From Ichigaya to the High Seas Sri Lanka-Japan Defence Collaboration Intensifies

The Sri Lankan defence delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), concluded a series of high-level engagements in Japan on 18 March, marking a significant boost in bilateral defence cooperation. The visit forms part of the ongoing Japan–Sri Lanka Defence Dialogue aimed at deepening strategic and maritime partnerships.

During the trip, the delegation toured the National Institute for Defence Studies (NIDS) in Tokyo, receiving briefings on Japan’s evolving security environment and engaging in in-depth discussions with President Mr. IMAKYUREI Manabu. The programme also included a visit to the Japanese naval ship JS Maya (DDG-179), where discussions focused on enhancing naval cooperation, port calls to Colombo, Official Security Assistance (OSA), and sharing Sri Lanka’s expertise in asymmetric naval warfare.

Deputy Minister Jayasekara extended an invitation to the Japanese State Minister of Defence and the Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to visit Sri Lanka, underscoring the growing defence partnership and strategic collaboration between the two nations.