Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka

18/09/2026

𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘆𝗮

On 18 September, Ambassador ISOMATA visited a transitional shelter site in Nuwara Eliya for families affected by Cyclone Ditwah, built through a Japan-funded and IOM-implemented project.

The project provided shelter materials and essential household items to families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the cyclone, enabling them to transition from emergency camps back into their communities. Through this support, a total of 135 transitional shelters has been constructed across Kandy, Badulla, and Nuwara Eliya, providing safe and stable living conditions for families who had been exposed to threats from wildlife and harsh weather.

During the visit, Ambassador ISOMATA had the opportunity to meet and hear the stories of beneficiary families firsthand, observing the project's tangible impact on the ground. Japan remains committed to standing alongside the people of Sri Lanka as they rebuild their lives and communities. 🏠🤝✨

17/09/2026

IOM Handover Ceremony of Transitional Shelters in Kandy

On 17th September, Ambassador ISOMATA attended the IOM handover ceremony of transitional shelters🏠 in Kandy for families affected by Cyclone Ditwah, together with Air Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Mr. Genesha Amarasinghe, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure, Mr. Indika Udawatta, District Secretary of Kandy and Ms. Kristin Parco, IOM Chief of Mission.

This project, implemented by IOM and supported by the Government of Japan with a total budget of USD 1 million, began with the provision of essential relief items during the emergency phase and has continued to support recovery through the provision of transitional shelter. We truly hope that affected families can rebuild stability and move forward with confidence. 🤝

Japan stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka in their journey toward disaster recovery and a more resilient future. 🇯🇵 🇱🇰

17/09/2026

🏭 On 17th September, Ambassador ISOMATA visited the factory of Noritake Lanka Porcelain in Matale, Kandy🏭.

Since its founding in 1904 in Nagoya, Japan, Noritake has expanded its business around the world. The company has been operational in Sri Lanka since 1972 through Noritake Lanka Porcelain Private Limited, making it one of Japan's longest-standing industrial investments on the island. Globally renowned for its excellence in porcelain craftsmanship, Noritake's products are utilised not only in households but predominantly in professional settings, including leading hotels and restaurants worldwide. 🍽️

During the visit, Ambassador Isomata observed the factory's production processes and gained first-hand insight into its contribution to Sri Lanka's manufacturing sector and export economy. The Ambassador highly commended Noritake's dedication to quality and its enduring role in strengthening Japan-Sri Lanka business and industrial relations. 🇯🇵 🇱🇰✨

17/09/2026

𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

On 16th September 2026, H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, attended the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremonies for the new Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Complex Building of Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura, which was also attended by H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, and Mr. Shigeo HONZU, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka/スリランカ事務所 office.

This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the "Health and Medical Service Improvement Project," financed through a concessional loan from the Government of Japan worth JPY 10.6 billion (equivalent to approximately USD 70 million). The project aims to improve the medical service for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular disorders, by improving the medical facilities and equipment in tertiary hospitals and training centers for medical staff. The project includes training for the maintenance of medical equipment to be provided under the project.

Under this project, new facilities will be constructed at Trincomalee District General Hospital and Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura. Advanced medical equipment, including those manufactured by Japanese companies, will also be introduced to both hospitals, along with three other key tertiary hospitals in Kandy, Kurunegala, and Badulla, as well as training equipment for Medical Laboratory Technologists.

In his address, Ambassador ISOMATA stated, “Japan has a time-honored history of cooperation with Sri Lanka in its health sector. In early days of late 1970s through 1990s, we assisted the establishment of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, the establishment of Peradeniya Teaching Hospital and the Faculty of Dental Sciences at the University of Peradeniya. Here at this Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura, Japan also supported its development through grant aid in 2008 and 2009. Today, this hospital is not only a major centre for advanced medical care, but also an important centre for the education and training of the next generation of doctors, nurses and other medical service professionals in the North Central Province.”

Noting that non-communicable diseases are the cause of more than 80% of all death in Sri Lanka with cardiovascular diseases only accounting for approximately 40%, he continued, “I hope the new facilities will enable patients in the North Central Province to receive faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment, ultimately helping to save many lives.”

Ambassador ISOMATA remarked, “I am confident that this project will further strengthen our friendship and partnership by supporting Sri Lanka’s sustainable and holistic development ahead. Japan stands ready to continue to assist Sri Lanka in improving medical infrastructure and achieving a sustainable healthcare system, in tandem with the efforts of the Sri Lankan government in this regard.”

In his speech, H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka stated that Sri Lanka’s health sector is being strengthened under three key areas to ensure healthy lives for all citizens. The President also pointed out that bringing free healthcare service closer to the people, introducing the world’s most advanced medical equipment as well as medical practices and establishing a systematic management system are the three key areas. The President also stated that, after a considerable period, steps have been taken to develop the human resources required to maintain a strong healthcare service in the country.

On the same day, the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony was also held for the New Cardiology Unit Building at District General Hospital Trincomalee under the project.

16/09/2026

𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

On 16th September 2026, H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, attended the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for the new Cardiology Unit Building of District General Hospital Trincomalee, which was also attended by H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, and Mr. Shigeo HONZU, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office.

This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the "Health and Medical Service Improvement Project," financed through a concessional loan from the Government of Japan worth JPY 10.6 billion (equivalent to approximately USD 70 million). The project aims to improve the medical service for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), especially cardiovascular disorders, by improving the medical facilities and equipment in tertiary hospitals and training centers for medical staff. The project includes training for the maintenance of the medical equipment to be provided under the project.

