Enhancing Bilateral Ties: Japanese FM, President discuss cooperation and
regional stability
Foreign Minister of Japan Hon. HAYASHI Yoshimasa paid a courtesy call on President
Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo today (29). During the meeting, the two dignitaries
engaged in discussions concerning the bilateral relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka,
with a mutual commitment to further strengthen their traditionally robust ties. President
Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Government for their support in the
debt restructuring process and shared details of French President Emmanuel Macron's offer,
aiming to play a pivotal role in enhancing the common platform for debt restructuring and
expediting the process.
Another significant aspect of their talks revolved around key areas of cooperation, namely the
Light Rail Transit (LRT), the East Terminal, the Kandy Development Plan, Central Highway,
and the expansion of the Bandaranaike International Airport. Both parties expressed the
importance of expediting the implementation of these projects.
Additionally, they delved into bilateral, regional, and global issues, emphasizing their shared
commitment to maintaining the region as a peaceful and stable area. President
Wickremesinghe also highlighted the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka's high-tech
industries, envisioning a transformation from a labour market-oriented economy to one that
caters to cutting-edge technological advancements. This strategic move is expected to present
significant prospects for Japanese investors.
The visiting Minister, Hon. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, arrived in Sri Lanka on July 28th for a
two-day official visit. During his stay, he will engage in discussions on bilateral relations
with President Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and his Sri Lankan
counterpart, Minister Ali Sabry.
Accompanying Hon. HAYASHI Yoshimasa for these discussions were esteemed Japanese
officials, including Murakami Manabu, the Senior Foreign Policy Coordinator; Arima
Yutaka, the Director General of Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs; Endo Kazuya, the
Director General of International Cooperation; and Okano Yukiko, the Deputy Press
Secretary from the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Additionally, present at the talks were HE
Hideaki Mizukoshi, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Mr Tomosaburo Esaki, Executive
Assistant to the Minister, Mr Taro Tsutsumi, Director of the Southwest Asian Affairs
Division, and a delegation of Japanese Foreign Ministry officials.
The Sri Lankan delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Ali Sabry, the Senior
Advisor to the President on National security and Chief of Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayaka,
Foreign Secretary Ms Aruni Wijewardane, Economic Advisor to the President Dr R.H.S.
Samaratunge.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
29-07-2023