EDB-JICA expands partnership to boost Sri Lanka ICT/BPM deals in Japanese market

Thursday, 21 August 2025 04:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have established a strategic partnership to strengthen the Sri Lankan ICT/BPM sector within the Japanese market.

This initiative supports 30 Sri Lankan SME ICT/BPM companies and startups over a period of two years by providing market intelligence, business coaching, and matchmaking services.

Building on nearly a decade of collaboration of JICA with Sri Lankan since 2014, this program aims to foster technological exchange, spur innovation, and enhance global trade relations, driving sustained economic growth for both nations.

Originally set to conclude in October 2025, the program has been extended by one year at EDB’s request. This extension will expand benefits to Sri Lankan ICT companies, including continued market intelligence, business coaching, matchmaking support, and the introduction of a Proof of Concept (POC) grant scheme for select few firms. Additionally, Training-of-Trainers (ToT) opportunities will be provided under the extended program.

To formalise the extension, a signing ceremony was held at EDB, attended by key representatives JICA Sri Lanka Office Chief Representative Kenji Kuronumaand and EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe.

Other participants included from JICA Headquarters Masayuki Furukawa and Sako Ikewada, and from JICA Sri Lankan Office Senior Representative Yuri Ide, Project Formulation Advisor Ebisawa Yoko, Representative Inada Arisa, Associate Officer Eranga Rajapaksha and Deloitte Tohmatsu Financial Advisory LLC Shosei Yamamoto. Representing the EDB were Director-Export Services Indumini Kodikara, and Assistant Director-Export Services Dinesh Attanayake. This significant milestone marks a continued commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and expanding opportunities for Sri Lanka’s ICT sector.