Under this project, new facilities will be constructed at Trincomalee District General Hospital and Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura. Advanced medical equipment, including those manufactured by Japanese companies, will also be introduced to both hospitals, along with three other key tertiary hospitals in Kandy, Kurunegala, and Badulla, as well as training equipment for Medical Laboratory Technologists.

In his address, Ambassador ISOMATA stated “Japan has a time-honored history of cooperation with Sri Lanka in its health sector. Some of the signature projects at early stages include the establishment of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, the establishment of Peradeniya Teaching Hospital and the Faculty of Dental Sciences at the University of Peradeniya. Our assistance this time at the District General Hospital Trincomalee is part of this longstanding partnership.”
Noting that non-communicable diseases are currently the cause of more than 80% of all death in Sri Lanka with cardiovascular diseases alone accounting for approximately 40%, he continued, “I hope the new facilities will enable patients in the Eastern Province to receive faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment, ultimately helping to save many lives. Japan stands ready to continue to assist Sri Lanka in improving medical infrastructure and achieving a sustainable healthcare system, in tandem with the efforts of the Sri Lankan government in this regard.”
Ambassador ISOMATA, referring to Japan's assistance policy with regard to Sri Lanka, emphasized, “Japan has been focusing its efforts on providing assistance in the socio-economic development of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, including consistent assistance in demining over the past quarter century. We see national reconciliation and sustainable development are closely interrelated. This project is, therefore, a tangible demonstration of Japan's continued commitment to the well-being of the people of the Eastern Province.”

In his speech Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, stated, “This project in Trincomalee is for both construction and equipment of new Cardiology Unit Building of District General Hospital Trincomalee with Japan assistance. This building will have 8 floors and is fully equipped with Cath Lab, CT and X ray facilities, and will be made available in this hospital in 2028 onwards. Waiting time of the patients who are currently on a waiting list will be reduced as these facilities are improved.” Minister Jayatissa also said, “We are thankful and grateful today to the Government of Japan and People of Japan for the cooperation extended to this worthy work”.

On the same day, the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony was also held for the New Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Complex Building at Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura under the project.

04/09/2026

🏅A Send-off Ceremony for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026

On 3rd September, a send-off ceremony for Sri Lankan athletes who will participate in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 was held at the
Embassy of Japan, being hosted by Ambassador ISOMATA, with the presence of Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and
Mr. Asanga Chandana Seneviratne, President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka.

We wish the Team Sri Lanka very best of luck and hopes that the Team Sri Lanka’s participation will further strengthen the existing ties between Japan and Sri Lanka based on a longstanding friendship.

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

On 2nd September, H.E. Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, attended the handover ceremony for eight (8) environmentally-friendly large low-floor buses, held in the presence of Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.

This project is being implemented under the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) with a total grant amount of USD 362,476 (approx. Rs. 112 million). At the request of H.E. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Japan’s contribution for the provision of large low-floor buses seeks to establish an operational system for public buses in Colombo that enables transport-disadvantaged persons to board and alight safely, thereby contributing to expanding independent mobility opportunities for residents, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. The buses are completely refurbished used vehicles that comply with Euro 4 emission standards, and their environmentally friendly features will also contribute to Sri Lanka’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative. The buses have been donated by the City of Yokohama.

Ambassador Isomata said in his remarks, “the fleet of buses provided this time is modest in numbers, but I am confident that the project will serve as a model case for future low-floor bus deployment and operations throughout Sri Lanka, by demonstrating how durability, accessibility, safety, comfort, and environmental sustainability can be integrated into the public transportation system.” He further stated, “Japan remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts toward inclusive, reliable, and sustainable urban mobility. May these buses carry not only passengers, but also our shared aspirations for a more accessible and cleaner future.”

Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, stated, “Today marks another memorable chapter in the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan. As our cities grow, the challenge of urban mobility becomes increasingly urgent. Every day, thousands of commuters rely on the transport network. Providing a transit system that is efficient, comfortable, and accessible to everyone is no longer a luxury; it is a fundamental public necessity.” He also mentioned, “We extend our sincere gratitude to the people and the Government of Japan. Their initiative and dedicated follow-up enabled us to receive this batch of buses.”

28/08/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻-𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮-𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 (𝗝𝗪𝗚) 𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱

On 25th August, the fifth meeting of the Japan–Sri Lanka Committee on Business Environment was convened at the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka.

Representatives from the Embassy of Japan, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), relevant Japanese companies operating in Sri Lanka, as well as officials from the BOI and other pertinent Sri Lankan authorities, participated in the meeting.

The meeting featured substantive and productive discussions on a range of business and investment-related issues currently affecting Japanese enterprises operating in Sri Lanka. Participants exchanged views on challenges faced by investors and explored pathways for enhancing the country’s business environment, with a view to promoting greater Japanese investment and economic cooperation.

On the same day, 25th August, the first meeting of the Sri Lanka-Japan Joint Working Group (JWG) on Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor Development was launched at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka.

Representatives from the Embassy of Japan, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), JETRO, JICA, and JCCI, as well as officials from Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development and other pertinent Sri Lankan authorities, participated in the meeting.

This JWG was established, pursuant to agreement at the Intergovernmental Economic Policy Dialogue held in February of this year, as a working-level framework to support the implementation of the “Conceptual Roadmap on Building an Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor.” At the inaugural meeting, discussions were held on issues in the business environment relevant to operationalising the Roadmap, the priority areas, and the timeline for implementation, among other matters.