President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in a diplomatic tour of Japan recently. Among the topics discussed at the conference held there, the benefits our country received, relations with regional countries which were strengthened again, Japan - Sri Lanka friendship being renewed were included. This is an interview with the Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga on how we can move to a new path economically, socially and politically, according to the benefits being received by the country.
Q: What impact will President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tour of Japan have on the improvement of the economy and social development?
A: Actually, Japan is considered to be a long-term friend of this country. Japan has given us much cooperation and many donations. The best donations from Japan were what we received then. To mention only a few examples - the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital and the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. There is no difference between the Jayawardenapura Hospital and a hospital in Japan. When Japan makes a donation to any country, they use first class technology. That is the gentlemanly qualities Japan possesses. It was former President J. R. Jayewardene who had an impact on the friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka and its enhancement. Japan respects former President Jayewardene in a great way. Therefore, we can identify Japan as a country who is close to us and a friendly country. There is a close relationship between present President, Ranil Wickremesinghe and former President J. R. Jayewardene. As a result, Sri Lanka is once again receiving assistance and friendship from Japan, more and more. Therefore, the background required for a reawakening of our country’s economy and social stance has been created.
Q: However, it was apparent during the immediate past that there was some damage to the relations between Japan and Sri Lanka. Has that situation been corrected once again?
A: Yes. President Ranil Wickremesinghe is a mature State Leader. He deals with a balanced attitude with all groups of the world, as a diplomat. At the same time he has foresight in his dealings. Therefore, the President has ensured that the decisions made without any foresight during the immediate past are corrected. If there was some distansing with Japan, the reason was the Malabe - Colombo Light Rail Project being abandoned. Japan thought they were not taken into consideration and degraded. Actually, I see that project as something that is very suitable for our country. If a country is to develop rapidly, traffic congestion in urban areas has to be eradicated. If not, it is difficult to develop a country. Thailand, which is a country in our region, is developing fast, because they created a proper system of roadways. Had the Japan Light Railway Project been implemented then, it would have been a great help for our country. However, due to decisions made without proper wisdom during the immediate past, we were deprived of that opportunity. Nevertheless, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his regret about it. Within those circumstances, if there had been any misunderstanding with Japan it changed. 
Q: How will the cooperation being provided by Japan have an impact on restoring the economy of our country to what it was?
A: As a mature leader, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has enormous practical experience and patience. He was able to transform the country into a place with some stability. Japan, who is a very good friend of this country, came forward during that situation. During the most difficult moment, when we were sunk in a crisis, Japan expressed its willingness to chair the conference on debt restructuring. It can be mentioned as a very good example of friendship. There is no harm in saying that friendship was created once again because of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. It was confirmed during his recent tour of that country, that Japan is fulfilling a great role as an honest and true friend our country has. The respect of transforming Japan to that situation should go to the President. He has a clear, political and international procedure. The world is in favour of dealing with such leaders who have direct policies.
Q: Can you explain your opinion about the President’s diplomatic dealings with the rest of the world including Japan?
A: The President follows a policy that does not weigh down to one side only. He does not keep his practice secretly to himself. Due to this direct procedure, he has been able to follow a good foreign policy. The President says that he deals with various groups such as India and China conservatively. This can be said to be a very important access. President Ranil Wickremesinghe has a good academic, socio-political knowledge. He has been able to use that for the benefit of the country as well. Therefore, it is not the person named Ranil Wickremesinghe who shines but the country. I have seen several instances when he used that knowledge to boost our country’s image in the world. In reality, it has been possible for the President to put our foreign policies and relations on a firm footing in the international arena. It is confirmed from the top responses our country received from countries such as Japan.
Q: Can you explain how the President’s visit to Japan will affect the strengthening of the country’s economy?
A: We received a loan from the IMF, a sum of more than US$ 2 billion. However, due to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s tour of Japan we are to receive investments and assistance of more than US$ 2 billion. It can be mentioned that it is a good opportunity for the resurgence of the economy of the country.
Q: Analysts who are focusing on the President’s tour point out that new investment opportunities are opening up from Japan. How do you see the significance of new investment opportunities?
A: There is a wonderful difference between Japanese investors and other investors. Generally, investors come in isolated groups. However, Japanese investors come in groups or as clusters. It can be pointed out as the nature of Japan. Actually, it is something that is important to our country. It is possible to point out that a country such as Japan being interested in investing in our country is a good sign. On the other hand, there are many examples we can obtain from a country such as Japan. We can identify the secrets of their development. With all these things, we have the ability to have a good opportunity to rise economically as a country.
Q: How will the President’s visit to Japan and the conference held there contribute to the development of our country?
A: During that conference we got the opportunity to exchange opinions with our regional friends. It can be pointed out as a very good opportunity for our country. The President delivered a speech during that conference. It was much appreciated within Japan and regional countries. It can be identified as a huge achievement and honour to our country. This was an opportunity where we could go and face the world, after the crisis. At the same time the President participated at the Coronation of King Charles III. All of these have proved to be excellent opportunities for us to rebuild our international image. President Wickremesinghe has received the ability to use such events effectively on behalf of the country. It can be pointed out as a very beneficial access.
Q: In the face of the country’s internal politics and pressure from the world, what kind of influence will be required to strengthen relations with Japan?
A: This opens up a new pathway for Sri Lanka. We can achieve a stabilized and acceptable situation. We will be able to deal with the world at an equal level. President Ranil Wickremesinghe as a leader is recognized by the international community. As an astute leader, the President has the opportunity to connect the world with Sri Lanka. In this new situation, due to the support we receive from Japan and the increase in economic opportunities and investment, there is a new vigour in the economy. At the same time new job opportunities are created. Therefore, the bright lights of a new future are gradually dawning on our country.
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