Jan 31, Colombo: Japan, one of the main donor countries of Sri Lanka, today warned that it could cut off aid if violence continues although Sri Lanka wants Japan to continue it.

“We could be forced to review our aid policy if military action keeps escalating, although Sri Lanka wants Japan to continue it,” Yasushi Akashi, Japan's special peace envoy told media in Tokyo.

“Unless the government and the LTTE choose peace, appeals from the outside world, no matter how many are made, will fall on deaf ears,” Akashi said. He however said that Japan wanted to stay engaged for decades to come.

“Peace should be built over a long time span through different methods. We should prepare ourselves to look at peace-building for 30 years,” he said. Japan provides nearly two-thirds of all international aid to the country.

“By demonising the Tigers and calling them terrorists, they have constrained negotiations,” Akashi added.