AKD holds talks with JICA President; BIA project to resume soon

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Disanayake, during his official visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Government, held discussions yesterday with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, marking a fresh chapter in bilateral cooperation.

President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for Japan’s steadfast support, particularly through the resumption of concessional yen loans via JICA, which he noted was playing a vital role in Sri Lanka’s national development drive.

JICA President Dr. Akihiko reaffirmed Japan’s long-term commitment to Sri Lanka and announced that the long-delayed Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) expansion project in Katunayake will soon resume, alongside continuous monitoring of Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic reforms.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening the private sector, industry and agriculture as engines of sustainable economic growth.

The two sides also reviewed progress on the Waste Management Plan in the Western Province, while Sri Lankan representatives sought Japanese assistance in advancing the country’s digital economy, particularly in research on artificial intelligence and the establishment of an AI Neutral Centre.

The meeting was capped by the signing of a Grant Agreement for the Project for the Enhancement of Productivity in the Dairy Sector, underscoring Japan’s continued investment in Sri Lanka’s long-term development.

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath and a group of other officials participated in this event.