Colombo, 05 June, (Asiantribune.com): The Prime Minister of Japan has suggested ministerial level consultations between Sri Lanka and Japan on oil and gas exploration by Japan in Sri Lanka and on the settlement of loans from Japan to Sri Lanka.

The Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda made this suggestion when he met President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday (03 June) on the sidelines of the World Conference on Food Security convened by the Food and Agricultural Organization at

Discussions between the Prime Minister Fukuda and the President covered political and economic issues in Sri Lanka. The Japanese leader expressed satisfaction at the successful conduct of the elections to the Eastern Provincial Council, and indicated that assistance for development of the Eastern Province would be given high priority by the Japanese Government.

He said a Japanese Yen 17 million packages is being extended to Sri Lanka for development work and assistance in natural disasters.

The two leaders also discussed the Human Rights situation in Sri Lanka when President Rajapaksa explained the action taken by the Government to address Human Rights issues. He proposed the participation of Japan in oil and gas exploration in Sri Lanka.

The President thanked Japan for the generous assistance extended over the years that would help social and economic development in the island.

(courtesy : Asian Tribune )