The Sri Lanka–Japan Intergovernmental Economic Policy Dialogue was held successfully on the 16th at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development auditorium, marking a new chapter in economic relations between the two nations.
A significant outcome of the dialogue was the signing and exchange of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the respective ministries of Sri Lanka and Japan, formalizing their commitment to collaborate on economic policy.
Representing the Government of Sri Lanka, the MoC was signed by Mr. K. A. Vimalenthirarajah, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, and Mr. Dharshana M. Perera, Acting Additional Secretary (Bilateral Economic Affairs) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For the Government of Japan, the agreement was endorsed by Mr. Matsuo Takehiko, Vice Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Mr. Murotani Masakatsu, Director of the Southwest Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The policy dialogue featured in-depth discussions on strengthening economic ties, including presentations on Sri Lanka’s foreign investment policy and opportunities to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Participants introduced a roadmap for creating an industrial economic corridor and reviewed Sri Lanka’s export capacity.
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) provided insights into the business environment for Japanese companies in Sri Lanka, while prominent Japanese corporations like Itochu and Mitsui shared their business experiences in the country.
Both nations expressed optimism that the MoC and policy dialogue would enhance Sri Lanka–Japan economic cooperation and strengthen their enduring friendship. A working group will be formed to implement the industrial economic corridor concept.
The event saw attendance from Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Isomata Akio, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka; Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Economic Adviser to the President; Renuka Weerakoon, Director General of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka; Krishan Balendra, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce; Fumihiko Kobayashi, Chairman of the Japan–Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee, and other representatives from both the public and private sectors.
