The Democratic Party of Japan assures continuous support to Sri Lanka

(October 14, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is foremost on the Government of Sri Lanka’s agenda in the post-conflict phase, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollama said when he met with members of the All Party Parliamentary Delegation from Japan on 13th October 2009 at the Ministry. The delegation of Rules and Administration Committee of the House of Councillors, the National Parliament of Japan are currently in Sri Lanka on a two day good will visit, on an invitation extended by the Speaker of Parliament.

Welcoming the Parliamentary delegation from Japan, the Foreign Minister recalled the historical links between Sri Lanka and Japan which date back to over a millennium and stated that these traditional bonds were developed have developed to be more valued political and economic ties during the latter part of the last century.

Referring to the political process, Foreign Minister Bogollagama stated that the Government of Sri Lanka is fully committed to a political process that will lead to a lasting solution and devolution of power in a wider context.

The Foreign Minister stated that the friendship with Japan was a “special one” and acknowledged that Japan continues to be a strong partner in Sri Lanka’s development process throughout the years. Foreign Minister stated that Sri Lanka is looking forward to engage with Japan in a more constructive manner with a view to enhancing the existing relations in areas of common interests, particularly in the field of investment.

Referring to the longstanding relationship which exists between Sri Lanka and Japan, the Head of the Parliamentary delegation Mr. Shuji Ikeguchi, Member of Parliament representing the Democratic Party of Japan, stated that Sri Lanka has been included as a new focal point for Asia under the new government’s Foreign Policy and assured the continuation of development assistance. A representative from the Japan’s main opposition party, Liberal Democratic Party hailed Sri Lanka’s victory over terrorism after more than two decades and assured the Liberal Democratic Party’s support for Sri Lanka. While noting the concerns of some countries on human rights issues in Sri Lanka, the representative of the Liberal Democratic Party reiterated the party’s commitment to extend the same level of cooperation and support to Sri Lanka.

The Japanese Parliamentary delegation felicitated Sri Lanka on assuming the Chair of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) and assured their fullest support during Sri Lanka’s stewardship.

Minister Bogollagama in conclusion, once again reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment towards wider engagement with friends of Sri Lanka such as Japan, based on mutual respect and understanding of its development agenda and expressed the hope that Japan would be able to play a leading role in this context.

Senior Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan also participated at this interaction.

-Sri Lanka Guardian