Statement by the Press Secretary/ Director-general for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Humanitarian Situation in Sri Lanka

January 29, 2009
Japanese

Japan is concerned that a large number of civilians including internally displaced persons are faced with a difficult and dangerous situation in the northern part of Sri Lanka.
Japan dispatched Mr. Yasushi Akashi, Representative of the Government of Japan on the Peace Building, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Sri Lanka, to the country from January 21 to 25, and he strongly worked on the concerned parties, including President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to ensure the safety of civilians.
Japan reiterates the importance of ensuring safety of civilians including internally displaced persons and their freedom of movement, and aid workers’ access to the civilians, and hopes for progress in the political process towards a permanent solution of the ethnic conflict.
In this regard, Japan has extended since October 2008 food aid of 5,250 tons of rice to civilians in the northern part of Sri Lanka through the World Food Programme (WFP). Japan will continue our assistance, and call for ensuring aid workers’ access to the internally displaced persons.

(END)