Deputy Minister Reaffirms Bilateral CooperationDuring Visit to ‘‘JMSDF AKEBONO’’

Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) along with the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) visited the Japanese naval ship 'JMSDF AKEBONO' at the Colombo harbour, yesterday (28 October).

Making an official visit, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer AKEBONO (DD 108) arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday morning.

The dignitaries visiting the ship were warmly received by the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Akio ISOMATA and the Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander ARAI Katsutomo.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha attended as the Chief Guest of the ceremony held last evening.

Gracing the reception onboard the ship as the Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister Maj. Gen. Jayasekara (Retd) expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Japan for its historic and continued support in enhancing Sri Lanka's maritime and Coast Guard capabilities, as well as its assistance in combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Highlighting recent milestones, the Deputy Minister noted Japan's grant of advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) worth 500 million yen under the Official Security Assistance (OSA) program, aimed at strengthening maritime surveillance and disaster response. He also commended Japan's partnership through JICA and UNODC in developing Sri Lanka's meteorology, maritime law enforcement, and anti-narcotics initiatives.

The Minister further recalled the recent high-level engagements between the two nations, including the official visit of the Japanese Minister of Defence to Sri Lanka in May, and the State Visit of the Sri Lankan President to Japan. These visits culminated in the signing of key agreements to deepen defence cooperation and support Sri Lanka's economic development.

The Deputy Minister further emphasized that the strong maritime partnership between the two nations is essential for ensuring regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.

Tri forces commanders, defence attaches of the Japanese Embassy, members of the diplomatic corps and a number of distinguished invitees were also present at the occasion.