The Prime Minister’s Media Division says the Japanese Embassy in Colombo has denied reports claiming that Japan has refused to assist Sri Lanka during the prevalent economic crisis.
The Deputy Head of Mission for the Japanese Embassy, Kotaro Katsuki, has categorically denied recent media reports attributed to the Japanese Ambassador claiming that Japan will not support Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister’s Media Division said refuting the reports, the Japanese Embassy has informed in writing that such claims are baseless.
Earlier, the Daily Mirror had reported that the Japanese Ambassador in Colombo Mizukoshi Hideaki who had met the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) yesterday had reportedly said that there is a risk of financial assistance to Sri Lanka being mismanaged and hence Japan will not support the country at this point.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today during which he expressed solidarity and support in this crucial situation.
It’s not clear whether the recent media report was the reason for the meeting or not.
The President’s Media Division said during the meeting the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki said that Japan is ready to provide continuous support to Sri Lanka.
Giving details of the meeting, the PMD said the Japanese Ambassador said Japan is keen to strengthen relations between the two countries, extend support for Sri Lanka’s economic programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and for the development activities of the country.
The PMD further said these remarks were made when the Japanese Ambassador met with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo, today (01).
Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki further stated that continued efforts will be made to further strengthen the economic, social, and cultural relations with Sri Lanka.
President Rajapaksa in response has expressed his deep appreciation to Japan for its support of Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)
The #Japan embassy in #lka strongly denies alleged reports by the @Dailymirror_SL that they will not assist #SL during this time. They reconfirm their commitment to being a valuable bilateral partner in all matters of State. pic.twitter.com/oyEv7AIgOt
— Department of Government Information (@infodprtsl) July 1, 2022