Japan Grants 1 Billion Yen to Strengthen Sri Lanka Navy’s Maritime Security

COLOMBO (News1st): The Government of Japan has extended grant assistance amounting to JPY 1 billion under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) Programme 2026 to enhance the maritime security capabilities of the Sri Lanka Navy. 

The Exchange of Notes formalising the grant assistance was signed and exchanged today (10 November) at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Colombo.

The Exchange of Notes was signed by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr ISOMATA Akio, and the Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, in the presence of the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).

Under this grant assistance, the Government of Japan will provide Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to Sri Lanka Navy in order to strengthen its maritime capability.

The assistance is expected to enhance the Sri Lanka Navy's maritime security, maritime surveillance, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and disaster response, thereby contributing to the protection of Sri Lanka's maritime interests.

Addressing the occasion, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma expressed the Government of Sri Lanka's appreciation for Japan's continued support and highlighted the longstanding friendship and strong bilateral relations between the two countries.