Govt.’s policies on peace, development praiseworthy – Akashi

Steps taken by the Government to build peace, national development and reconciliation among people were praiseworthy said Japan’s Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi.

Japanese Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi met President Mahinda Rajapaksa last Saturday morning at the Temple Trees – Pic by Sudath Silva

He made this observation at a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Janadhipathi Mandiraya on Saturday (25) at the conclusion of his special visit to Sri Lanka.

He expressed satisfaction at the Government’s action to resettle displaced people in Kilinochchi and Jaffna and other parts of the North and East, the development work initiated, and moves for restoration of livelihoods of people in these regions that were affected by terrorism.

Akashi was also appreciative of the steps being taken to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and the Work Plan announced for its timely and effective implementation.

The Japanese Special Envoy apprised President Rajapaksa of his understandings at meetings with Sri Lankan political parties and groups. Whatever the opinions expressed by political parties, the action taken by government to ensure sustainable peace, development and effective reconciliation was commendable, he said.

He also said that it would be helpful to seek a political solution to outstanding issues while these peace building and reconciliation moves were in progress, and that such a solution would further help in the moves to strengthen peace and development.