News
Second Japanese ministerial level visit in seven months
Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka and Cambodia on a four-day tour, from Jan 09, to strengthen Japan’s relations with the two Asian countries, foreign media reported yesterday (27)
Minister Suzuki is expected to meet Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss debt restructuring for the country.
In November, Sri Lanka and a group of creditors, led by Japan and others, reached a basic agreement on deferring debt repayments and cutting interest rates.
“It’s important for the debt-restructuring process to make steady progress,” Japanese media quoted Suzuki as having said.
In Cambodia, the Finance Minister will work for closer bilateral ties, with the two countries this year, marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
In late July this year, the then Foreign Minister of Japan Hayashi Yoshimasa visited Colombo where he engaged in talks in debt restructuring support, infrastructure projects, and high-tech investment opportunities.
Sources said that January discussions would cover the possibility of resumption of the cancelled Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, the Colombo port’s East Container Terminal, the Kandy Development Plan, the Central Expressway, and the expansion of the Bandaranaike International Airport.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on Friday [04 Apr 25]. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
INS Sahyadri is a 143m long Frigate manned by a crew of 320 and the ship is commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar.
During their visit to the crew of INS Sahyadri will participate in events hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties. They will also visit several tourist hotspots across the country.
Concluding the visit, INS Sahyadri is scheduled to set sail from Colombo on 07 Apr
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) BUNGO and ETAJIMA which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit on 01 Apr 25, departed the island on Friday [04 Apr].
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ships at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions. Upon leaving, the duo of ships engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Vijayabahu. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.
During their stay in Colombo, crew members of the JMSDF ships took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in Colombo. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, gaining insights into their operational capabilities.
The Commanding Officers of JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA, Commander TANAKA Koji and Commander ODA Takayuki called on Commander Western Naval Area, and Director General Operations, on 01 Apr.
The official welcoming ceremony for the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday (April 4) night for a three-day state visit, is currently underway at Independence Square in Colombo.
INS Sahyadri arrives at Port of Colombo
JMSDF BUNGO and ETAJIMA depart island
Ceremonial reception for Indian PM Narendra Modi commences
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