SL-Japan Defence Ties Strengthened During High-Level Visit ⚓

• Diplomatic Engagement: Defence Deputy Minister Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara concluded a four-day official visit to Japan (March 16-19, 2026), meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to enhance regional security cooperation. • Maritime Security & Strategy: Discussions centered on Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean and the safety of Sea Lines of Communication. Key outcomes include: • Expansion of maritime security through naval exercises and ship-rider programs. • Focus on the port of Colombo following the recent visit of the JS Onami. • Capacity Building & Training: Both nations committed to scaling cooperation in: • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and disaster preparedness. • Continued personnel exchanges with the National Defence Academy of Japan. • Advanced technical exposure via inspections of Maya-class guided-missile destroyers at the Yokosuka Base. • Economic & National Impact: Japan reaffirmed support for humanitarian demining and disaster response, sectors critical for stabilizing northern and eastern regions and ensuring a secure environment for infrastructure and logistics development. 📈 • Conclusion: The visit reinforces a long-standing partnership aimed at regional stability, highlighting Japan’s role as a key partner in Sri Lanka’s defence and security sector modernization.