Japanese Foreign Minister visits Jaffna

[TamilNet, Monday, 06 January 2003, 14:01 GMT]
The Japanese Foreign Minister Ms Yoriko Kawguchi Monday flew to Jaffna by special aircraft and surveyed the progress of resettlement and humanitarian projects in the northern peninsula implemented with Japanese aid. This was the first visit of a Japanese Foreign Minister to the war torn Jaffna district. She also toured Chavakachcheri and Sarasalai areas in Thenmaradchchi areas, worst affected by the war in the district, sources said.

She told civilian representatives that the government of Japan would provide more aid to mine clearing projects in the north in the near future, sources said.

Later Japanese Foreign Minister attended the event held at Colombo Hilton Hotel Monday afternoon where an agreement was signed between Japan and Sri Lanka. According to this agreement the government of Japan would provide a grant of estimated 1.2 million US dollars, which would cover transport support for mine clearance activities in the Wanni area, purchase of necessary equipment for the rehabilitation of public facilities in Jaffna, sources said.

The Japanese Foreign Minister Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe and Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Mr. Tyronne Feranando at Temple Trees, the official residence of the Sri Lankan PM.td>

Adding that Japanese government is very optimistic towards the peace process and promise more financial aid to Sri Lanka, Japanese Foreign Minister pointed out the need of co-existence with India in achieving lasting peace in the island, Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry sources said.

Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi met Prime Minister Mr.Ranil Wickremasinghe later in the evening Monday. She is to address a press conference Monday night around eight, Colombo media sources said.

Her visit to Sri Lanka coincides with the holding of Sri Lanka Aid Conference in April or may this year, sources said. Japanese Foreign Minister is due to leave for India from Colombo Tuesday early morning, sources said.