• There is no harm in admitting that there are situations that could have been handled better

By Kelum Bandara 

In response to a question about the termination of the Japan- financed Light Rail Project in Colombo, Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday that there is no harm in admitting that there are situations that could have been handled better.   

The Minister said this during a press conference conducted jointly with the Japanese embassy to mark the launch of the 70th anniversary of Japan-Sri Lanka relations.   
“Decisions are made from time to time. They are also reviewed. I don’t think there is harm in admitting that there are situations that could have been handled better. No one claims to be perfect,” he said.   

After the new government came into being, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed the Transport Minister to terminate the project launched by the previous government.  Then Megapolis Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka had worked out the project.   

Japanese ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki who addressed the press conference said the extraordinary speech delivered by then Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayewardene at the San Francisco Peace Conference was held deeply in the hearts of Japanese people.  

• Then Megapolis Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka had worked out the project