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Japan to sponsor int'l conference to support Lanka - Japanese PM

Many countries of the world have come forward to offer assistance to the peace process of Sri Lanka. But Japan has appointed a special Representative for the purpose as a mean to show its special concerns over Sri Lanka's problems and to provide maximum possible assistance. The Japanese Government has made a decision to sponsor an international conference to mobilise co-operation for Sri Lanka. The Japanese government would take necessary steps to ensure participation of leading donor countries and international financial institutes for this conference, said Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi when he met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his office yesterday.

The Sri Lankan delegation who accompanied Mr. Wickremesinghe on the occasion comprised Bradman Weerakoon, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Sri Lanka Ambassador in Japan Karunatilake Amunugama, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Saman Athaudahetti and Counsellor in Sri Lankan Mission in Japan K.S.C. Dissanayake.

Exactly at 3 pm Japanese time, the procession of vehicles that accompanied the Sri Lankan Prime Minister arrived at the Japanese Prime Minster's office and senior officials of the office welcomed Mr. Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan delegation. Then they were escorted to the VIP Lounge where Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was waiting to receive them.

A reception was accorded to the Sri Lankan Prime Minister and the delegation by the Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at the VIP lounge.

A large number of media personnel covered the event. Sri Lanka's successful approach to the arduous process of achieving lasting peace for the country and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe's strong leadership earned praises from Japanese Prime Minister. Mr. Koizumi pointed out that Japan has appointed a special representative to assist to take the peace process forward as well as to assist in implementing "Regaining Sri Lanka" economic reform program. Positive and active co-operation of the Japanese government would be channelled through this special representative.

Steps would be taken to identify additional assistance needed by Sri Lanka and provide them where necessary.

Mr. Koizumi said that Japan would take necessary action to strengthen regional co-operation in order to ensure peace in Asia.

As a move to demonstrate Japan's commitment and co-operation to achieve peace in Sri Lanka, Japan would facilitate a session of peace talks to be held in Japan, said the Japanese Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Prime Minister for the immense support offered to Sri Lanka by Japan. Mr. Wickremesinghe added that it was an encouragement as well as an honour to Sri Lanka.

Mr. Wickremesinghe emphasised on the strength and backing a speedy economic development program would provide for arriving at a political solution to achieve lasting peace for Sri Lanka. He appreciated the continuous contribution of the Japanese Government and its special representative Yasushi Akashi.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe expressed the thanks of the Sri Lankan people to Mr. Koizumi for making arrangements to organise an international conference to mobilise support for Sri Lanka and a round of peace talks prior to it.

Mr. Wickremesinghe invited Mr. Koizumi to visit Sri Lanka in the near future. Premier Koizumi accepted the invitation with thanks and inquired of ways and means of strengthening relations between Japan and Sri Lanka in the future.

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