Japan-Sri Lanka Relations

Prime Minister ISHIBA stated Japan and Sri Lanka, which have nurtured friendly relations over many years, share fundamental values as democracies in Asia as democracies, have a relationship to learn from each other and grow together. Prime Minister ISHIBA also expressed that he would like to deepen cooperation in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and further develop the “Comprehensive Partnership” with Sri Lanka, based on the traditional and friendly relations. Prime Minister ISHIBA also mentioned that former President Jayawardena, at the 1951 San Francisco Peace Conference, delivered a speech advocating for Japan's acceptance as a member of the international community by stating “Hatred ceases not by hatred, but by love,” a quote by Buddha. Prime Minister ISHIBA stated that such actions by Sri Lanka laid the foundation for Japan's prosperity today.
In response, President Disanayaka expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Japanese side and stated that Sri Lanka takes pride in the remarks made at the San Francisco Peace Conference, as mentioned. President Disanayaka also stated that he would like to take today's meeting as an opportunity to further develop bilateral relations on a wide-range of fields.

1. Prime Minister ISHIBA stated that the peace and stability in Sri Lanka is indispensable for the peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and that it is important to strengthen security cooperation with Sri Lanka. He also stated that Japan has decided to provide UAVs for monitoring, surveillance and disaster relief as the first project of OSA (Official Security Assistance) to Sri Lanka.
2. Prime Minister ISHIBA welcomed the steady implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) support program and stated that Japan will continue to support Sri Lanka's early completion of debt restructuring. In response, President Disanayaka expressed his gratitude for Japan's contributions to the debt restructuring and expressed his expectation towards an expansion of investments by Japanese companies.
   The two leaders concurred to deepen discussions based on the Conceptual Roadmap on “Building an Export-Oriented Industrial corridor” proposed by Japan to promote Sri Lanka's stable growth and participation in global supply chains.
3. Prime Minister ISHIBA expressed his support towards the Sri Lankan government’s effort on national reconciliation, and welcomed the exchanging of Grant Aid for the Project for the Enhancement of Productivity in the Dairy Sector, bearing in mind the importance of supporting the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. In response, President Disanayaka expressed his appreciation for long years of Japan’s economic cooperation and expressed that he will continue to work on national reconciliation and anti-corruption.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional affairs, including response towards North Korea. During the exchange, Prime Minister ISHIBA requested cooperation for the early resolution of the abduction issue, and President Disanayaka expressed his understanding.