Photograph: ColomboPage

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has strengthened ties with Sri Lanka, as the two governments signed several agreements during his visit to the island.

Japan agreed to loan Sri Lanka US $330 million to help develop a new terminal at Colombo’s international airport, as well as signing agreements related to trade and agriculture.

Abe also called for Sri Lanka to “dispel concerns indicated in the resolution by the UN Human Rights Council” in an interview prior to his visit, going on to call for “further efforts” to implement recommendations from the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC).

The Japanese Prime Minister met with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa as part of a tour across South Asia, after visiting Bangladesh on Saturday.

"The president and I also reconfirmed the importance of Sri Lanka's national reconciliation after the conflict and engagement with the international community," said Abe after the meeting.

Japan continues to be Sri Lanka's largest donor of foreign aid and chose to abstain at the UN Human Rights Council in March, when a resolution calling for an investigation into war crimes in Sri Lanka was passed.

Rajapaksa stated his appreciation for Japan's support after the meeting, adding,

“It is regretted that certain external entities are refusing to acknowledge the significant progress made by Sri Lanka towards further consolidating peace and reconciliation. At a time when Sri Lanka is facing many challenges, I wish to acknowledge and express my sincere appreciation to Japan for the support, understanding, solidarity and friendship extended to Sri Lanka and its people.”

The two governments released a joint statement outlining the agreements signed, adding that,

“Acknowledging that peace and stability are the desire of all people, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of national reconciliation for the ever-lasting peace in Sri Lanka, a multi- ethnic and multi-religious country.”

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein is to back an investigation into war crimes in Sri Lanka, in his opening statement to the 27th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday.

In an advanced copy of the statement, the newly appointed UN chief, said, 

“Moreover, I attach great importance to the investigation on Sri Lanka mandated by this Council, on which OHCHR will report later in the session. I encourage the Sri Lankan authorities to cooperate with this process in the interests of justice and reconciliation.”

The Sri Lankan government will provide military training to army officers from different countries, the Sunday Times reported.

Following a recommendation by Defence Minister, and President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s cabinet decided to provide the training, both free of charge and for payment, at the Defence Services Command and Staff College.

Sri Lanka is hiking taxes on several imported food products, described by an official as “semi-luxury food items”, reported the Sunday Times.

The items, to be taxed at a yet to be determined rate, include canned fish, fruit juices, beer, foreign liquor, sausages and processed foods such as meat, milk powder, butter cheese, cereal, and chocolate.

Army camps in the North-East will not be dismantled as per the Northern Provincial Council Chief Minister’s demands reiterated the Sri Lankan government last week.

Commenting on CV Wigneswaran’s demands for the dismantling of military installations in the North-East, Sri Lanka’s Media Minister said that the camps would not be dismantled just because the Northern Province was calling for such action, reports the Island.

Photograph Colombo Page

The leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickremasinghe welcomed back the former deputy leader Sajith Premadasa, nominating him for the role once again.

Northern Province Chief Minister CV Wigneswaran said the Sri Lankan government is spying on him, presenting a threat to his life, Colombo Page reported.

The chief minister said he was photographed by people posing as media personnel during his meeting with the German ambassador to Sri Lanka Jürgen Morhard, who also noticed the incident.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) General Secretary and veteran politician, Mavai Senathirajah was appointed leader of the Illangai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) Saturday, replacing R. Sampanthan.

Two volley ball players from Tamil Nadu returned from the Asian youth volleyball championship in in Sri Lanka, after being withdrawn by the south Indian state’s Sports Development Authority.

The Tamil Nadu State Volleyball Association (TNSVA) headquarters has been closed since Wednesday night and the manager and coach of the players have been suspended, The Hindu reported, adding that it was “surprising that the two players were sent to the island nation”, in the first place.