Japan-Sri Lanka talks on bolstering cooperation on climate-friendly initiatives

In a significant diplomatic engagement underscoring the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, the Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mizukoshi Hideaki, paid an official visit to the Ministry of Environment on Monday.

- BY IFHAM NIZAM

The discussions centered around bolstering bilateral cooperation on climate-friendly initiatives, aligning with global carbon reduction targets and supporting Sri Lanka’s transition to cleaner energy systems.

Welcoming the ambassador, Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi expressed Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening its environmental policy frameworks in line with international best practices. “This is not merely about funding or infrastructure, Patabendi said. “It’s about forging long-term partnerships that support our national objectives on renewable energy, biodiversity conservation and carbon neutrality.”

A major highlight of the discussion was the implementation of key environmental projects supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). These include the proposed Matara and Chilaw Solar Power Projects, which are expected to significantly augment Sri Lanka’s renewable energy capacity and a biomass project that fall under the Paris Agreement's guidelines.