Japanese FM assures Prof Peiris:

Japan will continue to work with SL as a partner

Japan appreciates the progress made by Sri Lanka in many sectors since the end of the conflict, and stands ready to work closely with Sri Lanka in addressing the tasks ahead, Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said in Tokyo yesterday. The Japanese Foreign Minister made these comments during a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Tokyo.

Minister Peiris provided his Japanese counterpart a detailed account of current development in Sri Lanka in respect of all aspects of revival of the economy and the continuing reconciliation process.

He thanked the Japanese government for its consistent support of Sri Lanka during 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Gemba referred to the scope available for co-operation between the two countries in tourism, with tourism from Japan having increased by 45 percent last year, maritime security, solar power projects and digital broadcasting.

The ministers discussed specific programmes of collaboration to cement the strong relationship.

Japan’s Foreign Minister assured his colleague of the resolve of his government to work with Sri Lanka in a spirit of sustained partnership.

Minister Gemba expressed his thanks to Minister Peiris for his acceptance of the invitation by the Japanese government to deliver a keynote address at the international conference on Disaster Reduction and Management at Tohoku.

Ambassador Admira (Rtd) Wasantha Karannagoda was associated with Prof Peiris at the bilateral discussions.