President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended an invitation to the Japanese business community to explore new economic opportunities in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties between the two nations and encouraging greater private sector collaboration. Sri Lanka Latest News
The President made these remarks while addressing the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Forum, held yesterday (29) at the headquarters of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in Tokyo.
The forum brought together nearly 200 senior members of the Japanese business community and was jointly organized by JETRO, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee, and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI).
During the event, Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, Principal Advisor to the President on the Digital Economy, presented Sri Lanka’s strategic initiatives for national digitalization. He highlighted growth prospects in areas such as digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), stressing Sri Lanka’s vision to become a regional hub for data center development.
The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka also outlined key sectors prioritized for Japanese investment, including manufacturing, information and communication technology, renewable energy, and tourism. The presentation underscored the country’s readiness to support investment needs through robust policy frameworks and streamlined processes.
A special networking session was conducted in parallel, allowing Sri Lankan business representatives to engage directly with members of the Japanese business community.
President Dissanayake also held discussions with JETRO Chairman Ishiguro Norihiko, who reaffirmed JETRO’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Sri Lanka. He assured that JETRO would continue to serve as a bridge between the two countries’ business communities to foster mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Sri Lankan delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yusuf; Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe; Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs Duminda Hulangamuwa; and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Representing Japan were Dr. Ogushi Masaki, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry; KOBAYASHI Fumihiko, Chairman of the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Cooperation Committee; along with senior representatives from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Forum.
