President returns

[Friday, December 14, 2007 - 10.10 GMT] 

President Mahinda Rajapaksa after successful visits to Japan and UK returned to the island today (December 14, 2007).

Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura said when he met President Rajapaksa during his 4-day official visit. Japan will officially approve economic assistance of 1.9 billion yen in grants-in-aid to Sri Lanka next week to promote peace and mid- to long-term economic development and to eradicate poverty in the country.

President Rajapaksa also met Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, Emperor Akihitho and other officials of the Japanese Government.

 After the Japan visit President Rajapakse departed for United Kingdom to attend the passing out parade of Britannia Royal Naval College as the chief guest.