The Japan – Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation Policy Dialogue – 2025 was held today, July 04, 2025, at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Colombo. The forum was in order to exchanging the views on the matters pertaining to Japanese funded project portfolio and exploring the future development and prospective economic cooperation policies between Japan and Sri Lanka. The Japanese delegation was led by Mr. ISHIZUKI Hideo, Assistant Minister/ Director General, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and Mr. ISHIZUKI Hideo, Assistant Minister/ Director General along with relevant government officials from both countries.

At the discussion, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, expressed his warm gratitude and appreciation for the continuous support extended by the Government of Japan towards Sri Lanka throughout history, stating that it is remarkable and that Sri Lanka will remember the assistance, support, and facilitation for a very long time.

As Co-Chair of the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), Japan played a pivotal role-one that will be remembered with gratitude by the Government and the people of Sri Lanka for generations to come. He further stated that Japan’s unwavering support during the challenging debt negotiations with Sri Lanka’s creditors was highly commendable and the Government of Sri Lanka deeply appreciates the assistance, facilitation, and solidarity extended during this critical period.

In Response, ISHIZUKI, Assistant Minister/ Director General expressed his appreciation for Sri Lanka's efforts to recover from the economic crisis and appreciated GOSL commitment on continue the economic reforms under the IMF programme.

Furthermore, ISHIZUKI, emphasized that Japan will advance its efforts to achieve the goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including poverty eradication, reducing disparities, and addressing climate change—as part of its broader aim to realize the concept of human security. Mr. ISHIZUKI also outlined three key pillars through which Japan intends to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long-term stabilization:

1. Fiscal and Structural Reforms and Enhancement of Economic Foundation for Sustainable Economic Growth
2. Enhancing Social Resilience
3. Ensuring Peace and Stability

The two sides also exchanged views on Japan’s future economic cooperation with Sri Lanka, including the existing Yen loan projects, to stabilize and reinforce Sri Lanka’s economy as well as overcome its socio-economic challenges. ISHIZUKI, Assistant Minister/ Director General stated that Japan will continue to provide support to the people of Sri Lanka to help the country fully recover from the economic crisis as soon as possible and return to a path of progressive development.

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma requested the continued cooperation of the Government of Japan, including support for existing Yen loan projects, in order to attract further investment and secure gap financing. He also emphasized the need for both technical and financial assistance to advance Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform programme, which is aligned with the IMF programme.