Karannagoda calls on Japan’s Navy Chief Admiral Kawano

Wednesday, 19 September 2012 01:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan, Admiral (Rtd.) Wasantha Karannagoda, called on Japan’s Maritime Self Defence Force Chief of Staff Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, at the Ministry of Defence. Admiral Kawano is the highest ranking Navy official of the Maritime Self Defence Force, which is equivalent to the Navy of Japan.

The two dignitaries discussed and broached issues of importance, relevance and interest with regard to maritime issues of the two countries as well as of the region, among others.

Admiral Kawano, after welcoming Ambassador Admiral Karannagoda, stated that the Maritime Self Defence Force wishes to have greater cooperation and interaction with the Navy of Sri Lanka, in particular. In this context, Ambassador Admiral Karannagoda complimented Admiral Kawano since three Japanese vessels, with over 750 persons from the Training Squadron of the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, would be calling on Sri Lanka from 15 to 19 September.

Admiral Kawano has been invited to grace this occasion in Sri Lanka by the Government of Sri Lanka but due to prior commitments, he stated that he would not be able to be present in Sri Lanka at this time. However, he did state that in the near future he would visit Sri Lanka.

The two dignitaries focused primarily on the vitality of the sea lanes, particularly, on the southernmost part of Sri Lanka and the importance to have stability and security, mostly from pirates. Both of them agreed that since Japan and Sri Lanka are island nations, enhancing and intensifying the respective Navies are indispensable not only to ensure the stability but to advance commercial and economic interests as well. Ambassador Admiral Karannagoda expressed his gratitude to Admiral Kawano for considering due assistance and cooperation to be extended to the Coast Guard of Sri Lanka, since it is still in the nascent stage. Just over a month ago, the Director General of the Coast Guard of Sri Lanka was invited by the Government of Japan to explore and delve the most effective courses of action to upgrade and to train personnel of the Coast Guard of Sri Lanka.

In his concluding remarks, Ambassador invited Admiral Kawano to visit Sri Lanka as a Guest of the Government of Sri Lanka since this year marks the 60th year Anniversary of the establishment of the Diplomatic Relations as well as, coincidentally, the 60th year Anniversary of the formation of the Maritime Self Defence Force of Japan.