COLOMBO, Sept 8: A senior Japanese business leader said on Sunday that political strife fn Srl Lanka would not affect the investment climate on the Indian Ocean Island, reports Reuter.

*1 don't think political problems and differences within a political party will seriously affect policy and the climate for investment." Kikuo Ikeda. Special Assistant to the Japanese Foreign Minister, told a news conference.

Ikeda, who is leading a Japanese economic and business delegation, said It was unlikely that Japanese investors would postpone decisions because of the current political crisis.

Srl Lankan President Ranaslnghe Premadasa Is lighting a revolt from members of his ruling United National Party who are trying to Impeach him.

The party's highest body, the working committee, on Saturday expelled eight dissi-

dent government parliamentarians who have openly supported the impeachment motion, given to the Speaker two weeks ago.

The Japanese delegation discussed trade, investment promotion and cooperation with government and private

sector officials, Ikeda said.

They also met President Ranaslnghe Premadasa, Prime Minister Dlnglri Banda Wljetunga and other Ministers, he said.

He said an eight-year-old revolt by Tamil guerillas, fighting for a separate state, was confined to the North and East of the country and did not deter investment. "Of course It would have been better if there was no violence at all."

Ikeda said he was Impressed by Srl Lanka's rapidly growing economy but It was unlikely that Japanese aid to Srl Lanka would be increased because of the needs of other countries.

"In the same context, aid would not be decreased either."

He said the high level of llt-eracy and the high standard of English by an educated Sri Lankan workforce was the biggest asset to investors.

Japan is Srl Lanka's biggest aid donor and investor.