Japan Self-Defense Forces Day Reception and Related Events

On 28th October 2025, the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force JS Akebono co-hosted a reception on the occasion of Japan Self-Defense Forces Day.

The reception was attended by Hon. Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; Hon. Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Defence; and Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha, Defence Secretary, among other distinguished guests.

In his remarks, Ambassador ISOMATA explained Japan’s new Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework, which was launched in 2023 as a grant aid cooperation scheme. He noted that OSA provides equipment, supplies, and infrastructure support to the armed forces and related organisations of partner countries, with the objective of enhancing their security and deterrence capabilities and thereby contributing to regional and international peace and stability. He referred to the agreement signed during the recent visit of H.E. President Disanayaka to Japan, under which Japan will provide Japan-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen its maritime surveillance and disaster response capacities, marking the first OSA project for Sri Lanka.

Ambassador ISOMATA also stated, “As both being maritime nations, maritime cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka has an immense potential under the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),’ including in the fields of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), enhancement of defense and disaster response capabilities, sustainable management of marine resources and development of blue economy. And not only in maritime affairs, but also in as many areas as possible, Japan sincerely hopes to continue to work together with Sri Lanka and its people aiming for a higher ground for our bilateral relationship characterised by a strong historical bond of trust and friendship.”

On the morning of 29th October, crew members of JS Akebono conducted a beach-cleaning activity around Galle Face Green, contributing to Clean Sri Lanka and further strengthening the friendship between our nations.

On 29th October, Hon. Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Defence, visited JS Akebono and received the command brief regarding the Ship’s operation, and observed the Maritime Law Seminar being conducted during his tour of the ship.