Japan will extend its assistance to develop tourism in Sri Lanka, Japanese Land, Infrastructure Facilities, Transport and Tourism Vice Minister Manabu Sakai said when he called on Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa at the Economic Development Ministry.

Minister Sakai added that Sri Lanka and Japan have a long outstanding relationship and Japan has already ventured to assist Sri Lankan tourism. The Japanese vice minister who was accompanied by senior diplomatic representatives, discussed strengthening bilateral relationship and Japanese co-operation in the fields of tourism, digital communication and disaster management. Minister Rajapaksa said Japan has already extended assistance to a host of development projects including tourism and thanked the Japanese public.

Japanese Ambassador Nobohito Hobo, Japanese officials, Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayatilake and senior state officials were present.