Japanese-Sri Lankan state leaders agree to strengthen bilateral ties

• Japanese Prime Minister says that he would work towards providing grants, not loans 
• A new agreement is signed between two countries on conducting Japan-Sri Lanka health services

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated that he would work towards providing grants not loans anytime possible while giving assistance to the development programs of Sri Lanka.

The official meeting between the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Maithripala Sirisena was held Wednesday (14) during his state visit to Japan where the Japanese Prime Minister mentioned these facts.

Moreover the Japanese Prime Minister ensured President Sirisena that he would constantly provide assistance for the Sri Lankan infrastructure development. The development of ports will be prioritised and discussions were held regarding the assistance provided by the Japanese government for the development of the Colombo-Trincomalee port.

Abe also stated that assistance will be provided for regenerating energy resources and would also contribute in developing the highway systems. He added that assistance of special technical programs of Japan could be provided to Sri Lanka.

A positive response was given to the request made by President Sirisena to provide technical equipment for the development of the health sector in Sri Lanka. The Japanese Prime Minister agreed on giving assistance to disaster management programs as well as waste disposal systems in Sri Lanka.

Abe who mentioned the assistance given by Japan in security and Navy activities stated that only Sri Lanka was fortunate to gain this assistance from Japan out of the countries in the Indian Ocean. President Sirisena thanked both the Japanese Prime Minister as well as the government of Japan.

Detailed discussions were held between developing the economy as well as trade ties between two countries where the President showed the importance of the contribution of both public and private sector in making investments within Sri Lanka.

Abe, expressing his views further, said that this visit of President Sirisena would mark another new step in the close friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan existing since olden days. The President conveyed his gratitude to the Japanese Prime Minister for inviting him for a state visit to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. He further said that following this visit a firm foundation will be established for the ties between the two countries which was strengthened after the last G7 summit. 

The President also recalled the success of the previous G7 summit and thanked the Japanese Prime Minister for its success. President Sirisena recalled with honour the meeting held with Emperor Akihito and expressed his gratitude to the Emperor for the warm welcome given by him. The Japanese Prime Minister cordially accepted the invitation extended by the President to him to visit Sri Lanka in the near future. After the bilateral discussions a new agreement was signed regarding uplifting the health sector.

President Sirisena, when arrived at the Prime Minister’s office in Tokyo, was warmly welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The official welcome with a guard of honour was held displaying the bond between two countries. The two leaders engaged in a friendly conversation after the welcome ceremony. President Sirisena and the delegation were then escorted to the conference hall by Prime Minister Abe where they posed for photographs, prior to the discussions.

‘Today, Japan-Sri Lanka friendship has turned to strong, friendly and reliable bond’: Japanese PM

“The Japan-Sri Lanka friendship that was strengthened at the San Francisco Conference, has moved forward with a new face under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena and that friendship is a strong, friendly and reliable bond,” said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The Japanese Prime Minister made these remarks during the special banquet hosted by him at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, Wednesday (14) in honour of the visiting President Maithripala Sirisena. Abe warmly welcomed the President when he arrived at the venue. 

Expressing his views, President Sirisena said that the two countries have agreed to further strengthen the investment and cooperation programs between Japan and Sri Lanka during the meetings held the last few days between the two countries. 

President Sirisena further stated that Japan has always been a close friend of Sri Lanka and it is expected to broaden these ties in every possible field. Sri Lanka and its people have a great respect towards Japan as a main country which provides assistance, President Sirisena said.

The Japanese Prime Minister used this occasion to offer good wishes for the 70th National Independence Anniversary of Sri Lanka.

The actress who performed the character of Oshin in the famous tele-series ‘Oshin’ and other members were present in this event.