- Meets PM, Deputy Min. Defence, and Secy. to MOD
The visit of the Japanese Minister of Defence Nakatani Gen, who led a high-level delegation to Sri Lanka and met senior government officials will contribute to strengthening the defence collaboration between the two nations, the Ministry of Defence said yesterday (4).
Minister Nakatani met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Deputy Minister for Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.). The Japanese minister was accompanied by the Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata and Vice Minister for International Affairs Kano Koji, and they also visited the Defence Headquarters Complex at Sri Jayawardenapura, Kotte.
According to the Prime Minister’s office, during their discussion Minister Nakatani had emphasised the strategic importance of Sri Lanka for maritime security and regional connectivity, and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to enhance collaboration for peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
When contacted, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha told The Daily Morning the bilateral discussions on security and defence-related issues held yesterday were successful, pointing out that both countries enjoyed a long-standing relationship. He said that defence cooperation between the countries will be strengthened.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the importance of collaboration in critical areas such as disaster management, prevention of cross-border human trafficking, and combating illegal operations of non-state actors at sea were highlighted. “Both nations reiterated their shared vision for a secure and stable Indian Ocean region, promoting peace and prosperity through collaborative efforts,” the ministry stated.
The Deputy Minister of Defence Maj. Gen. Jayasekara (Retd), head of the SL 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, meteorology sector and coast guard operations of Sri Lanka. The Japanese Defence Minister Nakatani, expressed his appreciation for Sri Lanka's long standing partnership and emphasised their willingness to collaborate in intelligence sharing, specialised training on hazardous and noxious substance cyber security, maritime law and on search and rescue,” the MOD said.
The Japanese delegation also included Special Advisor for the Ministry of Defence Lt. Gen. Bansho Koichiro (Retd.), Vice Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Lt. Gen. Matsunaga Koji and several Directors General and embassy officials including the Defence Attache. The Sri Lankan delegation which held talks included the Chief of National Intelligence, Commanders of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka, Directors General of the Disaster Management Centre and Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and the Director General, East Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.