Japanese Defence Minister visits Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral defence collaboration

Monday, 5 May 2025 05:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha with Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani

Making an official high-level visit aimed at enhancing diplomatic relations and defence collaborations, Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday (3).

Accompanied by Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata and Vice Minister for International Affairs Kano Koji, the Japanese Defence Minister yesterday visited the Defence Ministry at the Defence Headquarters Complex at Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte.

He was accorded a formal guard of honour by the Sri Lanka Army at the Defence Ministry and was received by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha.

During the ensuing discussions, both sides emphasised the deepening of existing bilateral ties, with special focus on strengthening defence ties and fostering cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka. The importance of collaboration in critical areas such as disaster management, prevention of cross-border human trafficking, and combatting illegal operations of non-State actors at sea was highlighted.

Both nations reiterated their shared vision for a secure and stable Indian Ocean region, promoting peace and prosperity through collaborative efforts.

Defence Deputy Minister Maj. Gen. Jayasekara (Retd.), head of the Sri Lankan delegation, expressed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding and continued assistance in disaster risk management, coast guard operations, and training initiatives. He also especially appreciated Japan’s assistance in upgrading maritime surveillance, the meteorology sector, and coast guard operations of Sri Lanka.

Japanese Defence Minister Nakatani expressed his appreciation for Sri Lanka’s longstanding partnership and emphasised their willingness to collaborate in intelligence sharing, specialised training on hazardous and noxious substances, cyber security, maritime law, and search and rescue.

The Japanese delegation also included Special Adviser for the Defence Ministry Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Bansho Koichiro, Vice Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Lt. Gen. Matsunaga Koji, and several Directors General and Embassy officials including the Defence Attache.

Defence Secretary Thuyacontha, senior Sri Lanka Defence Ministry officials including the Chief of National Intelligence, Commanders of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre and Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and the Director General – East Asia of the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry were also present at the occasion.

Subsequently, the Japanese Defence Minister, together with the delegation, visited the Kanatte Cemetery in Borella and made floral tributes to commemorate Japanese nationals who died in the island during the Second World War.

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