- MoUs signed on: Official Security Assistance programme
- Project for enhancement of productivity in the dairy sector
The official welcoming ceremony for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on an official visit to Japan, at the invitation of the Japanese Government, was held yesterday morning (29) at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office.
Upon arrival, the President was warmly received by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and a guard of honour was accorded to him by the Japan Self-Defence Forces. The President also inspected the parade.
Following the introduction of the delegations of the two countries, official discussions commenced between President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Ishiba.
Discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka, and on expanding cooperation across a wide range of fields, including trade, investment, the economy, development assistance and regional security. In line with this, documents were exchanged between the two sides on development cooperation, including the Project for the Enhancement of Productivity in the Dairy Sector and the Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme.
Addressing the joint media briefing afterwards, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba emphasised that Sri Lanka’s stability and development, given its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, were of critical importance. He stated that Japan looked forward to further strengthening and expanding its partnership with Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the same event, President Dissanayake observed that the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan is built on mutual trust, respect and strong people-to-people ties.
He noted that the discussions with the Japanese Prime Minister marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations and stressed that Sri Lanka is committed to working alongside Japan to ensure that the agreements reached bring tangible benefits in the shared journey towards development and stability.
The President also extended his appreciation to the Government of Japan for its support in restarting 11 development projects in Sri Lanka, which had been halted due to the recent economic crisis, as well as for its crucial assistance in ensuring the success of the IMF-led debt restructuring programme. Following the official talks, a joint statement was issued by both sides to the media.
Thereafter, the President, together with the Sri Lankan delegation, attended the luncheon hosted in his honour by the Japanese Prime Minister.
Representing Sri Lanka were Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath; Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf; Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Japan, Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe; Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, Dr Hans Wijayasuriya; Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Duminda Hulugamuwa; and a group of senior officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Representing the Government of Japan a high-level delegation participated.
