Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday, 30 September 2025 02:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Anura Kumara Disanayake
By Nisthar Cassim in Tokyo
President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday enticed Japanese companies to invest in stable and high-potential Sri Lanka in a bid to tap the giant South Asian market.
He had a closed-door meeting in Tokyo with several top Japanese companies, and later addressed a packed open Business Forum on the sidelines of his State visit, pushing for greater bilateral ties.
At the open forum, the President listed economic and political stability, transparent, corruption-free, and good governance, and strategic geographic location among key reasons for Japanese firms to locate in Sri Lanka and tap the giant South Asian market with 2.5 billion people.
He also described Sri Lanka as one of the most stable democracies in the region and, given the country’s competitive and comparative advantages, including a skilled talent pool and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Sri Lanka was ideal for Japanese companies keen to diversify supply chain options.
“Sri Lanka can be your strategic partner to enter South Asia,” the President told Japanese investors gathered at the headquarters of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).
Disanayake said that his Government was favourable to the idea of a dedicated Industrial Zone for Japanese manufacturers, and also assured that an Investor Protection Bill will be presented to Parliament to enhance the conducive environment.
Having briefly highlighted some of the salient achievements since he took office as President, Disanayake said Sri Lanka is poised to achieve higher sustainable socio-economic growth via progressive policies.
“By 2027, our economy will be worth $ 107 billion, which is 20% above the baseline projection made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF),” Disanayake said, adding that logistics, financial services, manufacturing, and technology are some of the high-potential sectors for Japanese companies.
Speaking at the forum soon after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Disanayake acknowledged that Japan has been a strong development partner for Sri Lanka, and with stability and good governance back in Sri Lanka, bilateral ties can be elevated to a new high.
Representing the Japanese Government at the forum, Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry State Minister Dr. Ogushi Masaki referred to his country’s proposal to set up an export-oriented industrial corridor for Japanese firms to tap the Indian market via Sri Lanka. He said the move is mutually beneficial to all the countries in South Asia.
The forum was organised by the JETRO, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan, the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee, and the Board of Investment (BOI). It was supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Others who spoke at the forum were JETRO Chairman and CEO Ishiguro Norihiko, Japan-Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee Chairman Kobayashi Fumihiko, President’s Chief Adviser on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, METI Director for Southwest Asia Region – Trade Policy Bureau Shimano Toshiyuki, Ito Spring Co., CEO Kawashima Miwako, Tos Lanka Factory Manager Tanaka Nobuyuki, BOI Assistant Director – Desk Officer for Japan Arunya De Silva and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Chairperson Krishan Balendra.
The forum in Tokyo was the final event under the public-private sector joint initiative to boost greater economic and business cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan, buttressing the State visit by President Disanayake. Prior to Tokyo, a similar business forum was held in Osaka apart from President Disanayake officiating at the Sri Lanka Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka.
The private sector delegation was led by the Sri Lanka—Japan Business Council (SLJBC) under the aegis of The CCC. The delegation of over 20 personnel/companies has interests in manufacturing, exports, services, tourism, logistics, and IT.
The delegation was led by The CCC and John Keells Holdings Chairperson Krishan Balendra, and comprised SLJBC Vice President and Spear International Ltd., Chairman and Managing Director Shamil Mendis; SLJBC Treasurer and MendisOne Chairman Rohitha Mendis; SLJBC Immediate Past President and Andrew the Travel Company Managing Director Mahen Kariyawasan; BOV Capital Managing Partner Prajeeth Balasubramaniam; Celestia International CEO Chandana Silva; Connaissance De Ceylan CEO Chamin Wickramasinghe; EW Information Systems Chairman Sanjeewa Wickramanayake; Hayleys PLC Director Sarath Ganegoda; hSenid Group Chairman Dinesh Saparamadu; Lanka Harness Executive President Rohan Pallewatta; MAC Holdings Chairman and President Otani San; MAC Holdings Managing Director Andre Fernando; MendisOne Managing Director Rishantha Mendis; Microsoft Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Manager Harsha Randeny; Tomo Wold Ceylon Chairman Nishantha Perera; Adamjee Lukmanjee and Sons Business Partner – Exports Hashini Kalansuriya; Jayalanka Suppliers Managing Director Ganidhu Ishara; Transfood Lanka Director Sajahan Pasie, NCINGA Group Managing Director Vajira Wijesinghe, and The CCC Assistant Secretary General Dinithi Dias.
Apart from being one of the leading development partners for Sri Lanka and top investors, Japan is Sri Lanka’s 15th largest export market at $ 170 million and Sri Lanka’s 16th biggest source for imports at $ 250 million as per 2024 data. Japan is also the 16th biggest source market for tourists at 25,000 in the first eight months of 2025.
