The Japanese emperor’s birthday falls on Feb. 23.

Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment – Dr. Upali Pannilage graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and was also attended by Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests.
Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude for each participant’s contribution to furthering the friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka, and wished for further prosperity and strengthened bilateral ties.

The reception not only revitalised the connection with long-time friends and created new bonds among participants but also provided a propitious platform for showcasing the extensive cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, including Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects and activities of the Japanese companies based in Sri Lanka. Guests also had the opportunity to experience Japanese culture through Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), Karate demonstration, and Sake tasting.

The Embassy of Japan remains committed to fostering the strong and friendly relations between the two nations and looks forward to further collaboration in the years ahead.

Yesterday (July 02), the Foreign Ministers of Japan and Sri Lanka Kamikawa Yoko and Ali Sabry, signed the Exchange of Notes for Human Resource Development Scholarship (known as JDS) in Tokyo during his official visit to Japan, marking a new milestone for JDS in Sri Lanka.

Through the Exchange of Notes, the Government of Japan has provided a grant aid worth approximately Rs.578 million (304 million Japanese Yen) for this project. This project aims to train young promising administrative officers in the public sector at various universities in Japan and develop their knowledge and skills in order to qualify them as future national leaders in their respective fields. Under the project, 17 public sector officials will be sent to pursue a 2 to 3 year Master’s or PhD degree programs commencing in 2025. Their research areas include Public Policy, Macroeconomics, Public Finance and Investment Management, Industry Development Policy and Investment Promotion, and Urban and Regional Development.

Since its inception in 2010, JDS project has supported 222 public sector officials from Sri Lanka. The project will contribute not only to enhancing individual capacities but also to improving institutional capacity of the public sector, thereby supporting healthy and sustainable development of Sri Lanka. We sincerely hope that JDS fellows will play indispensable roles in navigating Sri Lanka’s administration towards full-scale economic growth that we all anticipate coming following the recent agreement on the debt restructuring with the official creditors.

‘JDS fellows are also expected to further solidify the foundations of the bilateral relations with Japan as a bridge between both countries by utilizing their human network developed through academic and social activities while in Japan. In this regard, we welcome the launch of the JDS Alumni Association by the JDS returnees in March this year. We have high hopes for the JDS Alumni Association to facilitate the sharing of knowledge they gained in Japan and encourage collaboration among relevant ministries and agencies, thereby promoting ingenuity in overcoming various difficulties and in ultimately achieving Sri Lanka’s prosperous development. We also hope that the JDS Alumni Association will serve as a vital hub for strengthening our bilateral relations,’ a statement issued by the Japanese embassy in Sri Lanka notes.

It adds that with the signing of the Exchange of Note, the commitment to JDS is renewed with the hope of energizing and solidifying the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

This initiative aims to reinforce food and nutritional security while building resilience through various interventions. Key components of the project include establishing four community-operated mini hatcheries in Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura, and Monaragala districts, upgrading four NAQDA Aquaculture Development Centres, and one community-operated mini fish breeding centre. 

These efforts seek to increase breeding and rearing capacity, enhance fingerling stocks in selected reservoirs, develop broodstock for breeding units, and promote cage culture for seed rearing among fisher communities.

Furthermore, the project will provide three live fish transportation trucks to NAQDA, integrate digital technology into inland fisheries, and enhance the technical capacities of officers and fishers in production, management, processing, and value addition of inland fisheries.

Ambassador Mizukoshi highlighted Japan’s longstanding commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s fisheries development and emphasized the significance of this new project in strengthening the fisheries sector, improving food security, and enhancing livelihoods.

Hon. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, underscored the historical importance of Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries sector and emphasized the pivotal role of this project in revitalizing the sector amid recent financial challenges.

The project is expected to directly benefit approximately 3,000 inland fishers, 40 farmers engaged in mini hatchery operations, and 20 farmers specializing in fish feed preparation. Moreover, it is anticipated to have positive indirect effects on family members, consumers, producers of dry fish, and stakeholders in research and academia.

Mr. Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka, emphasized the significance of partnerships in driving sustainable development and reiterated the United Nations’ commitment to fostering collaborations that empower communities and reinforce crucial sectors like inland fisheries.

Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, stressed the importance of increasing inland fish production and ensuring the sustainability of the inland fisheries industry, highlighting the project’s role in uplifting livelihoods and fortifying resilience in rural communities.

