Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris bid farewell to outgoing Japanese Ambassador Akira Sugiyama, at the Foreign Ministry, yesterday.
The Foreign Minister, while recalling the strong and multifaceted relations between the two countries which built upon the solid historical legacy, expressed his appreciation to the outgoing envoy for his unwavering support and cooperation exerted in enhancing the relations between Sri Lanka and Japan.
Minister Peiris said that Japan has been a true friend of Sri Lanka throughout its difficult times, and commended Ambassador Sugiyama’s dedicated efforts in providing support to Sri Lanka to overcome the challenges posed by the Covid -19 pandemic.
“The people of Sri Lanka will never forget the contribution of Japan in upgrading the livelihoods of people in this country under the Japanese development assistance, especially in the areas of agriculture, irrigation, drinking water and road development,” Minister Peiris said. He also noted that Japanese assistance has always been based on the true needs of the country and never came with attached preconditions.
Commenting on the human rights issues, the Foreign Minister thanked the Government of Japan for their consistency in understanding the ground realities in Sri Lanka and constructive engagements with Sri Lanka and the international partners in finding amicable solutions to the prevailing issues. He acknowledged Ambassador Sugiyama’s active partnership in this regard during his tenure in Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Sugiyama thanked the Foreign Minister and the Government of Sri Lanka for providing unconditional and unrestricted access to all stakeholders in Sri Lanka in delivering his official mandate to his highest satisfaction. The Ambassador expressed confidence that next year, when both countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, would be a fitting occasion to enhance the existing Sri Lanka–Japan comprehensive partnership.
Minister Peiris congratulated and extended his best wishes to Ambassador Sugiyama who will be taking up a senior position in the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
Ambassador Sugiyama has served as the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka for three years – since November 2018.
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