Japan-Sri Lanka Relations

Foreign Minister Motegi’s Visit to Sri Lanka

December 14, 2019

Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka from December 12 to 14. The overview of the visit is as follows.

1 Meetings with Government Dignitaries of Sri Lanka
2 Visit to and Offering of Flowers at Terrorist Bombing Sites
3 Visit to the Port of Colombo
4 Meeting with Former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe (Leader of the United National Party [UNP])

1 Meetings with Government Dignitaries of Sri Lanka

(1) Courtesy Call on President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa

Minister Motegi congratulated H.E. Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa for his appointment as President. Minister Motegi stated that Sri Lanka is an important partner for realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” advocated by Japan, and expressed Japan’s intention to strengthen cooperation with Sri Lanka in areas including infrastructure development, defense, maritime security, maritime safety, counter-terrorism, and public safety.

In response, President Rajapaksa welcomed Minister Motegi’s visit and expressed appreciation for Japan’s supports over many years. President Rajapaksa stated that Japan and Sri Lanka have developed traditionally friendly relations, and expressed Sri Lanka’s will to continue to strengthen the bilateral relations by promoting cooperation in a range of areas, including the infrastructure sector, human resource development, and post-conflict reconciliation process.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues related toNorth Korea.

(2) Japan-Sri Lanka Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Japan-Sri Lanka Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Japan-Sri Lanka Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Minister Motegi congratulated Hon. Dinesh Gunawardene on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Relations, and stated that Japan intends to strengthen its relations with Sri Lanka. Minister Motegi added that Sri Lanka is an important partner for realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” and as part of the efforts for its achievement, Japan aims to contribute to the sustainable development of Sri Lanka as a hub of the Indian Ocean, through initiatives such as quality infrastructure development.

In response, Minister Gunawardene expressed gratitude for Japan’s long-time economic cooperation for the development of Sri Lanka, and stated Sri Lanka’s intention to continue working with Japan in areas such as infrastructure development.

Minister Motegi welcomed the implementation of various programs between Japan and Sri Lanka in the areas of defense, maritime security, maritime safety, and stated Japan’s will to support Sri Lanka’s initiatives for improving public safety following the terrorist attacks in April 2019 and the initiatives of the new government for national reconciliation.

Regarding North Korean affairs, the two sides shared the view on coordinating and cooperating closely toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea, including full implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. In addition, Minister Motegi once again sought Sri Lanka’s understanding and cooperation for the early resolution of the abduction issue and obtained Minister Gunawardene’s support.

Luncheon Meeting
Luncheon Meeting

(3) Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa

Minister Motegi congratulated Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa on his appointment as Prime Minister, handing over a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Abe. Minister Motegi stated that Japan intends to strengthen cooperation with Sri Lanka, an important partner, in areas such as infrastructure development. In response, Prime Minister Rajapaksa welcomed Minister Motegi’s visit, expressed appreciation for Japan’s many years of support, and stated that Japan and Sri Lanka have developed traditionally friendly relations and that Sri Lanka intends to promote the bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development and other areas.

2 Visit to and Offering of Flowers at Terrorist Bombing Sites

Visit to the Shangri-La Hotel
Visit to the Shangri-La Hotel

Visit to the St. Anthony’s Shrine
Visit to the St. Anthony’s Shrine

Minister Motegi visited the Shangri-La Hotel and St. Anthony’s Shrine, which were targeted in a series of terrorist bombings on April 21, 2019, and offered flowers and his condolences to the victims and their families.

3 Visit to the Port of Colombo

Minister Motegi visited the Port of Colombo, for which Japan extends development cooperation, and toured the port while listening to its overview provided by Hon. Johnston Fernando, Minister of Roads, Highways, Ports and Shipping.

4 Meeting with Former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe (Leader of the United National Party [UNP])

Minister Motegi expressed his appreciation to Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe for his efforts to strengthen Japan-Sri Lanka relations, including visiting Japan twice as Prime Minister, and stated Japan’s intention to deepen cooperation with Sri Lanka in a variety of areas.

Former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe expressed his appreciation for the long-time cooperation extended by Japan, including during his prime ministership, and noted his expectations that various cooperation projects would bear fruit in the near future.