Japan hoped the peace process would be supported not only by one political party or two, but by all Sri Lankans because all of them will be benefited by the peace process, said the Special Envoy of the Government of Japan for Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi addressing the journalists at the conclusion of his tour to the Hambantota district at the Oasis Hotel, Hambantota of January 18.

He said that the peace process was not started by the UNP Government but it was initiated by the PA, led by President Kumaratunga.  Hence, he was hopeful that the two major political forces in the country would join hands in supporting the peace process.

Mr. Akashi said the acceptance by the LTTE of the federal system and their willingness to accept some kind of autonomy within a united Sri Lanka, is encouraging.  I went to Killinochchi during this visit to Sri Lanka to attend the sub committee on immediate humanitarian rehabilitation needs.  I saw the progress being registered there identifying projects such as infrastructure development, medical assistance and shelter for the internally displaced persons.   So some of the urgent needs are being addressed in the North as well as in the East.  But I would like to stress here that the programs in the South are not forgotten indeed.  Some of the poorest areas of Sri Lanka are in the South.

He said, the development of Sri Lanka should be looked up as a single unit and of course it is important to address the war torn areas of the North and East of Sri Lanka, but we feel that we have to pay continued attention to the programs of the South.

Mr. Akashi said Japan will continue to address and even increase its commitment for the irrigation and drinking water systems in the South.  When the burden of conflict in the North diminishes there will be more funds and resources available for the improvement of the life of the people.  So I am optimistic that ultimately life of the people will be reasonably improved.