Japan says SL’s reforms, anti-graft drive will boost FDIs

Wednesday, 5 February 2025 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Sayama (Ikuina) Akiko with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Japan on Monday said that Sri Lanka’s reforms and anti-corruption drive will boost much needed foreign direct investments (FDIs).

Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sayama (Ikuina) Akiko stated that current Government’s anti-corruption initiatives have attracted the country’s global appeal for investment.

She made these remarks with President Disanayake while reaffirming Japan’s commitment to further support Sri Lanka’s development efforts.

Japan has extended a grant of 300 million Japanese Yen (approximately Rs. 565 million) to Sri Lanka to enhance waste management infrastructure facilities under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Program.

The Government of Japan also expressed its willingness to continue assisting Sri Lanka in its anti-corruption measures and broader governance reforms. During the discussion Vice Minister Sayama delivered a message of goodwill from the Prime Minister of Japan to President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

In response, President Disanayake expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Government for its on-going cooperation and highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two nations. He assured that Sri Lanka would continue to uphold its anti-corruption policies without compromise and emphasised the Government’s commitment to transparency and good governance.

The President also thanked Japan for resuming previously halted Japan-funded projects in Sri Lanka and acknowledged Japan’s support in the country’s debt restructuring process.

President Disanayake also expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Government for providing employment opportunities to a large number of Sri Lankan expatriates and requested the Japanese government to provide further assistance in developing those opportunities in the future. Additionally, he requested Japan’s assistance in implementing a project to improve Sri Lanka’s public transportation system through Japanese aid.