A special official meeting was held in Tokyo on the 2nd between the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, who is on an official visit to Japan, and Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chairman of the Nippon Foundation / Sasakawa Foundation, one of the world's leading philanthropic institutions.
The discussions focused extensively on enhancing technical expertise and professional training opportunities for Sri Lankan officials and researchers engaged in fisheries, oceanography, and marine resource management through the continued support of the Nippon Foundation, a longstanding friend of Sri Lanka. Mr. Sasakawa expressed his commitment to further expanding higher education and scholarship opportunities available to Sri Lankan students and professionals through the World Maritime University.
In addition to the fisheries sector, the Minister conveyed his sincere appreciation for the Nippon Foundation’s significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s overall development. He highlighted the Foundation’s support in improving educational activities in 100 schools across the Northern Province, as well as its historic role in supporting efforts to eliminate leprosy in the country.
Mr. Sasakawa also exchanged views with the Minister on the possibility of supporting an innovative agricultural initiative aimed at helping Sri Lanka regain self-sufficiency in rice production. Mr. Yohei Sasakawa is scheduled to undertake a special visit to Sri Lanka next week, during which he is expected to inaugurate a newly constructed cultural center in the country. The Minister reaffirmed that cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Nippon Foundation will continue to be advanced with enhanced transparency and accountability under the current government.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan, Professor Pivithuru Janaka Kumarasinghe, and Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Dr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa also participated in the meeting.
