Early Warning System with Japanese assistance
[February 02, 2005 -09.40 GMT] 

Japan’s Senior Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Shunzen Tanigawa called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga yesterday. The discussions centered on two issues; post tsunami reconstruction and disaster preparedness.

The President briefed the Japanese Minister on the scale of the damage and the government’s on going relief operations. She expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude to the people and Government of Japan for their concern and assistance.

Japan to date has donated US$ 80 million in cash and another US$ 296,000 as relief supplies. The Japanese government has pledged US$ 500 million in grants to tsunami-affected countries. Sri Lanka has benefited from these funds through different international organizations and agencies such as ADB and the UN.

Mr. Tanigawa told the President that Japan would be ready to establish an early warning system and would send a team of experts soon for preliminary assessment.

Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar took up the issue of the Japanese travel advisory following the tsunami. The Minister requested Mr. Tanigawa to review the health warning and said the World Health Organization ruled out the threat of any communicable diseases in the tsunami aftermath in Sri Lanka.

The Japanese Minister visited the affected southern areas of Sri Lanka on Monday 31st and was the chief guest at a ceremony to inaugurate the construction of the new Matara town.

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Last Updated Date: February 02, 2005 - 09.40 GMT