In a bid to enhance diplomatic and defense cooperation, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani paid a two day official visit to Sri Lanka.
Minister Nakatani, accompanied by Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata, Vice Minister for International Affairs Kano Koji, and other delegates, visited Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte yesterday.
The delegation was welcomed with a tri-forces Guard of Honour and received by Defense Secretary (Retd) Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha.
During bilateral discussions, both sides emphasised strengthening defense cooperation, focusing on disaster management, countering transnational human trafficking, and combating illegal maritime activities by non-state actors.
They also reaffirmed a shared commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
The meeting highlighted joint efforts in defense training, information sharing, and long-term collaboration in disaster risk reduction and maritime operations. Sri Lanka expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s sustained support in coastal security, climate awareness, and capacity-building programs.
The Japanese delegation included senior defense officials such as Lt. Gen. Bansho Koichiro (Retd), Lt. Gen. Matsunaga Koji, and embassy defense advisors. High-level Sri Lankan defense and foreign affairs officials also participated.
The visit concluded with a tribute at the Borella Cemetery, where the Japanese delegation laid flowers at a memorial honoring Japanese nationals who died in Sri Lanka during World War II.
Ajith Gallage, the owner of a Bird Park in Nagarawawa, Hambantota, has been remanded over allegations of concealing illegally imported motorcycles, in a warehouse owned by him.
A passenger attempting to smuggle the largest quantity of gold of 35 kilo grams was arrested by the Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today, a senior official said.
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