Japanese Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi yesterday underscored the importance of a local mechanism to reach lasting reconciliation and economic development in the country.
Akashi said that the subject of accountability could not be included in the whole process of reconciliation. "Accountability should be a separate item but leading to genuine reconciliation. In my opinion national initiative is very often more effective and appropriate than an international approach", he said.
The Japanese special envoy was speaking at a press conference at the Japanese ambassador's residence in Colombo at the conclusion of his five-day visit to Sri Lanka. Akashi said that if there are accountability issues, those issues should first be investigated by a national body. "The accountability issues need to be addressed by a local body and there is no precise demarcation on which point that needs international mediation.
Akashi said that Japan is proud to co-finance Sri Lanka's first Expressway along with the ADB. He said that Japan has been extending social and economic assistance for the development of Sri Lanka for over 60 years. "The opening of Expressway will turn a new page of a peaceful and harmonious Sri Lanka after the conflict," Akashi said. He said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed his commitment to national reconciliation and economic development in Sri Lanka when he met the President during his visit.
He said that the discussion with the President also focused on a gamut of issues including the resettlement of IDPs, reintegration of ex-LTTE cadres, and rehabilitation and reconstruction in the North and East. Akashi said that Japan hopes that Sri Lanka will make the LLRC report public soon and its recommendations will be implemented to ensure lasting reconciliation in the country.
He said that Sri Lanka is blessed with tremendous opportunities for prosperity and development and Japan will continuously stand by Sri Lanka for its social and economic development
Source: Daily News (01 December 2011)
