Finance Ministry Secretary pays tribute to outgoing Japanese Ambassador

Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana has paid tribute to outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki, describing his tenure as "an extraordinary tenure that has profoundly impacted the relationship between our two nations."

Addressing the farewell ceremony held for the outgoing Ambassador, Mr Siriwardana said that since Mr Hideaki's arrival in Sri Lanka on September 16, 2021, he skillfully navigated some of the most challenging times in recent history, leaving an indelible mark on the country. 

He lauded Japan's support for Sri Lanka under Ambassador Hideaki's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing to how Japan facilitated the provision of essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and testing kits, which significantly enhanced Sri Lanka’s healthcare capacity.

"Moreover, you played a crucial role in securing COVID-19 vaccinations through the COVAX facility proposed by the WHO, ensuring that Sri Lanka had access to necessary doses to immunize its population," he further said. 

Mr Siriwardana also recalled that in response to the emergency situation arising from the economic crisis, the Government of Japan promptly extended its support by providing essential medicines, addressing  severe shortages in Sri Lanka's hospitals and clinics, and providing food items, in collaboration  with various organizations, including the International Federation of Red Cross, Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), WFP and UNICEF. This was a crucial lifeline for many vulnerable communities, said Mr Siriwardana "These initiatives demonstrate your unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Sri Lanka during such trying times," he told the Ambassador. 

The Treasury Secretary also praised the role the Ambassador played in ensuring the Japanese government's help in the "highly complex process" of Sri Lanka's debt restructuring. 

"In the area of official sector debt restructuring, your strong coordination with the government of Japan to establish a common platform has been crucial. Sri Lanka being outside the Common Framework had to chart its own course in terms of navigating the debt restructuring of over 20 official sector creditors. Japan took the leadership in helping establish the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) which brought together 17 of the largest official creditors. This initiative made a critical contribution towards stabilizing our economy and ensuring a sustainable future. You understood that effectively navigating the complexities of debt management requires collaboration, transparency, and a shared vision among all stakeholders, and this was delivered through the OCC," he further added. 

Mr Siriwardana further noted that during Ambassador Hideaki's tenure, Japan provided approximately USD 55 million in grant aid under immediate, medium term,, and longterm assistance. 

The Finance Ministry Secretary emphasised that Sri Lanka’s future growth trajectory must have a strong contribution from exports, FDI, tourism, and other forms of non-debt creating inflows through integration with global markets. "Towards this end, even though you are leaving us as Ambassador, we hope you will continue to use your good relations to promote Japanese trade, investments, and tourism to Sri Lanka," he told the Ambassador.