The Government of Japan today (Feb. 03) signed an Exchange of Notes with the Government of Sri Lanka to provide JPY 300 million in grant assistance, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to support the  “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative. 

The signing ceremony was held at the Presidential Secretariat in the presence of the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan – Ms. Akiko Ikuina.

The Notes were signed by Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development – Mr. K. M. M. Siriwardana. 
Under this grant assistance, 28 high-quality garbage compactors manufactured by Japanese companies will be provided to the Western, Northern, and Eastern Provinces through the National Solid Waste Management Support Center (NSWMSC) under the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government. The project aims to enhance waste collection and transportation capacity in these regions, ensuring more sanitary and environmentally sustainable waste management.

Recognizing the pressing need to tackle waste accumulation and its impact on public health and air quality, Japan has consistently supported Sri Lanka’s efforts in waste management, including the formulation of the Western Province Solid Waste Management Master Plan and the improvement of waste disposal infrastructure. This latest assistance underscores Japan’s long-standing commitment to addressing Sri Lanka’s environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.