July 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris and Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa are currently in Japan on an official visit from 26th to 30 July, the government announced.

The two ministers yesterday met with Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Seiji Maehara and former Prime Minister of Japan Yasuo Fukuda and held discussions on a wide range of issues including the Japanese assistance for post-war development in the country.

The duo have pointed out to the Japanese officials that since Sri Lanka is now in the post conflict era, the Japanese investors could play a vigorous role in the development of infrastructure in variety of fields and the safety of the visitors is ensured.

"The Japanese companies have a vigorous role to play in the development of infrastructure in a variety of fields including highways, irrigation systems, power and energy, and the health sector" the ministers have emphasized.

Maehara in return has assured that his government's Official Development Assistance (ODA) will be continuously extended to Sri Lanka in the fields of infrastructure and tourism.

The ministers have extended an invitation for the Japanese Minister to visit Sri Lanka encouraging more Japanese visitors to tour the country.

Rajapaksa and Peiris met with the Chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) on Tuesday to encourage more Japanese tourists to visit Sri Lanka.

The ministers told the tourism official that the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority is now concentrating on new areas of interest for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, which are mainly, eco tourism, religious tourism and certain specialized areas such as ayurveda.

The ministers have also met with Ambassador Yasushi Akashi, Special Representative of the Government of Japan on Peace Building, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction. The ministers have briefed Mr.Akashi on the current developments in Sri Lanka.

During their stay, the two Ministers will also hold talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Katsuya Okada to exchange views on bilateral relations and international issues and will also exchange views with Japanese Diet members, government officials, economic leaders, and others, the External Affairs Ministry reported.