From Japan with Love- Envoy brings new hopes for the New Year | Message By Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki

Japan welcomed Sri Lanka’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 

Ayubowan, Wanakkam,   

As we bid farewell to 2023, a year marked by challenges and resilience, I extend heartfelt wishes to the people of

Sri Lanka for a prosperous and harmonious New Year, filled with hope and opportunity.
Beginning with late President J.R. Jayawardena’s warm endorsement of Japan at the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1951, the friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka has evolved into an irreplaceable bond today. Both nations have supported each other on countless occasions and successfully navigated through various crises. Our joint responses to the tsunami and the challenges posed by COVID are indelibly etched in our memories.

Reflecting on 2023, we witnessed remarkable progress in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery amid profound social and economic reforms and debt restructuring challenges. Sri Lanka has steadily advanced from the unprecedented hurdles faced in 2022. As a long-standing friend, Japan has steadfastly supported these efforts, extending assistance across a broad spectrum of initiatives.

In the context of debt restructuring, following the IMF Executive Board’s approval in March, Japan, co-chairing with France and India, launched the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) in April. Our active involvement in negotiations resulted in a successful agreement in principle reached in November, marking a significant milestone for middle-income countries facing debt predicaments like Sri Lanka.

Our support extends beyond debt restructuring, encompassing Sri Lanka’s commitment to various social and economic reforms stipulated in the IMF program. This includes bolstering public finance, reforming the power sector, and implementing anti-corruption measures. Our assistance spans diverse sectors such as fisheries, healthcare, renewable energy, demining efforts, labour exports and gender equality.

Our commitment to supporting Sri Lanka remains unwavering into the upcoming year. Realizing sustainable development in Sri Lanka requires persisting with ongoing reforms and reinstating global market confidence. Japan remains steadfast in its support, standing shoulder to shoulder with Sri Lanka through these endeavours.

Resuming all suspended ODA loan projects expeditiously is crucial, as these projects serve as catalysts to attract further investment from Japan and other nations, stimulating the Sri Lankan economy. We earnestly hope that the disbursement of these suspended projects will resume promptly in the coming year.
Japan is also willing to support Sri Lanka’s endeavoor for further socio-economic development, as a long-standing friend. Japan recognizes Sri Lanka’s recent efforts in implementing various reforms in the areas of governance and reconciliation, and encourages Sri Lanka to achieve enhanced transparency and sound policymaking.

One example of our assistance is Japan’s commitment to supporting women’s empowerment, as Sri Lanka’s partner for the “G7 Women, Peace and Security” framework. We have supported the formulation of the National Action Plan for WPS in collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and UN Women, implementing projects in protecting GBV victims, women’s economic empowerment, and uplifting women’s health and well-being.
Japan actively supports and encourages Sri Lanka’s efforts on reconciliation and social cohesion. We recognize that the government, civil society, citizens, and the international community have been more actively engaged in dialogues, and we aim to promote Sri Lanka’s own efforts in this regard.

Japan actively supports and encourages Sri Lanka’s efforts on reconciliation and social cohesion. We recognize that the government, civil society, citizens, and the international community have been more actively engaged in dialogues, and we aim to promote Sri Lanka’s own efforts in this regard

As we reflect on the past year, 2023 stands out for significant milestones in strengthening the enduring bond

between Japan and Sri Lanka as our nations forged innovative collaborations, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and traditions. With great honour, we acknowledge the invaluable contributions of esteemed individuals whose dedication has advanced the cultural and diplomatic ties between our nations. Four outstanding individuals from Sri Lanka were conferred with the prestigious “The Order of the Rising Sun” for their remarkable contributions. Mr. Sunil Gamini Wijesinha, former President of Japan Sri Lanka Technical and Cultural Association (JASTECA), Prof. Upul Bandara Disanayake, Former Vice Chancellor at the University of Peradeniya, Ms. Shiromi Soosaipillai, President of the Ikebana International Sri Lanka Chapter and Mr. Dharshan Munidasa, CEO and Owner of the Japanese Restaurant “Nihonbashi,” have played pivotal roles in fortifying the Japan-Sri Lanka relationship. Also, the Foreign Ministers Commendation was awarded to Prof. Ananda Kumara, President/Vice Chancellor of Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute (LNBTI), and Prof. Dilrukshi Ratnayake, Professor of Japanese Language, Department of Modern Languages, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya. Their dedication and efforts have been instrumental in fostering understanding and friendship between our nations. In line with our commitment to fostering cultural exchange, the Embassy of Japan launched its official X account. Follow us on X and Facebook for timely updates on the Embassy’s activities, diplomatic initiatives, events and collaborative projects. Our dedication to sharing the latest information continues on both platforms, ensuring closer engagement with you, the cherished members of our community.

The Bon Odori Festival 2023, a collaborative effort between the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), Japanese Solidarity Association (JSA), and the Embassy of Japan, showcased the cultural splendour of Japan at the NYSC premises in Maharagama. The festival resonated with the enchanting Bon Odori dance, gracefully presented by students of the Japanese School in Colombo and Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute (LNBTI). The rhythmic beats of traditional drums (Wadaiko), captivating Japanese dances (Yosakoi Soran), and mesmerizing performances by the talented NYSC students added vibrant hues to this cultural celebration.

The year 2023 has underscored the strength of our bilateral relationship. In May, Hon. President Wickremesinghe visited Japan and met with Prime Minister Kishida and other Ministers. Two months later in July, the former Foreign Minister Hayashi visited Sri Lanka. Additionally, Mr. Komura, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, honoured the IORA Ministerial Meeting chaired by Sri Lanka in October.

Echoing the sentiments of former Foreign Minister Hayashi, we fervently hope that Sri Lanka swiftly overcomes its current challenges and charts a course toward further economic development, emerging as a pivotal hub in the Indian Ocean.
May the forthcoming year bring Sri Lanka greater prosperity and brightness.