Colombo, Sri Lanka, Nov. 10 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:
The Government of Japan has extended grant assistance amounting to JPY 1 billion under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) Programme 2026 to enhance the maritime security capabilities of the Sri Lanka Navy. The Exchange of Notes formalising the grant assistance was signed and exchanged today (10 November) at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Colombo.
The Exchange of Notes was signed by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr ISOMATA Akio, and the Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, in the presence of the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
Under this grant assistance, the Government of Japan will provide Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to Sri Lanka Navy in order to strengthen its maritime capability. The assistance is expected to enhance the Sri Lanka Navy's maritime security, maritime surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and disaster response, thereby contributing to the protection of Sri Lanka's maritime interests.
Addressing the occasion, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma expressed the Government of Sri Lanka's appreciation for Japan's continued support and highlighted the longstanding friendship and strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador recalled the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries and reiterated Japan's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in strengthening its maritime security capabilities. He noted that the assistance would contribute towards enhancing the capabilities of the Sri Lanka Navy.
The Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), emphasised the shared commitment of Sri Lanka and Japan to peace, security and regional cooperation. He also conveyed the sincere appreciation of the Government and people of Sri Lanka to the Government and people of Japan for their enduring friendship, generosity and steadfast commitment towards strengthening Sri Lanka's maritime capabilities.
The provision of RHIBs under the OSA Programme is expected to make a significant contribution towards enhancing Sri Lanka's maritime domain monitoring and response capabilities while supporting the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
The senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Ministry of Defence, the Commander of the Navy and officials of the Japanese Embassy, including the Defence Attache were also present at the occasion.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
