Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka Kenachi Suganuma made this reference at a function organized for the signing of an agreement in Colombo. The agreement was inked for the granting of a sum of nearly 108 million rupees from Japan to the humanitarian operation of removing landmines from the North.

The Japanese Ambassador said that following the visit made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe to Japan, the existing ties between the two countries had further strengthened. During that visit an agreement was reached to extend continuous support to Sri Lanka for the demining operations in the North.

A programme is already in operation for the removal of landmines in the North via the Hello Trust Project. It is being implemented on the sidelines of the programme mooted by the Government to establish secure areas sans landmines. Managing Director of the Hello Trust Programme Damien O Brian said that it was in this respect that they agreed to provide a donation to expedite this programme.

Mr. Damien O Brian mentioned that they were granting this donation making the ties prevailing between Japan and Sri Lanka. It is planned to remove around 200 thousand landmines with assistance from the Government during the beginning of next year. He said they believe that more than 33,000 living in landmine inflicted area would be able to lead secure lives through their humanitarian programme.