Sri Lanka, Japan to boost economic ties

COLOMBO, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka and Japan on Monday discussed developing new ways of further strengthening economic ties between the two countries, the Sri Lankan President's Office said.

Japan's Minister of Internal Affairs and Communication Yoshitaka Shindo called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President's House during a short trip to the country.

The discussion focused on existing collaborations between the two countries while also developing new ways of further strengthening economic ties, including the communications sector.

Shindo also thanked Sri Lanka for its support and assistance in the aftermath of the tsunami in 2011, noting how much the people of Japan appreciated it.

In March of this year, during a visit to Japan, President Rajapaksa held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.

In May, Japan's Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso visited Sri Lanka and met President Rajapaksa.

Earlier this month Japan said it would support the conduct of free and fair elections in the Northern, North Western and Central Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka.

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