President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru reaffirmed Sri Lanka–Japan relations on Monday (29), pledging closer cooperation in economic recovery, infrastructure development, trade, and regional security.
In a joint statement, the leaders committed to advancing their Comprehensive Partnership, with Japan reiterating its strong backing for Sri Lanka’s IMF-supported reforms and debt restructuring. Prime Minister Ishiba noted Japan’s early bilateral agreement on debt relief and praised Colombo’s economic stabilization progress.
The two nations welcomed the resumption of 11 yen loan projects in 2024, including the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project (Phase 2), while also prioritizing initiatives in energy transmission, digital broadcasting, and urban transport.
Agreements were signed to strengthen Sri Lanka’s dairy sector, providing support for small farmers and boosting inclusive growth. Both sides also agreed to revive the Inter-Governmental Economic Policy Dialogue and accelerate plans for an export-oriented industrial corridor, encouraging Japanese companies to invest in high-potential sectors.
Security cooperation was also spotlighted, with Japan announcing the supply of advanced UAVs to Sri Lanka under its Official Security Assistance initiative, enhancing maritime surveillance and disaster response.
President Dissanayake invited Japanese businesses to explore new opportunities in Sri Lanka, marking what both leaders described as a new chapter of resilient economic partnership and regional stability.
