Professor G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, expressed appreciation of Japan’s approach of constructive engagement with Sri Lanka. Japan, he said, has always been reluctant to rush to judgment and to impose prescriptions from outside, without adequate consideration of contextual factors. He observed that this is very much in line with Asian cultural traditions which emphasize respect for the identity and dignity of other nations, and a nuanced view recognizing divergence of outlook and value systems. The Minister referred to Japan’s long relationship with Sri Lanka and her consistent support for the development of our economy, and Japan’s understanding of the current challenges facing Sri Lanka.
Prof. Peiris paid tribute to the deep and rich relationship between the two countries, typified by the State Visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Japan last year, during which he was received by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, and the subsequent visit to Sri Lanka by Mr. Taro Aso, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Japan.
The Japanese Parliamentary delegation discussed with Minister Peiris, a wide range of matters connected with Sri Lanka’s initiatives in the field of reconstruction and reconciliation, the Parliamentary Select Committee process in respect of constitutional issues, and the role of Japanese companies in many sectors of our economy, including construction, infrastructure and services. Priorities with regard to Japanese aid, and the importance attached to environmental considerations, were touched upon. Japan’s active contribution to skills development, exemplified in particular by the work of JAICA, formed part of the discussion.
Prof. Peiris mentioned the Inter-governmental Economic Policy Dialogue which both countries have expressed interest in pursuing, with the prospect of developing at a later stage either a Free Trade Agreement or an Economic Partnership Agreement. Sri Lanka has already established an inter-Ministerial Committee to study these possibilities. Minister Peiris thanked the Government of Japan for the enthusiasm shown by the Japanese side, led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industries.
The Minister expressed deep appreciation to the government and people of Japan for their generosity and goodwill extended over the years to Sri Lanka in the form of Official Development Assistance (ODA) which has contributed markedly to the enhancement of the domestic economic landscape.
He also referred to the Monbukagakusho Scholarship Scheme of the Government of Japan which has enabled Sri Lankan students to follow degree courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at several universities in Japan and at the prestigious College of Technology.
The delegation was led by Mr. Masahiko Koumara, President of the Japan – Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship League and Vice-President of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. He has previously held the portfolios of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Justice in the Government of Japan.
Five Members of Japan’s Home of Representatives — Mr. Naokazu Takemoto, Mr. Taimei Yamaguchi, Mr. Wataru Takeshita, Mr. Masayoshi Yoshino and Ms. Yuko Obuchi — constituted the rest of the delegation.
Japan’s Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Mr. Nobuhito Hobo, accompanied the delegation. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Japan, Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda was also present.(KH/MEA)
