Japanese FM pledges support

Special delegation to arrive at end of Jan to discuss investment opportunities (strap)   

Foreign Minister of Japan Tharo Kono, who arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday, has indicated that the Government of Japan is ready to provide its fullest support for the development and reconciliation process of Sri Lanka.

During a call on President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, Kono, who is the first Japanese Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka in 15 years, noted that an excellent trade relationship already existed between the two countries. A special delegation will arrive in Sri Lanka at the end of this month to further explore business and investment opportunities in the country.  

The President recalled the historic friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan and extended his gratitude to the visiting Foreign Minister for the continuous support given by Japan to Sri Lanka as “a true friend.”

At the meeting, the President especially appreciated the support given to Sri Lanka in the fields of education, agriculture, health, and culture, as well as for the assistance in developing the infrastructure facilities of the country, a statement released by the Japanese embassy said.    

The President also thanked the Government of Japan for rendering great support locally as well as internationally during the past conflict period and extended his special thanks to Kono for the warm welcome he was accorded in Japan when he visited to attend the G7 summit.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prasad Kariyawasam, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Kenichi Suganuma and others took part in the meeting.