16 June 2010 06:50 am
By Jamila Najmuddin
Japan said sternly today that international organizations should not dictate to Sri Lanka adding that Japan never imposed on the country when giving aid.
Visiting Japanese Envoy Yashushi Akashi speaking to reporters in Colombo a short while ago following a meeting with External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris, said that Japan was giving 39 billion Japanese Yen to the country and did so with the fullest consultation with the government.
On his 20th visit to the island, Akashi noted that Sri Lanka has made great strides towards peace and also praised the creation of a commission of lessons learned and reconciliation by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Asked to comment on war crimes allegations, Akashi said he believes Sri Lanka will follow the due process and do what is best for the country.
He also said he has discussed with Minister Peiris on how the UN can contribute to the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka considering the experience it has around the world.
Meanwhile Minister Peiris noted that Sri Lanka is looking at a “just and fair” political process for the country and had commenced talks with minority parties as part of this process.
He said he had briefed Mr. Akashi on the need for Sri Lanka to put behind the past and look towards the process of healing. (Daily Mirror online)
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