<span style="color: #222222;">Japanese defence minister Itsunori Onodera reached Colombo last evening on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka after conclusion of his visit to India. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">This marks the first-ever visit of a Japanese Defence Minister to Sri Lanka. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">During his visit, he will call on country's President and Prime minister and hold talks with State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene and other government leaders. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">His visit assumes significance as Japan has begun playing an active role in the region. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Japan is contributing for several economic projects in Sri Lanka in a purported bid to remove its reliance on Chinese loans and investments. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The visit of defence minister also coincided with Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ship 'Ikazuchi' arrival at the Port of Trincomalee on Monday. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">During the 3 day official visit,  the ship's crew is scheduled to visit the important places in Sri Lanka and to participate in several special programs arranged by the Sri Lanka Navy.</span><br />''