MoU on Japan-Sri Lanka security and defence exchange

Monday, 15 June 2026 05:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the Defence Ministry of Sri Lanka was signed last week by Sasakawa Peace Foundation Honorary Chair Yohei Sasakawa and Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Isomata Akio. The meeting was attended by Defence Ministry Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha.

The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, and Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

The MoU aims to build confidence and enhance mutual understanding between Japan and Sri Lanka, thereby contributing to the promotion of peace. Under the MoU, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation will organise alternating delegation visits of military personnel between Japan and Sri Lanka. The exchanges will principally involve active senior officers who are expected to assume future leadership roles in their respective services. The visits will include courtesy calls on high-level officials, visits to military bases, education and training facilities, as well as cultural and historical sites in both countries.

The Embassy expects that this project will further deepen security and defence exchanges between Japan and Sri Lanka, promote mutual understanding among future leaders of both countries’ defence sectors, and contribute to strengthening the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.