Japan and Sri Lanka join hands with @FAOSriLanka to launch "Development of Self-sustained Culture-based Inland Fisheries" . This collaborative project aims to boost food security and rural livelihoods, highlighting our commitment to sustainable growth. #FisheriesFortifySL pic.twitter.com/3MaFEVVoIh

— Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka（在スリランカ日本国大使館) (@JapanEmb_SL) April 25, 2024

Television footage showed collapsing buildings in the city of Hualien, on Taiwan’s eastern coast, with reports of people trapped inside amid continuing aftershocks.

A five-storey building in Hualien appeared heavily damaged, collapsing its first floor and leaving the rest leaning at a 45-degree angle. In the capital, Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings and within some newer office complexes.

The earthquake was Taiwan’s strongest since 1999, when a 7.7-magnitude quake 93 miles (150 km) south of Taipei killed 2,400 and injured 10,000.

The head of Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring bureau, Wu Chien-fu, said effects were detected as far away as Kinmen, a Taiwanese-controlled island off the coast of China. Multiple aftershocks were felt in Taipei in the hour after the initial quake.

Japanese media said the magnitude-7.5 quake could trigger waves as high as three metres in some areas of Okinawa prefecture, located roughly 1,000 miles south of Tokyo. Broadcaster NHK said an initial tsunami of 30cm had washed ashore on Yonaguni, a remote island just 110km from Taiwan, but warned that higher waves could follow.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake had a magnitude of 7.4, with its epicentre 18km (11 miles) south of Taiwan’s Hualien city at a depth of 34.8km. Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency gave the magnitude as 7.2.

The Philippines’ seismology agency on Wednesday issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas fronting the Pacific Ocean, saying they were expected to experience “high tsunami waves”. People in the coastal areas in several provinces were advised to immediately evacuate to higher grounds or move further inland.

“Owners of boats in harbours, estuaries or shallow coastal water of the above-mentioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront,” it said in a statement. “Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised.”

Announcers on Japan’s public broadcaster NHK urged people not to go near the coast and to evacuate to higher areas, while warnings in English and Japanese appeared on the screen.

A 7.6-magnitude jolt hit Taiwan in September 1999, killing around 2,400 people in the deadliest natural disaster in the island’s history.

It has only been four months since a magnitude-7.6 quake and tsunami killed 244 people and caused widespread damage on the Noto peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture on the Japan Sea coast.

Japan’s biggest earthquake on record was a massive 9.0-magnitude undersea jolt in March 2011 off Japan’s northeast coast, which triggered a tsunami that left around 18,500 people dead or missing.

(This story, originally published by theguardian.com has not been edited by SLM staff)

“Therefore the external debt restructuring must be concluded with a sense of urgency,” said Kotaro speaking at the Daily FT-BOI ICCSL webinar titled “The FTA pathway: Exploring Sri Lanka’s Export and FDI Potential.”

Delivering the keynote in the webinar, Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry emphasised that Sri Lanka’s key location and potential for growth must not be neglected, and the country must move towards a more robust system of trade with our regional partners and those on distant shores.

Sabry noted, “We have much to gain from positive FTAs, and we must move towards a system of production that is globally competitive, and not only catering to the domestic market.”

However, Sabry emphasised that negotiations must be strategic, stakeholder driven and focused, and must take into consideration the opportunities and threats.

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by ft.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

It looks like a watermelon, but without the stripes, while the inside is white. According to reports, the texture of the fruit starts out crisp like a pear, but as it ripens, it gets much softer, so there are several different ways to enjoy it.

The new fruit is being cultivated in limited quantities by five farmers in Hokkaido.

According to Japan Today, Suntory Flowers – the Japanese horticulture company that developed the fruit – said it bred the unique offering from a type of melon originally imported from overseas and have been working on it for the past five years.

The current product, which is propagated with lemons, is the result of countless experiments on cultivation methods and harvest times, and this is the first year that they can sell them.

According to the Suntory website, the melon is “a perfect reward dessert of hot summer with refreshing acidity”.

This year, the company is expecting to cultivate about 3,800 lemon melons, which will be sold in Sapporo supermarkets until the end of August. They currently retail for 3,220 yen ($22) each.

This is the latest addition to Japan’s luxury fruit market, which includes items such as white strawberries, square-shaped watermelons, the Dekopon citrus, a hybrid of mandarin and oranges, as well as Ruby Roman grapes and Miyazaki mangoes, the most expensive in the world. 

(National News)

IKAZUCHI (DD-107) is a 150.5m long Destroyer which is manned by a crew of 207. She is commanded by Commander TANAKA Hiroaki. Meanwhile, Captain of the ship called on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva at the Western Naval Headquarters today.

