both countries.

"This will be an ideal opportunity to cement existing bi-lateral relations and exchange views for the peace process," he said.

"Japan will request President Rajapaksa to move forward the peace process and confirm his intentions to resolve the conflict through political dialogue," Shimizu said.

Japan will also ask the President to submit the devolution package worked out through the APRC at the earliest opportunity. He said Japan's main intention is to support Sri Lanka in the development sphere and although a return to political dialogue and improvement on the human rights front are not aid conditions Japan anticipates these too are successfully addressed in the long term.

Shimizu said the Japanese Prime Minister is also expected to convey Japan's desire to assist in the ambitious Eastern Development Programme in a way that would meet the requirements of all communities.

A proposal will be made during the President's visit for the formation of a Government - Private Joint Forum composed of Sri Lankan Government representatives, members of local trade chambers and Japanese Embassy officials to look at ways of improving the investment climate in Sri Lanka to attract more Japanese investments to the country.

The President will also be informed of Japan's intention to host a cultural exposition of Sri Lanka's historical artifacts dating back to the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa period, relevant to Buddhism and the Hindu religion, between September and November next year.