The current situation in Sri Lanka, with the final defeat of terrorism and an unprecedented degree of political stability, is conducive for greater economic co-operation between Japan and Sri Lanka. Professor G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, and Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa said at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.

At a widely attended session, they provided national and international
media in Tokyo with a detailed account of the present situation in Sri
Lanka, the progress which had been made with regard to reconstruction
during the last year, and the Government’s plans for the future.

The two Ministers, at a meeting with the Japan-Sri Lanka Business
Co-operation Committee presided over by Mr. Sumitaka Fujita, Chairman
of the Committee, the Ministers explained to Japanese entrepreneurs
the special advantages of Sri Lanka at this time, with regard to trade
and investment. "Geographical location of the country, bilateral trade
agreements with India and Pakistan, strong protection under legal and
constitutional provisions, incentives offered by the Board of
Investment and the uniquely high calibre human resources in Sri
Lanka.are the advantageous for the prospective investor" they said.

Ministers Prof. Peiris and Basil Rajapaksa addressed the Japan
Platform consisting of representatives of Japanese NGOs operating in
Sri Lanka.  The Ministers thanked the NGOs for their consistent
support and involvement at the most difficult of times.  During the
question and answer session which followed, practical solutions were
found to the issues identified by the NGOs.  They expressed their
eagerness to continue engagement on an extended scale, with the
achievement of normalcy and tranquility.

On the final day of their official visit to Japan, the Sri Lankan
Ministers of External Affairs and Economic Development are due to have
discussions with Mr. Katsuya Okada, Japan’s Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Mr. Masayuki Naoshima, Minister of Economy, Trade and
Industry.