On Tuesday, October 10, in the Presidential Secretariat, grants from Japan to Sri Lanka were officially transferred through the World Food Programme (WFP) for a number of crucial initiatives.
The occasion was attended by Mr Komura Masahiro, the Japanese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Mitsukoshi Hideki, the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka. The President’s Media Division (PMD) also said that Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, the President’s Senior Advisor on Economic Affairs, and other Sri Lankan authorities were there.
Deputy Minister Mr Komura highlighted his joy at helping Sri Lanka amid its recent economic crisis during his remarks. He also emphasised Japan’s resolve to continue to support Sri Lanka as a friend and partner.
Meanwhile, Dr. Samaratunga expressed his appreciation to the Japanese government for its help. He informed the Japanese officials of the actions being taken by the Sri Lankan government to lessen the effects of economic hardship on weaker households. The National Social Security Programme, the School Meal Programme, and the Emergency Response Programme have all been significant initiatives in this area.
Dr. Samaratunga also discussed the 70-year diplomatic ties between Japan and Sri Lanka, highlighting Japan’s ongoing assistance.
Japan has donated food goods worth USD $10 million to the World Food Programme. Particularly, 145,000 households in Sri Lanka have benefited from Japanese assistance provided under the Emergency Response Programme (ERP), which is targeted at the most economically vulnerable families.
Dr. Samaratunga further mentioned that Japan had given Sri Lanka 7,270 metric tonnes of food. These supplies, which included red lentils, were used for the school meal programme, which benefited 960,000 students.
