Japan is reported to have begun discussions with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the purpose of reviving projects that did not take off during the former government mainly because of bureaucratic hurdles.

Four projects were lined up for development with financial assistance from Japan - liquefied natural gas power project, the construction of the Pothuhera- Galagedara stretch of the central expressway, the expansion of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the Colombo East Container Terminal.

Japanese Ambassador Akira Sugiyama led a delegation to meet the President last week and is reported to have brought to his notice the importance of these projects and had also discussed bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, the President is expected to discuss the investment projects to be developed with financial assistance from India during his visit to New Delhi. (Kelum Bandara)