Japan assures continuous aid to Sri Lanka

Shuichi Tokuda, Director, Country Assistant Planning Division, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan has assured continuous Japanese development aid to Sri Lanka. He gave this assurance to Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa when they met at the Ministry office, Colombo to discuss proposed, Japanese-funded projects to be launched in Sri Lanka.

Japan has been a leading sponsor of financial and technological support to Sri Lanka where Tokyo has been able to make a major contribution more flexibly to raise the living standards of Sri Lankans in a wide area since 1954.

Minister Rajapaksa highly appreciated Japan's assistance to strengthen Sri Lanka's economy and meet development goals via developing infrastructure facilities, human resources and rural communities among other projects. He noted that Japan was among the nations that helped Sri Lanka to rise within a short period from the ruins of three decades conflict. He briefed the Japanese representatives on the progress of the Divi Neguma National Programme aimed at making Sri Lanka a land free of poverty.

Minister Rajapaksa outlined the development goals so far achieved including carpeting of roads, provision of electricity, facilitating drinking water supply, improving health, educational and communication facilities in the North and East and other areas. He also drew attention to proper management of water resources and to Japanese assistance given to rearing sea leeches.

He said Japanese businessmen were already investing in the tuna fish industry. Among the other areas the Minister referred to were the development of the tourism industry and international promotional programmes.

Minister Rajapaksa also cited Sri Lanka's ornamental fish industry and said there is a great demand for such fish in European countries.

In response Tokuda said that Japan will continue to assist Sri Lanka in securing lasting peace and economic progress.

Japan's Ambassador in Sri Lanka Nobuhito Hobo, Chief of Economic Cooperation Section and Japanese Embassy, Suguru Minoya were among the high level officials who participated in the discussion.