Japanese delegation commends the President's leadership

(August 27, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) A Japanese Parliamentary delegation, which has just concluded a four-day visit to Sri Lanka, has praised President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his dynamic leadership, which has enabled the restoration of democracy and civil administration to the Eastern Province in Sri Lanka. This observation was made by Housei Norota, member of the House of Representatives and President of the Japan–Sri Lanka Parliamentarians’ Friendship Association, at a meeting with Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at his Official Residence on Tuesday (26 August 2008).

Norota was accompanied by members of the House of Representatives, Hiroshi Nakai and Naokazu Takemoto, member of the House of Councillors, Shozaburo Jimi as well as the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Kiyoshi Araki and senior officials. Welcoming the Japanese delegation, Foreign Minister Bogollagama recalled with appreciation, the valuable contribution made by Chairman Norota towards strengthening bilateral relations in his capacity as President of Japan–Sri Lanka Parliamentarians’ Friendship Association.

Minister Bogollagama recalled the visit by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Japan in December 2007 and the discussions held with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. He informed the visiting delegation that Sri Lanka was looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Fukuda in Colombo.

Chairman Norota congratulated Minister Bogollagama on the successful conclusion of the 15th SAARC Summit held in Colombo. He briefed the Minister on the delegation’s impressions after visiting some development projects in the Eastern Province. He expressed the hope that there will be enhanced Japanese investment in Sri Lanka and more tourists visiting the country, once peace and democracy are restored to the North.

Minister Bogollagama gave a detailed briefing on the situation in the North, including the government’s efforts to defeat terrorism. Referring to the restoration of democratic governance in the Eastern Province, he expressed the hope that lasting peace could be achieved in the near future through a political settlement which will meet the aspirations of all communities. Minister Bogollagama, while appreciating Japan’s interest in Sri Lanka’s peace process invited Japanese assistance in the development of areas currently affected by LTTE terrorism.

The Foreign Minister thanked Chairman Norota for his abiding interest in Sri Lanka and welcomed Japan’s continued assistance and contribution in realizing Sri Lanka’s long term development goals. He emphasized the importance of the development of roads, ports, and other infrastructure facilities in the country, and acknowledged Japan’s substantial contribution in this context.

The two sides also discussed ways and means of enhancing the existing cooperation in areas such as agriculture, tourism and people to people connectivity. The importance of regular exchange of high-level visits to sustain the close bilateral relations was highlighted. Foreign Minister Bogollgama hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting delegation. Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were associated with the Minister at the discussion.
- Sri Lanka Guardian