February 04, Colombo (LNW): In a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s environmental infrastructure, the Government of Japan has granted 300 million Japanese Yen (approximately LKR 565 million) to enhance the nation’s waste management system.
This generous contribution is part of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, aimed at improving waste management capabilities in key regions across the country.
The formal agreement was concluded on the 3rd of February at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
The signing ceremony was attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and key officials from both governments, with the document signed by Ms. SAYAMA (IKUINA) Akiko, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, the Secretary to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance.
The grant will be utilised primarily to strengthen waste management infrastructure, particularly in Sri Lanka’s Western, Northern, and Eastern Provinces.
The funds will be directed towards the procurement of 28 garbage compactors, which will significantly improve the waste collection and transportation capacity across these regions.
The allocation of the vehicles will see 14 compactors provided to the Western Province, 8 to the Eastern Province, and 6 to the Northern Province, enhancing local government authorities’ ability to manage waste effectively.
During the ceremony, Vice-Minister SAYAMA expressed Japan’s admiration for the Sri Lankan government’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts, which she highlighted as a major factor in attracting international investment to the country.
She also reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s development trajectory, particularly in terms of infrastructure and governance reforms.
Further strengthening the bond between the two nations, Vice-Minister SAYAMA delivered a message of goodwill from Japan’s Prime Minister to President Dissanayake.
In his response, the Sri Lankan President thanked Japan for its continued cooperation and support, acknowledging the long-standing, fruitful relationship between the two nations.
He emphasised Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to upholding anti-corruption policies and promoting transparency in governance.
The President also took the opportunity to express his appreciation for Japan’s involvement in the country’s debt restructuring process and for resuming several Japan-funded projects that had been temporarily halted.
In addition, President Dissanayake thanked Japan for providing employment opportunities for many Sri Lankan expatriates and requested further assistance in expanding these opportunities in the future.
In addition to the grant for waste management, the President asked for Japan’s support in improving Sri Lanka’s public transportation system through further Japanese aid, highlighting the importance of sustainable development for the country’s future.
The signing ceremony was attended by several distinguished officials, including Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister for Economic Development, as well as high-ranking diplomats and representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Mr. ISOMATA Akio, Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Mr. SAITO Jun, Secretary to Vice-Minister SAYAMA.
