Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has praised Sri Lanka’s historic role in Japan’s postwar recovery, recalling a powerful speech by former President J.R. Jayewardena at the 1951 San Francisco Peace Conference.
Speaking after talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Tokyo, Ishiba said Jayewardena’s words calling for reconciliation and compassion helped pave the way for Japan’s return to the international community.
At the Peace Conference, Jayewardena quoted the Buddha, declaring, “Hatred ceases not by hatred, but by love.” His appeal, Ishiba said, became a turning point in Japan’s postwar reintegration.
“Such actions by Sri Lanka laid the foundation for the prosperity Japan enjoys today,” Ishiba told reporters following the summit.
The two leaders met for a summit meeting and working lunch, which also included a signing ceremony and joint press statement. Discussions covered expanding cooperation in security, trade, and debt restructuring. Ishiba announced Japan would provide unmanned aerial vehicles for maritime monitoring and disaster relief — Sri Lanka’s first such assistance under Japan’s new Official Security Assistance program.
Dissanayake welcomed Japan’s continued support, saying Sri Lanka takes pride in Jayewardena’s legacy and hopes the partnership with Japan will grow across multiple sectors. (Newswire)