By: Staff Writer
September 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka and Japan have agreed to strengthen and expand their partnership across economic, security, and development fronts during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s official visit to Tokyo. The discussions took place on Sunday (29) with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, marking a key milestone in bilateral relations under the Comprehensive Partnership framework.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration in investment, infrastructure development, and regional stability. Prime Minister Ishiba commended Sri Lanka’s economic recovery under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program and the progress made in debt restructuring. He pledged Japan’s continued support for Colombo’s reform agenda and fiscal stabilization efforts.
President Dissanayake expressed gratitude to Japan for its leadership as Co-Chair of the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), highlighting Tokyo’s early role in signing a bilateral debt restructuring deal in March 2025 the first among OCC members. The leaders emphasized that completing debt restructuring and maintaining reform momentum would help restore investor confidence and ensure sustainable growth.
The President also welcomed Japan’s decision to resume 11 previously signed yen loan projects in 2024, ahead of other creditors. Both sides noted the importance of steadily implementing major infrastructure projects, including the second phase of the Bandaranaike International Airport expansion, which aims to boost connectivity and tourism. They also underscored the significance of improving power transmission networks and advancing digital terrestrial television broadcasting under Japan’s financing.
Prime Minister Ishiba reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption drive and assisting post-conflict rehabilitation, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The two leaders also discussed broader regional and global issues, reaffirming their shared vision for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and a rules-based international order.
They further agreed on the importance of multilateralism, democracy, and transparent lending practices that safeguard debt sustainability. The discussions reflected growing alignment between Tokyo and Colombo on strategic and economic priorities amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Asia.
President Dissanayake conveyed his sincere appreciation for Japan’s longstanding partnership and the warm hospitality extended during his visit. The meeting marked a renewed phase in Sri Lanka–Japan relations, underscoring mutual commitment to economic revival, regional cooperation, and sustainable development
