TOKYO: Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Nobuhito Hobo who met Economic Development Minister praised the development taking place in the country. The minister said the government hopes to increase it by 100 percent this year.
He assured that Japan-Sri Lanka ties would be further strengthened in the coming years. Minister Rajapaksa said over 1.5 million tourists visited the island last year and the arrival of Japanese tourists had increased by 30 percent.
The Japanese ambassador said he was happy to observe during a visit to Kalpitiya and Beruwala this week the improved infrastructure facilities and progress of the tourism industry.The envoy said according to Japanese media personnel who toured several districts, the Presidential election was being held peacefully with no signs of violence.
Meanwhile, Acting US Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka William Wenstien told Minister Rajapaksa on Wednesday that the U.S. government welcomes the efforts of the Sri Lanka government to ensure a peaceful presidential election.
Minister Rajapaksa assured that the government would not allow any violence to take place during or after the election.Meanwhile, a special representative from the Indian High Commissioner’s Office also met the minister and expressed his appreciation of the arrangements being made to hold a peaceful election.
