Sri Lanka’s East Container Terminal development to receive Japanese assistance 

The Japanese government has reaffirmed its commitment to develop the East Container Terminal of the Colombo South Harbour, a move that aims to strengthen relations between the two countries – particularly on the economic front.

This initiative is part of a joint venture with India and Sri Lanka. According to the agreement, Japan is to assist Sri Lanka in the construction of an LNG terminal. Moreover, the city of Kandy is to be developed in line with the master plan that was used for Kyoto, Japan.

Commenting on the partnership, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe stated: “The East Container Terminal of the Colombo South Harbour will remain under the ownership of Sri Lanka while there will be a joint venture with the partnership of Sri Lanka, India and Japan to manage the terminal. The Bandaranaike International Airport expansion project will also receive Japanese assistance.”

One of the projects that are currently underway between the two countries is the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project for which the Government of Japan, along with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has agreed to offer Sri Lanka a loan of US$ 1.7 billion.

Freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean was another topic that was discussed at the meeting between representatives of both sides.