In a display of deepening diplomatic engagement, Japan and Sri Lanka took a consequential step forward today as Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka met for a summit in Osaka, coinciding with the Sri Lankan leader’s official visit for Expo 2025. The meeting was followed by a signing ceremony, a joint press conference and the issuance of a Joint Statement. Afterwards, the two leaders broke bread together over a working lunch, during which further discussions unfolded.
Historic Bonds, Shared Values
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Ishiba recalled the long history of friendly relations between the two nations. He remarked that Japan and Sri Lanka share fundamental democratic values and emphasised that they could “learn from each other to foster mutual growth.” He also spoke of Japan’s commitment to strengthening a “Comprehensive Partnership” with Sri Lanka, and its resolve to help realise a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” Ishiba additionally evoked a moment from history: the 1951 speech given by former Sri Lankan President J. R. Jayawardena at the San Francisco Peace Conference, in which Jayawardena urged: “Hatred ceases not by hatred, but by love.” The Japanese prime minister characterised that gesture as foundational to Japan’s post-war reintegration into the international community. President Disanayaka, for his part, expressed gratitude for Japan’s warm reception and reflected on Sri Lanka’s historical role in that same San Francisco gathering. He emphasised Sri Lanka’s desire to expand cooperation across many sectors.
Economic, Security and Development Cooperation
A major focus of the summit was forging ahead with economic cooperation. Prime Minister Ishiba announced that Japan would provide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intended for monitoring, surveillance and disaster relief under an Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework. He also voiced Japan’s support for the ongoing IMF programme in Sri Lanka, and pledged assistance with Sri Lanka’s debt-restructuring efforts. President Disanayaka, acknowledging that support, invited further Japanese investment into Sri Lanka. Both leaders concurred on advancing Japan’s proposed “Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor,” a new initiative aiming to strengthen Sri Lanka’s integration into global supply chains. In addition, Japan committed to provide grant aid aiming to raise productivity in Sri Lanka’s dairy sector, especially in the Northern and Eastern Provinces — a region central to ongoing reconciliation efforts.
The summit also addressed broader international concerns. In particular, the two leaders exchanged views on regional security, including the situation in North Korea. Prime Minister Ishiba urged Sri Lanka’s cooperation in seeking an early resolution to the matter of Japanese nationals abducted decades ago; President Disanayaka expressed understanding and sympathy for Japan’s concerns. This summit marks a notable point in the evolving Japan–Sri Lanka relationship, reinforcing mutual commitments in economic cooperation, security, and regional stability. The agreements signed and declarations made reflect an ambition to deepen ties, not just bilaterally, but within the wider Indo-Pacific context. The success of this meeting will likely be judged by how swiftly the partners move from pledges to implementation — in trade, infrastructure, technology, and reconciliation efforts across Sri Lanka.
