Ambassador Karannagoda calls on Japan’s Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications

Friday, 21 March 2014 05:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan, met with Minister of Internal Affairs & Communications of Japan Yoshitaka Shindo, last Friday, to discuss issues of mutual interest and relevance to both the countries as well as of the scheduled visit of Minister of Mass Media & Information Dr. Keheliya Rambukwella to Japan. Minister Yoshitaka Shindo visited Sri Lanka in August of last year and met with his counterpart Minister Dr. Rambukwella and other ministers and

senior officials of the Ministry of Mass Media and Information of Sri Lanka. During this visit, Minister Shindo extended an invitation to Minister Dr. Rambukwella to visit Japan as a Guest of the Government. Minister Yoshitaka Shindo expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Admiral Karannagoda for the assistance extended during the Great East Japan Earthquake, three years ago, and for his participation at the Memorial Ceremony to mark the third Anniversary. Ambassador Admiral Karannagoda too underlined the invaluable assistance and cooperation extended by the Government of Japan to Sri Lanka, during the last five decades, both at times of natural disasters and for continuing economic and social development and expansion of the country. Minister Yoshitaka Shindo expounded the advancement and progression of the sphere of communication in Japan, during the last decade. On a similar note, Admiral Karannagoda placed on record that the first ever electronic media institution known as “Rupavahini” was a gift by the Government of Japan to Sri Lanka, well over three decades ago. Both the dignitaries discussed the rapid evolvement and evolution of the communication technology, thus enabling viewers to have easy and prompt access to information. Ambassador Admiral Karannagoda, also, highlighted the economic cooperation extended by the Government of Japan to Sri Lanka, particularly in the sphere of tourism promotion. Tourism from Japan to Sri Lanka, during the last three years, has increased two fold, thus making Sri Lanka a highly favoured tourist destination among the nationals of Japan. The two dignitaries also touched upon the diverse courses of action which would lead to further strengthening and widening of already strong bilateral relations between the two countries. Vice Minister Masahiro Yoshizaki and Director of Global ICT Strategy Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications Keisuke Takachi were present with the Minister, while Deputy Chief of Mission Saj Mendis accompanied Ambassador Admiral Karannagoda.