The outgoing Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki, expressed his disappointment over the sudden cancellation of the Colombo-Malambe light rail project. The project, funded by Japan, was part of a Japanese aid program, and its termination shocked the entire Japanese government, including JICA and the companies involved.
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Ambassador Mizukoshi said there is a difference between suspending and canceling a project. He emphasized that Japan has lost trust in Sri Lanka because of this unreasonable cancellation. He added that Sri Lanka has now become a target of global criticism for halting a positive development project with a country like Japan.
The ambassador also mentioned that this decision made it harder for Japan to offer further assistance to Sri Lanka. However, relations slightly improved after President Ranil Wickremesinghe apologized to Japan and requested support for future projects.
Mizukoshi stated that no clear reason was provided for this surprising decision, hinting that local politicians might have obstructed the project for their benefit.
Although Japan has resumed 11 stalled projects under the debt restructuring program, the ambassador said there is no possibility of restarting canceled projects. He explained that if Sri Lanka wishes to resume these projects, it would need to formally request Japan’s reconsideration.
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