President's visit to Japan will benefit Sri Lanka immensely
by Dinesh Weerawansa
President Mahinda Rajapaksa's four-day official visit to Japan was a
highly successful one, which has further strengthened relations between
Sri Lanka and Japan.
The two countries have maintained diplomatic ties for 55 years and
President Rajapaksa's visit strengthened those cultural and social bonds
between these two friendly nations in Asia. The President ended his
official visit on Wednesday on a high note, securing both financial
assistance and technical expertise worth nearly Yen 2,000 million.
Having secured a staggering USD 1.7 billion financial assistance from
his previous visit to Iran, President Rajapaksa once again secured a
lucrative deal for Sri Lanka in Japan. One of the most notable
happenings was a significant agreement with the Japan Bank for
International Cooperation (JBIC).
JBIC Governor Koji Tanami met President Rajapaksa at the Imperial
Hotel before Sri Lanka and JBIC signed the agreement through which the
Japanese financial assistance would be channelled. The Japanese
Government increased assistance to Sri Lanka under the Overseas
Development Assistance (ODA) programme from US$ 320 to $ 400 million per
year.
While thanking Japan for providing both technical and financial
assistance over the years, President Rajapaksa recalled how JBIC funded
the Uda Walawe project and said the people in those areas are now
enjoying the benefits of those projects.
Sri Lanka would embark on a special eco-friendly Liquified Nitrogen
Gas (LNG) project at Kerawalapitiya. The US$ 610-million project, which
would generate electricity from biogas, would be an effective mean to
face future power crises. Japan would fund US$ 400 million. The project
that would generate electricity from biogas would help cut down fuel
costs and also protect environment. The total power generation expected
is 300 MW.
During discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and
Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, Sri Lanka thanked Japan for the
assistance extended by the Japanese Government in the past and proposed
several projects which needs international financial assistance.
Among the proposed projects are setting up of a National Workers'
Hospital (a budget hospital for working class), construction of a modern
training school for nurses, a Liquefied Nitrogen Gas (LNG) project and
Eastern development. Sri Lanka also sought more employment in Japan for
its skilled workers and professionals. The Japanese Government gave a
positive response to all these proposals.
The President also briefed the Japanese leaders on the steps taken by
the Government to find an honourable solution through the All Party
Representative Committee (APRC). President Rajapaksa appreciated Japan's
commitment to Sri Lanka's peace process as a Co-Chair.
Addressing a large gathering of Lankans at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel
in Tokyo, President Rajapaksa said many sinister moves are afoot at
various levels to halt the Government's battle against terrorism. The
President said various stories are being spread by interested parties in
order to stop the Government's drive against terrorism.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa had a historic meeting with Japanese
Emperor Komatsu Akihito at the Imperial Palace. It was a great honour
for Sri Lanka and its visiting President as the Presidential party was
accorded a warm welcome.
President Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa were accorded
a grand welcome on their arrival at the Imperial Palace by Emperor
Akihito and Empress Michiko. The two leaders held bilateral discussions
focused on the longstanding relations and cultural bonds between the two
nations.
In a significant honour accorded to the touring head of State, the
Lankan delegation was hosted to a special luncheon reception by Emperor
Akihito at the Imperial Palace, where once there was the Edo Castle in
the 17th-19th century.
Japanese Prime Minister Yasao Fukuda said Japan would always reject
terrorism and his Government would take every possible step to stop
terror acts.
He made these observations when he met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at
the Prime Minister's Office. Addressing a joint news conference at the
Prime Minister's Office, the 71-year-old Japanese leader said his
Government condemns all forms of terrorism and would take every possible
action to eradicate terrorism.
Prime Minister Fukuda is no stranger to Sri Lanka as he was the
former President of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Association. He held
that position for several years before stepping down on his election as
Japan's Prime Minister last September.
Emperor Komatsu Akihito and Empress Michiko greet President
Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa on their arrival at
the Imperial Palace. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama,Mrs.
Bogollagama and Sri Lanka Ambassador Rohitha Uyangoda are also
in the picture. |
Emperor Komatsu Akihito and Empress Michiko hosted President
Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa at the Imperial
Palace |
At Japan’s Overseas Development Assistance(ODA) Committee meeting |
President Rajapaksa visiting ancient Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto |
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