Strengthening Japan-Lanka ties

President Mahinda Rajapaksa's current State visit to Japan will no doubt open a new chapter in Sri Lanka-Japan relations. Japan has maintained friendly relations with Sri Lanka for many decades. Economic and technical co-operation between the two countries has grown tremendously during the past couple of decades. The President's State visit would further strengthen the ties between the two nations.

One of Sri Lanka's largest donor countries and co-chair of the peace process - Japan, has been a friendly country for over half a century. Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Japan were established in 1952, and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan was set up in May 1953. Japan has been a major support country to the Asian region and accounts for around 40 per cent of Lanka's bilateral aid. Japan also has a substantial amount in loans invested in the region, estimated to be around a third of total foreign lending in the region. It was the famous San Francisco speech of the late President, J. R. Jayewardene which built a closer relationship between the two countries.

Ever since, Japan has made a significant contribution towards development activities in Sri Lanka in various sectors. Sri Lanka has been the largest per capita recipient of Japan's bilateral aid. Along with economic co-operation, Japan has been providing cultural aid to Sri Lanka since 1979. Japanese co-operation programs with Sri Lanka commenced way back in 1954.

The most significant among visits to Japan by Sri Lankan Heads of State were Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawala in 1954, Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake in 1967, Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 1976 and President J. R. Jayewardene in 1979. Former President Jayewardene attended Emperor Hirohitho's funeral. Prime Minister R. Premadasa (1980 and 1985), President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (1996) also visited Japan.

Among the most notable visits by Japanese VIPs to Sri Lanka, were the visit of Prince Mikasa in 1956 to attend the Buddha Jayanthi celebrations and Prime Minister Kishi Shinsuke's State visit in 1957. Crown Prince Akihito and the Crown Princess visited Sri Lanka in 1981, representing Emperor Hirohitho. Foreign Minister Kuranari Tadashi visited Sri Lanka in 1987 and Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu in 1990. The Prince and Princess Akishino visited Sri Lanka in November 1992.

There is a marked difference in Sri Lanka's foreign policy under President Rajapaksa, who is working closely with all countries, especially with those who genuinely support Sri Lanka and the well-being of its people.

It is important that we identify who the real friends are; those who genuinely support Sri Lanka at a time the Government is making every effort to eradicate terrorism. They should respect Sri Lanka's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Most countries would have been horrified with terrorism, especially after the infamous 9/11 attack in the United States. Therefore, it is important that we build a strong worldwide opinion against terrorism.

During the last couple of years, President Rajapaksa has strengthened Sri Lanka's relations with many countries. His recent State visits have brought an array of benefits - both long-term and short-term for Sri Lanka. In point of fact, President Rajapaksa's last visit to Iran generated USD 1.5 billion in funds and for projects.

Japan is no exception, a country which has maintained close ties with Sri Lanka for many years. As a friendly Asian nation, Japan would always support Sri Lanka in many ways. Perhaps mainly due to the cultural and religious backgrounds, the people of Sri Lanka and Japan have many things in common.

Hence, President Rajapaksa's State visit to Japan comes at an important juncture. It would further strengthen Japan-Sri Lanka ties.