The Government of Japan has provided grant assistance of JPY 1 billion under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) Programme 2026 to strengthen the maritime security capabilities of the Sri Lanka Navy.
The Exchange of Notes formalising the grant was signed today at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Colombo. Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Isomata Akio, and the Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, signed the document in the presence of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Under the grant, Japan will supply Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to the Navy. The assistance is expected to improve its maritime security, surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue operations and disaster response, helping protect Sri Lanka’s maritime interests.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Suriyapperuma expressed the Government’s appreciation for Japan’s continued support and highlighted the longstanding friendship and strong bilateral relations between the two countries.