News Today: The Japanese Government allocates Rs 565 million to Sri Lanka for waste management

The Government of Japan has extended a grant of Japanese Yen 300 million (approximately Rs 565 million) to Sri Lanka under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme. This funding aims to enhance the country’s waste management infrastructure, providing essential resources to local government authorities in key provinces.

MoU Signed for Japan’s Waste Management Grant

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday (03) at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The agreement was signed between Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Akiko Ikuina and Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana.

The grant will fund 28 garbage compactors for waste collection and disposal, allocated as follows:

• Western Province – 14 trucks
• Eastern Province – 8 trucks
• Northern Province – 6 trucks

This initiative aligns with Sri Lanka’s sustainability goals and strengthens its waste management capacity, particularly in urban and suburban areas.

Japan’s Support for Sri Lanka’s Governance Reforms

Vice Minister Akiko Ikuina praised Sri Lanka’s current anti-corruption initiatives, stating that the government’s transparency efforts have boosted the country’s appeal for global investment. She reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s development and governance reforms.

During the discussions, Vice Minister Ikuina also delivered a goodwill message from the Prime Minister of Japan to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka Strengthens Ties with Japan

In response, President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued cooperation. He emphasized Sri Lanka’s dedication to upholding anti-corruption policies and maintaining transparency and good governance. The President also acknowledged Japan’s role in resuming previously halted Japan-funded projects in Sri Lanka.

Additionally, Sri Lanka thanked Japan for its support in the debt restructuring process, further reinforcing the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

As Sri Lanka continues its journey toward economic stability and environmental sustainability, this grant from Japan marks another significant step in the country’s development efforts.