Colombo, Sri Lanka, Nov. 6 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
Japan's longstanding support for Sri Lanka in strengthening its defence capabilities, maritime security and national development reflects the strong and enduring partnership between the two countries, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) said while gracing as the Chief Guest at the reception commemorating the 72nd Anniversary of the founding of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), held at the Embassy of Japan in Colombo on 05 November. Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) also attended, as a special guest at the reception hosted by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, H.E. Akio Isomata.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the significance of the official visit undertaken by His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to Japan last year, noting that it had paved the way for agreements under Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme. He observed that the President's engagement had further strengthened the longstanding friendship and broadened cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of defence and maritime security.
Speaking further he recalled Japan's continued assistance in enhancing Sri Lanka's maritime and technical capabilities through the provision of surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles to the Sri Lanka Navy under the OSA programme, vessels to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and advanced meteorological facilities, including the Doppler Weather Radar system. He also highlighted the outcomes of his successful official visit to Japan earlier this year.
The Deputy Minister appreciated Japan's continued development assistance, including a grant of JPY 2.179 billion through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Kelani River Flood Mitigation Project and USD 2.6 million through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Parliamentarians, the Navy Commander, the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, senior state officials, senior Tri-Services officers, members of the diplomatic corps and officials of the Embassy of Japan, including the Defence Attache, were also present at the occasion.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
