Dr. Harsha de Silva, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs undertook a visit on an invitation extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan from 20^th – 26^th March 2016. 

During the visit, Deputy Minister had bilateral discussion with his counterpart Hon. Hitoshi Kikawada, Parliamentary vice Minister for Foreign Affairs. They exchanged views on areas of mutual interest including trade, investment, development cooperation, maritime security and defense cooperation between the two countries. Deputy Minister also met with Mr. Takayuki Ueda, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan. 

Deputy Minister had a meeting with Ambassador Yasushi Akashi, Representative of the Government of Japan on Peace- building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction and briefed him on measures being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka on the reconciliation process. In response, Ambassador Akashi appreciated the efforts of the new Government to achieve national reconciliation and stated that that the Government of Japan would extend its fullest support to Sri Lanka in the reconciliation process. 

Madam Yuko Obuchi, Secretary General of Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary League called on the Deputy Minister during the visit and they discussed on the areas of mutual interest. 

Deputy Minister also met with Mr. Hideaki Domichi, Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Satoshi Shimomura, Executive Vice President, and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Mr. Norihiro Kono, President of Japan Information Technology Services Industry Association (JISA) and briefed on the favorable investment climate in Sri Lanka and invited foreign direct investments. Deputy Minister also attended the meeting arranged by Mr. Haruo Tanabe, Managing Director of Hitachi Corporation. The discussion was focused on advancing the Metro transportation and connectivity in the country. The Company highlighted the possibility of introducing Japanese Technology in the areas of Transportation, Communication and Power Systems and their willingness to enhance the cooperation with Sri Lanka. 

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan Prof. Dammika Ganganath Disanayake and officials from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo were associated with the Deputy Minister. 

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Tokyo

29.03.2016