Japan-Sri Lanka Relations

(1) Prime Minister Abe conveyed his congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the independence of Sri Lanka, noting that towards the realization of free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. He seeks to further strengthen cooperation with Sri Lanka, particularly in efforts to enhance connectivity in the area of maritime cooperation.

(2) In response, President Sirisena noted that this was his first visit to Japan since the G7 Ise-Shima Summit in 2016 and that he hoped that his visit would help to further strengthen cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka.

(1) Prime Minister Abe noted that Japan intends to provide full support for Sri Lanka’s development initiatives, through enhancing “Quality Infrastructure” in various areas, such as ports including Colombo, transportation and energy. He also noted that in order to provide assistance that is directly linked to the everyday lives of the people of Sri Lanka, Japan will extend a yen loan of up to approximately 10.6 billion yen for the provision of advanced medical equipment and devices in order to improve healthcare and medical services. He further announced the implementation of technical cooperation to enhance landslide disaster risk reduction measures and assistance for the formulation of a waste management master plan.

(2) In response, President Sirisena expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by Japan, including the latest provision of advanced medical equipment and devices, and noted his great hopes for the infrastructure assistance being provided in such areas as port development, transportation and energy.

(1) Prime Minister Abe welcomed the substantial progress in defense and security-related exchanges between Japan and Sri Lanka, including the visit to Sri Lanka by Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano the previous week, Chief of Joint Staff. He stated that Japan seeks to further advance cooperation in defense and security-related areas through capacity building assistance, cooperation for visits by Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) vessels to Sri Lanka, and personnel exchanges. He also stated that Japan seeks to further enhance maritime cooperation through Sri Lanka’s participation as an observer in the Japan-India joint exercises between coast guards and the dispatch of expert personnel in the area of maritime safety.

(2) In response, President Sirisena welcomed the exchanges and cooperation with Japan in maritime, defense and security-related areas, noting that Sri Lanka seeks to further promote such cooperation.

The two leaders exchanged opinions concerning the regional situation, including the issue of North Korea. With regard to North Korea, both leaders noted that based on past experience, it is necessary to continue the maximum pressure until North Korea abandonsall nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner. In addition, Prime Minister Abe requested and gained the understanding of President Sirisena for cooperation towards the early resolution of the abductions issue.