During the ship’s stay in Colombo, the crew members are expected to visit some of the tourist attractions in the country. Concluding her official visit, IKAZUCHI (DD-107) will depart the island on 23rd June.

(Pic : navy.lk)

The Sri Lankan Cabinet gave approval this week to proceed with the resumption of the US $ 2.2 billion LRT project to be financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The line is to be constructed linking Malambe with Colombo Fort. The project was launched during the time of the previous Yahapalana government. However, in September, 2020, the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government scrapped the project.

During the recent visit to Japan, President Ranil Wickremesinghe sought to resume the project.

Responding to a query posed by Daily Mirror in this regard, the Japanese embassy said it is important for Sri Lanka to proceed with the debt restructuring process with all the creditors in a transparent, equal manner.

The embassy said Japan will see how to resume loan projects and start new loan projects while keeping an eye on the debt restructuring process.

(dailymirror.lk)

The event, jointly organized by JETRO, Japan-Sri Lanka Business Co-Operation, and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, aimed to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

During the round table, President Wickremesinghe fervently outlined the ongoing efforts undertaken by Sri Lanka to restore stability and openness to its economy, presenting an inviting climate for foreign investment. With a clear vision to attract Japanese enterprise, he discussed the various measures and reforms being implemented to create a conducive business environment for potential investors.

Recognizing Japan’s significance as a vital economic partner, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the mutual benefits that can be derived from increased collaboration between the two nations. Sri Lanka’s strategic location and skilled workforce were highlighted as key advantages, providing a gateway for Japanese companies to expand their operations in the region and leverage the country’s emerging economic opportunities.

As Sri Lanka continues its journey toward economic revival, President Wickremesinghe’s active participation in the round table, underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to attracting foreign investment and driving sustainable economic progress.

Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickramasinghe also joined a meeting with the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association.

Meanwhile, a meeting took place in Tokyo between Japan’s Minister of Digitization, Mr. Taro Kono and President Ranil Wickremesinghe. During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe provided a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka’s program to advance towards a digital economy. Furthermore, the discussion emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka in their respective digital transformation endeavours.

Simultaneously, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also engaged in talks with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang in Tokyo. The discussions between the two leaders primarily focused on strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

(President’s Media Division)

This funded project comprises the UNODC’s programmes to address the urgent needs emerging from current context in Sri Lanka, for the duration of one year, with initial actions started in February 2023. In the country, due to the economic crisis the space of legal income-generating opportunities has shrunk drastically, which reportedly has pushed more people towards illegal activities as a means of living, especially the trafficking of illicit drugs. In this context, drug use such as pharmaceutical drugs, cannabis, heroin and methamphetamine has been sharply on the rise both in urban and rural areas including school-aged children and adolescents. Accordingly, the number of people with drug use accompanied by negative health and social consequences is estimated to be rapidly increasing, while affecting social stability.  

Under the project, is envisaged that those at risk of drug use and already affected by drug use and drug use disorders will be supported through drug use prevention, treatment and care interventions that are based on scientific evidence and ethical principles. These services are to be delivered with particular attention to those with special vulnerabilities, such as children, youths, women, and minorities, through UNODC’s expanded partnerships with relevant Ministries of the Government of Sri Lanka, UN and other international and regional agencies, as well as NGOs in a multi-sectorial manner.

National Dangerous Drug Control Board (NDDCB) confirms the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to continuing to monitor and assess the emerging trends and complex drug market. It is also determined to undertake the necessary steps to mitigate the risks of drug abuse including referral of persons with drug use and drug use disorders for voluntary admissions to medical treatment and rehabilitation. Sri Lanka currently values therapeutic approaches for drug-addicted persons over punitive measures and necessary actions have been taken to incorporate effective and efficient treatment and rehabilitation approaches at the residential and community levels in consultation with the relevant government stakeholders.

“Investing in drug prevention and treatment is an investment in the social, economic, and moral fabric of our society. It’s about recognizing that every person struggling with addiction deserves access to compassionate and effective care, and that by addressing the root causes of addiction, we can build healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come.” Emphasized FISD (Foundation for Innovative Social Development), one of NGO partners working on drug demand reduction as importance of such initiatives.

In response to this challenging situation, UNODC is to introduce programmes on drug use prevention, treatment, and care to be tailored to the context of the country, scaling them up through the cooperation with the government, UN and other partner agencies and NGOs. The key to achieving this includes developing and strengthening the coordination mechanism among the relevant authorities, as well as introducing systematic capacity development for those who disseminate drug use prevention tools or deliver treatment and care services for people affected by drug use disorders.