Lanka safe for Japanese tourists

External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L.Peiris and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa are visiting Japan from July 26 to 30.

The Ministers met Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister of Japan Seiji Maehara. The Ministers informed that Sri Lanka has now entered a period of peace and political stability. It was also emphasized that the safety of tourists is now ensured in the country. Maehara informed that the Government of Japan ensures that ODA assistance will be continuously extended to Sri Lanka in the fields of infrastructure and tourism. The Ministers extended an invitation to Maehara to visit Sri Lanka, thereby adding credibility for many Japanese visitors to visit Sri Lanka.

The Ministers were also received in Tokyo by Former Prime Minister of Japan and Honorary President of the Japan-Sri Lanka Association Yasuo Fukuda. The Ministers engaged in wide ranging discussions with the former Prime Minister on all aspects of the relationship between the two countries. Fukuda was accompanied by Japan-Sri Lanka Association President and a former Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka Isamu Nitta and Japan-Sri Lanka Association Secretary General Kunio Takasaki. Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, Esala Weerakoon attended the meeting.

During their stay, the two Ministers will also hold talks with Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan Katsuya Okada to exchange views on bilateral relations and international issues and will also exchange views with Japanese Diet members, government officials, economic leaders, and others.

The visit by the two Ministers is expected to help further enhance the strong and friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.