Japan and Sri Lanka enter into MoU on Defense Cooperation and Exchange

Sri Lanka and Japan Friday inked an agreement to expand defense cooperation and exchange between the two countries in many areas, especially in maritime security.

State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene and the visiting Japanese State Minister of Defense Kenji Harada signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry of Defense yesterday during a conference held between a Japanese delegation, led by the Japanese State Minister and a Sri Lankan delegation led by State Minister Wijewardene.

The MoU will see greater cooperation and understanding between Japan and Sri Lanka in the spheres of maritime security, naval cooperation, information and knowledge sharing, capacity building, dialogue, training, education and research, multi-lateral exchanges and etc.

Speaking at the occasion the Japanese State Minister of defense expressed his sorrow and condolences to the victims and the families of the Easter Sunday bombings.

The visiting Minister said Japan condemns such acts and will continue to fight against terrorism together with Sri Lanka and the international community. He also said that his country would continue to develop defense cooperation and exchange with Sri Lanka.

He further said that Japan would assist to enhance capabilities and promote cooperation and continue to improve capabilities pertaining to maritime security of coast guard nations in the Indo Pacific region which includes countries such as Sri Lanka.

State Minister Wijewardene thanked his Japanese counterpart for his sympathies for the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings.

“We look forward for close cooperation between the two countries and that the sea lanes in the south of the country should be open and free and look forward for more exchanges with Japan in this regard,” he said.

Wijewardene also expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Government for its assistance, especially to the Coast Guard and thanked for the grant of two coast guard craft and training provided to coast guard personnel.

State Minister Wijewardene said that the Easter Sunday bombings came as a surprise and Sri Lanka will work with other countries against terrorism. He thanked Japan for their continuous support.

Japanese Ambassador Akira Sugiyama, Secretary to the Ministry of defense General SHS Kottegoda, Chief of Defense Staff, Commanders of the Navy and Air Force, senior Ministry officials, Director General of the Coast Guard, officials of the Japanese embassy and senior tri forces officers were also present at the occasion.