Sri Lanka’s economic progress commendable: Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs

Wednesday, 14 May 2014 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A discussion between Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Relations took place recently at the Ministry of Economic Development. Japanese Vice Minister of Foreign Relations Seiji Kihara, commenting on Sri Lanka, stated: “There is a historical relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka. Therefore, Japan is always ready to extend its unstinted support to Sri Lanka. In the meantime, direct exchange of goods and services is possible in view of the existing bilateral relations. The progress achieved at present by the Television Service gifted to Sri Lanka by Japan is highly commendable. The methodology adopted by Japan and Sri Lanka in assisting each other with proper management in various calamities such as tsunami, floods, earth slides, tremors, etc. is praiseworthy.

“Sri Lanka is in receipt of various Japanese facilities with regard to the economic development in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, Japanese investors are always encouraged to invest in Sri Lanka. Japanese investors are inclined to invest more and more in Sri Lanka in view of the efficient Sri Lankan work force. Further, Sri Lanka is a beautiful and attractive country. Therefore, the majority of people from Japan which is an eco-friendly country love the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and vast number of Japanese tourists make annual visits to Sri Lanka. “International sea travel is facilitated by Colombo City port. This has enabled Japan to expand its shipping lines through the usage of oceanic region of Sri Lanka. The rapid development that has taken place in the whole island including the Northern and Eastern Provinces is worthy of special mention. Japan expects to extend the fullest cooperation required for achieving economic as well as quality and quantitative development in Sri Lanka.” Minister Basil Rajapaksa stated: “ aving finished the war of three decades, Sri Lanka has now embarked upon the development of the country. Having constructed super highways and developed transport facilities, it is gradually achieving economic stability. At the same time, a suitable environment has been created for foreign investments. New rules and regulations encouraging investments have been approved by the Parliament. “With an improved tourism industry, the country has become more and more attractive to the tourists. Foreign exchange earnings are daily increasing. Another important feature is the propaganda is underway to upgrade the reputation of the country and international seminars of higher level are hosted by the country. The International Youth Conference-2014 is an example. Youth from 160 countries were in Sri Lanka in this regard. “Action has been taken to upgrade the living standard of the people in the Northern and Eastern Provinces by undertaking various development efforts such as highways, sanitation, transport, potable water, irrigation, education and domestic and medium scale industries. Contribution of labour by the Sri Lankan young work force with proper management has been increased due to vocational training. Industries in the fields of fisheries, irrigation and agriculture as well as development in schools are similarly undertaken. We have been successful in achieving a continuous economic growth rate of 7% due to these development efforts.” Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Nobuhito Hobo and Foreign Affairs Ministry in Japan South West Asia Region Director Makoto Mathsuda and a host of Sri Lankan senior officials participated at this discussion.