Japan lauds Lanka's political stability and development strategies

 Members of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Parliamentary Group during a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (22) lauded Sri Lanka's political stability and development strategies. They pledged their support to Sri Lanka in the fields of tourism and investment.


The meeting was held at Temple Trees where a group of parliamentarians representing the new Government of Japan participated.

The discussions also focused on setting up special economic zones for Japanese investments adjacent to the ports being developed by the Government.

President Rajapaksa expressed gratitude for the assistance extended by Japan towards the country's development and stressed the need for strengthening economic relations with Japan and promoting cultural and religious ties that the two countries enjoyed since ancient times.

He also told the visiting Japanese legislators that Sri Lanka is prepared to make a great leap forward in terms of economic development.

The President extended an invitation to the new Prime Minister of Japan and senior representatives of the Japanese Government to visit Sri Lanka.

Presidents of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Association Ven Suduhumpala Wimalasara Thera and Horofumi Hirano, members of the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary group and Japanese envoy to Sri Lanka Kuni Takahashi were present.

Ministers Prof GL Peiris, Nimal Siripala De Silva, Priyankara Jayaratne and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga also participated.