Japanese Ambassador makes first visit to Northern Province

Saturday, 2 July 2022 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki visited Jaffna from 27 to 30 June. This was his first trip to the Northern Province as Ambassador.

In his visit to Jaffna, the Ambassador had discussions with Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, Jaffna Mayor V. Manivannan, the Commander of Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna Major General W.M.G.C.S.B. Wijayasundara and several political figures including a Member of Parliament, as well as the representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and journalists in Jaffna. Through the meetings, the Ambassador deepened his understanding and enriched knowledge on the Northern Province.

In a meeting with Minister Devananda, Ambassador Mizukoshi recalled the past assistance which contributed to the fishing area, such as Ocean University of Sri Lanka Regional Centre Jaffna, and aquafarming facility, and explored possibilities of future cooperation for further development of the northern region. During the meeting with dignitaries, the Ambassador highlighted Japan’s previous and ongoing development project to support infrastructural development such as irrigation system and water management, as well as the agricultural sector through the construction of the Agricultural Faculty of University of Jaffna and productivity improvement by supporting small-scale farmers.

As a newly implemented project, the Ambassador was delighted to introduce the provision of agricultural plant quarantine equipment at the Jaffna International Airport, which is expected to contribute to increased export of agricultural products from Sri Lanka.

While in Jaffna, Ambassador Mizukoshi started his visit by signing a grant contract for the financial assistance to the demining project, with the Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony (DASH) which produces safe land for local communities. Furthermore, he visited the several sites that Japan has supported through different grant assistance, such as Jaffna Teaching Hospital, Vembodukrny c.c.t.m. School for resettled children in Kilinochchi, and Tech Ceylon, a coconut oil production facility in Mullaitivu. The Ambassador also went through two bridges in the national road A9, which were part of the Major Bridges Construction Project that constructed eight bridges in the Northern Province. In addition, he visited MAS Kreeda Vaanavil, which is one of the well-known apparel companies in Kilinochchi related to JASTECA (Japan Sri Lanka Technical and Cultural Association).

Japan, a longstanding partner in Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development, has been supporting Sri Lanka’s peace building, reconstruction and development of the conflict affected area for many years. Japan believes that the past and current projects have been contributing to not only prosperity and welfare of all people of Sri Lanka, but also enhancing the friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and Japan. Japan will continue to do its part in combining its efforts with the people and Government of Sri Lanka.