Since the liberation of the Eastern Province from the clutches of terrorism in 2007, development activities sponsored by the Government of Sri Lanka have been implemented on a large scale across the Province. As part of the development process, there have been several activities and attempts to engage the youth of the Province in a range of ongoing work, thus enabling integration, building of ethnic harmony and economic development.
Some of these youth who have been engaged in these projects were provided with an opportunity to visit Japan, and explore opportunities to build bridges between the people of Japan and the youth of the Eastern Province, develop their knowledge and understanding of the Japanese system of governance, culture, its role in Sri Lanka’s Peace Process, to explain the current situation in Sri Lanka to the people of Japan and engage in dialogue with key Japanese officials.
Upon an invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Embassy of Japan in Colombo, requested the Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) to nominate candidates to participate in a 7 day Peace Promotion Tour to Japan in April 2008. Accordingly the SCOPP, having consulted the Government Agents in the Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara Districts and civil society, short listed candidates who met the requirements set out by the Embassy. The final selection was made by the Embassy of Japan in Colombo. The Sri Lankan delegation was represented by Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim youth, both male and female, reflecting the multi – ethnic composition of the Eastern Province. All chosen candidates are currently employed in a variety of capacities in on-going development activities in the East.
While in Japan the Sri Lankan delegation, held fruitful discussions with Mr. Yashushi Akashi, Japanese Special Peace Envoy to Sri Lanka, Mr. Kohara, Deputy Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Ashiwa of the Hitotshubashi University, Prof. Shibuya of Wako University and students of both the Universities. They also paid a courtesy call on Mr.Kimura, Senior Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They had several discussions with Mr. Uyangoda, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan and were also hosted to dinner by the Sri Lankan Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also visited many tourist sites in Japan.
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The Tour was described by members of the Sri Lankan delegation as a successful and valuable experience, and they expressed the view that Sri Lanka has a lot to learn from Japan, in particular the industry, discipline and unity of the people of Japan. They also observed that they have a better understanding now of the depth of Japan’s commitment, towards assisting Sri Lanka achieve a peaceful settlement.
This initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Japan was welcomed by SCOPP as it has provided a valuable opportunity for the youth from the East to venture in to the international arena and gain interactive skills and experience through exposure to different conditions in a foreign country. This experience has built confidence and strengthened the delegation members’ commitment to working towards rebuilding the conflict affected Eastern Province and general prosperity of Sri Lanka.
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Violations Committed
by the GOSL - 351
