Japanese defence minister reaches Colombo on 2-day Sri Lanka visit

Japanese defence minister Itsunori Onodera reached Colombo last evening on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka after conclusion of his visit to India. 

This marks the first-ever visit of a Japanese Defence Minister to Sri Lanka. 

During his visit, he will call on country’s President and Prime minister and hold talks with State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene and other government leaders. 

His visit assumes significance as Japan has begun playing an active role in the



region. 

Japan is contributing for several economic projects in Sri Lanka in a purported bid to remove its reliance on Chinese loans and investments. 

The visit of defence minister also coincided with Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ship 'Ikazuchi' arrival at the Port of Trincomalee on Monday. 

During the 3 day official visit,  the ship's crew is scheduled to visit the important places in Sri Lanka and to participate in several special programs arranged by the Sri Lanka Navy.