Sri Lanka is looking forward to revamping and rebuilding relations with Japan after it suffered a setback during the time of the previous regime.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe told the Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi that he regretted the breakdown in Japan-Sri Lanka relations following the cancellation of Japanese-funded projects in Sri Lanka.
President Wickremesinghe has emphasized the need to restart the projects that were rescinded by the previous regime.
During the discussion, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that the Japanese government will take the lead in negotiations with creditors for the restructuring of Sri Lanka’s debts, which is the primary focus of the discussion between Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund.
During the discussion, the President said that he expected Japanese investment in the renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka.
The Japanese Foreign Minister has indicated that Japan was willing to consider future project opportunities in Sri Lanka, showing more inclination towards renewable energy.
The foreign minister also stated that the process to provide more job opportunities in Japan for skilled workers from Sri Lanka by the year 2023 has already been started.
The President said that he appreciates Japan’s support in international affairs and that he expects to support Japan and India’s efforts to become permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
The Japanese Foreign Minister appreciated the President’s commitment and further emphasised that Asia’s representation on the world stage is imperative and therefore be expanded.