Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris and Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, yesterday (26 July) met with Seiji Maehara, Japan’s Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism during an official visit to Japan.

The Sri Lankan Ministers informed the Japanese Minister that Sri Lanka has now entered a period of peace and political stability and the safety of tourists is now ensured in the country.

Minister Maehara informed that the Government of Japan ensures that ODA assistance will be continuously extended to Sri Lanka in the fields of infrastructure and tourism. The Ministers extended an invitation to Mr. Maehara to visit Sri Lanka, thereby adding credibility for many Japanese visitors to visit Sri Lanka.

The Ministers were also received in Tokyo by Mr.Yasuo Fukuda, Former Prime Minister of Japan and Honorary President of the Japan - Sri Lanka Association. The Ministers engaged in wide ranging discussions with the former Prime Minister on all aspects of the relationship between the two countries. Mr.Fukuda was accompanied by Mr.Isamu Nitta, President of the Japan - Sri Lanka Association and a former Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka, and Mr.Kunio Takasaki, Secretary General of the Japan-Sri Lanka Association. Mr.Esala Weerakoon, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, attended the meeting.

During their stay, the two Ministers will also hold talks with Mr.Katsuya Okada Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, to exchange views on bilateral relations and international issues and will also exchange views with Japanese Diet members, government officials, economic leaders, and others.

The visit by the two Ministers is expected to help further enhance the strong and friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo stated.