Japan interest in developments in Indian Ocean high level conference

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata visited the Pathfinder Foundation headquarters at River Point in Peliyagoda at the invitation of Milinda Moragoda, the Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation. After receiving a briefing on the relationship the Foundation has developed with Japan over the two decades, Moragoda briefed the Ambassador on the special relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka since Sri Lanka’s independence in 1944, the high esteem with which Sri Lankans regard Japan and its people, and the vital role Japan has played in Sri Lankan development projects over the last several decades.  Moragoda expressed that Japan will demonstrate its continued interest in the developments in the Indian Ocean by participating in the conference at a high level.

The Ambassador was also briefed on Japan’s role in the Foundation’s work that led to the ‘Trincomalee Consultations’ held in 2017 and 2019. He highlighted that the next round of the Indian Ocean Security Conference, scheduled for Spring 2026.

Ambassador Isomata was assisted by Shinichi Murata, the First Secretary and Head of the Political Section of the Embassy. The Pathfinder team comprised Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairperson of the Foundation; A. A. Jawad, Director; and Gayathri Nanayakkara, Manager (Programmes).

As part of the visit, the Ambassador and his delegation, together with senior members from the Pathfinder Foundation, boarded the Foundation’s river boat ‘Mahanaga’ and sailed to the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya.