Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Japan-Sri Lanka Security and Defense Exchange between Sasakawa Peace Foundation and Ministry of Defence

On 11 June, in the presence of Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of Sasakawa Peace Foundation and H.E. ISOMATA Akio, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka concerning the Foundation’s Project for “Security Dialogues and Defense Exchanges between Japan and Asian Countries” was signed by Mr. Nobukatsu Kanehara, Executive Director of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka.

The MoU aims to build confidence and enhance mutual understanding between Japan and Sri Lanka, thereby contributing to the promotion of peace. Under the MoU, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation will organize alternating delegation visits of military personnel between Japan and Sri Lanka. The exchanges will principally involve active senior officers who are expected to assume future leadership roles in their respective services. The visits will include courtesy calls on high-level officials, visits to military bases, education and training facilities, as well as cultural and historical sites in both countries.

The embassy expects that this project will further deepen security and defense exchanges between Japan and Sri Lanka, promote mutual understanding among future leaders of both countries’ defense sectors, and contribute to strengthening the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.