NewsGovernment is expected to further strengthen the maritime security cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka with much strong bilateral ties and cooperation. This was disclosed during the meeting between Japanese Minister of Defence Itsunori Onodera, who is on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, and President Maithripala Sirisena held at the Presidential Secretariat, today. This is the first time that a Japanese Defence Minister is visiting the country, and the Minister was warmly welcomed by the President. According to Presidential Secretariat, a special attention will be given towards strengthening the defence cooperation encompassing maritime security. As a result of the discussions held between President Maithripala Sirisena and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe the Japanese Government took steps to provide two patrol boats for the Sri Lankan Costal Guards costing Rs.1.8 billion.

Source: Sunday Times August 21, 2018 14:03 UTC