Japanese prime minister arrives in Sri Lanka for visit

COLOMBO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday for what Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa termed was an important visit.

Rajapaksa as well as other government members greeted the Japanese prime minister and his delegation at the Bandaranaike International Airport.

On his arrival the Japanese prime minister launched a development project of the airport which is being funded by the Japanese government.

The Sri Lankan External Affairs Ministry noted on Sunday that Japan has contributed significantly to Sri Lanka's achievement and maintenance of social development.

According to data up to 2012, Japan tops the list of Official Development Assistance (ODA) donors of Sri Lanka.

In 2012, Japan disbursed $116.94 million as loan aid, 36.25 million dollars as grant aid, and 29.02 million dollars as technical cooperation.