Japan to take leading role in Sri Lanka’s negotiations with creditors: president’s office

ECONOMYNEXT – In a discussion with Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Tokyo, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi has expressed his country’s willingness to take a leading role in Sri Lanka’s talks with her creditors, a statement said.

The president’s media division (PMD) said Tuesday September 27 morning that Minister Hayashi had welcomed Sri Lanka’s progress with a proposed International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal and had also expressed an interest in exploring investment opportunities in renewable energy.

“President Wickremesinghe expressed regret over the breakdown of relations between Japan and Sri Lanka following the cancellation of several investment projects by the former government. The president stressed that he was keen to restart those projects,” the PMD statement said.

Wickremesinghe had also indicated that the government was interested in Japan investing in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy projects.

According to the statement, Minister Hayashi had said Japan has increased its commitment to renewable energy and would be willing to explore future investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Japan will also begin a proposed skilled worker examination in January 2023 for Sri Lankan migrant workers, the statement quoted Hayashi as saying.

President Wickremesinghe meanwhile has expressed the government’s willingness to support both Japan’s and India’s campaign to become permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

“The foreign minister welcomed the news, stressing that Asia required greater representation on the world stage,” the statement said. (Colombo/Sep27/2022)