In a high-level economic policy dialogue, Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata firmly stated that eliminating corruption and ensuring good governance are essential for rebuilding international investor confidence in Sri Lanka. With ongoing yen loan projects and plans for future development cooperation, Japan urges Sri Lanka to restore transparency and integrity as a cornerstone for sustainable economic recovery and a stable Indo-Pacific partnership.
Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata has emphasized that eliminating corruption and upholding good governance are essential for restoring confidence among public and private investors, particularly from Japan, in Sri Lanka. The remarks were made during the Japan-Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation Policy Dialogue held on Tuesday, according to a statement released by the Japanese Embassy in Colombo.
“Eradicating corruption is a prerequisite for rebuilding trust and encouraging investment from Japanese stakeholders,” Ambassador Isomata stated. “Japan remains committed to working closely with the Government of Sri Lanka to support its sustainable development goals.”
The dialogue was chaired by ISHIZUKI Hideo, Assistant Minister and Director-General of the International Cooperation Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Also present were key officials from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (joining online), the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Mr. Ishizuki noted that Sri Lanka is a vital partner in promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and expressed Japan’s resolve to continue its development cooperation. He also reiterated Japan’s support for Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat corruption and uplift the standard of living for its people.
During the session, Mr. Ishizuki provided an overview of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and its Country Development Cooperation Policy. This policy outlines the strategic direction for Japan’s ODA engagements in Sri Lanka and reflects Tokyo’s long-term support for the island nation.
The discussion covered Japan’s current and future development initiatives in Sri Lanka, including several yen loan projects intended to stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy and address ongoing socioeconomic challenges. Both parties shared their perspectives on enhancing cooperation, ensuring transparency, and aligning aid programs with Sri Lanka’s national development priorities.
Ambassador Isomata’s statement comes at a time when Sri Lanka is seeking to recover from a severe economic crisis and is under scrutiny from its international partners over fiscal accountability and anti-corruption measures.
The Japanese delegation also acknowledged the efforts undertaken by Sri Lanka thus far and encouraged continued progress in areas related to financial reforms, transparency, and institutional integrity.
Japan’s involvement in Sri Lanka includes infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and disaster risk reduction. With billions of yen in soft loans and grants already disbursed, Japanese support is seen as crucial for Sri Lanka’s ongoing recovery.
The Embassy reiterated that future support and private-sector engagement will depend significantly on Sri Lanka’s ability to ensure sound governance and address corruption concerns effectively.
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