Amunugama lauds abiding friendship with Japan

Minister Amunugama addressing the Japanese National Day function

Ambassador of Japan Kenichi Suganuma, ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to be present here today representing the Government of Sri Lanka on this happy occasion of the National day of Japan. On behalf of President Maithripala Sirisena, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, I take this opportunity to extend the warm greetings and best wishes to Emperor Akihito, the Government and the friendly people of Japan on this occasion. 

Ladies and gentlemen, the close relations between Sri Lanka and Japan are built on a solid foundation of historical, religious and cultural ties, shared values and mutual understanding. The 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Japan was celebrated in grand manner in 2012 making it a testimony to our abiding friendship. 

The new Government of Sri Lanka has streamlined new initiatives to be pursued, in order to further strengthen and consolidate our centuries-old partnership. 

In this regard, the visit of Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, to Sri Lanka in September last year and the visit by Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, to Japan in October this year has given an encouraging impetus and provided a valuable roadmap to elevate the existing relations into new heights. The Joint Declaration which was issued following the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Abe on a comprehensive partnership between Sri Lanka and Japan is a blueprint for this new Roadmap.

Ladies and gentlemen, today, Sri Lanka’s robust economic growth and development policy provide enormous potential for further enhancement of economic relations between our two countries, especially in trade, investment and tourism. Sri Lanka’s total trade turnover with Japan has shown a threefold increase during the period of 2009-2014.

Keeping in line with the Economic Policy of the new Government, Sri Lanka offers a conducive, safe and stable environment to attract investment. This is, therefore, a high time for Japanese entrepreneurs to look at Sri Lanka, not only as an attractive business destination but also as a gateway to the entire South Asian region.

Under the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Vitalisation of Inter-Governmental Economic Policy Dialogue signed between the two countries during the visit of Prime Minster Abe in September last year, with a view to further expanding our bilateral trade, investment and economic engagement, we look forward to the convening of the first intergovernmental Economic Policy Dialogue between the two countries.

Ladies and gentlemen, the goodwill and generosity of Japan demonstrated over the years in the form of Official Development Assistance (ODA) has contributed significantly to the enhancement and advancement of Sri Lanka’s economic and social landscape. We have witnessed successful completion of many landmark projects, with Japanese assistance. These development projects would no doubt be making a remarkable contribution to the economic and social development of our country.

We are also deeply appreciative of the assistance extended by Japan in the peace and reconciliation process in Sri Lanka, in the context of post-conflict development. In this regard, we also appreciate the visit of Dr. Motoo Noguchi, Prosecutor of Japan and former international Judge of the Khmer Rouge Trials.

Ladies and gentlemen, the presidential election in January and the general elections in August 2015 marked two historic moments in Sri Lanka’s political experience. Today, there is widespread recognition of the need to consolidate the hard won peace, and to ensure meaningful reconciliation by building an inclusive society, enabling people to live with self-respect and dignity. We look forward to Japan’s consistent support, in our efforts to create a promising environment for genuine partnership with the international community. I also take this opportunity to inform you that the dynamism and enthusiasm of Kenichi Suganuma have resulted in significant achievements in furthering our bilateral relations. I am confident that the relations between our two countries will continue to flourish in the years ahead, building upon the strong foundation of friendship.

Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to now invite you to join me in a toast: To the health and wellbeing of the Emperor of Japan and the people of Japan, to the close friendship, cooperation and partnership between Japan and Sri Lanka, to the continued prosperity and success of Japan.