Japanese assessment team arrives; 31 experts due tomorrow

Tuesday, 2 December 2025 03:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Japan’s assessment team which consists of medical professionals and JICA staff arrived in Colombo yesterday and is in discussion with the Ministry of Health on where to deploy the incoming approx. 30 member Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team.

The Embassy and JICA held a kick-off meeting with the Ministry of Health’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Division, attended by the Secretary of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe, to plan next steps. The team will meet with DPRD to receive briefings on the medical situation and begin their assessment.

In addition, Japan is providing emergency relief goods such as tents and blankets through JICA to assist affected communities. Japan is working to deliver these supplies as quickly as possible.

Japan said it stands with the people of Sri Lanka during this difficult time.

The International Emergency Assistance Team and Medical Team consists of 31 members, including doctors and nurses registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and JICA will arrive on Wednesday.

The Government of Japan has decided to dispatch an International Emergency Assistance Team and Medical Team to the affected area, based on the specific medical needs and other needs assessed through the dispatch of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assessment team.

Based on humanitarian considerations as well as Japan’s friendly relations with the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Government of Japan intends to provide assistance, including the medical team.