Japan assures continued support to Sri Lanka

Japan's Foreign Ministry's International Cooperation Bureau Country Assistant Planning Division Director Shuichi Tokuda assured continuous Japanese development aid to Sri Lanka.

He gave this assurance to Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa when they met at the ministry office, Colombo to discuss proposed Japanese-funded projects to be launched in Sri Lanka.

Minister Rajapaksa appreciated Japan's assistance to strengthen Sri Lanka's economy and meet development goals via developing infrastructure facilities, human resources and rural communities among other projects.

He said Japan was among the nations that helped Sri Lanka to rise within a short period after the three decade war.

The minister briefed the Japanese representatives on the progress of the Divineguma National Programme aimed at making Sri Lanka a land free of poverty. Minister Rajapaksa outlined the development goals, including carpeting of roads, provision of electricity, facilitating drinking water supply, improving health, educational and communication facilities in the North and East and other areas.

He drew attention to proper management of water resources and to Japanese assistance to rear sea leech. Minister Rajapaksa said Japanese businessmen were already investing in the tuna fish industry.

Minister Rajapaksa also referred to the development of the tourism industry and international promotional programmes launched in this connection. Facilities for this purpose were being constantly improved, he said.

Minister Rajapaksa said this has led to the influx of tourists in greater numbers.

Minister Rajapaksa also cited Sri Lanka's ornamental fish industry and said there is a great demand for such fish in European countries. Unutilised lands are being taken over to further develop this industry, he said.

Tokuda said Japan will continue to assist Sri Lanka in securing lasting peace and economic progress.

Japan's ambassador in Sri Lanka Nobuhito Hobo and Chief of Economic Cooperation Section and Japanese embassy, Suguru Minoya were among the high level officials who participated in the discussion.