JICA – Newswire https://www.newswire.lk Sri Lanka's largest News aggregator Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:30:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.9 https://www.newswire.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/favicon.png JICA – Newswire https://www.newswire.lk 32 32 Rs. 73 Bn Kalu Ganga Water Project to supply Kalutara–Colombo https://www.newswire.lk/2026/09/15/rs-73-bn-kalu-ganga-water-project-to-supply-kalutara-colombo/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:30:18 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=255116

A massive water supply initiative, the Kalu Ganga Water Project, is set to begin with the aim of meeting theContinue Reading

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A massive water supply initiative, the Kalu Ganga Water Project, is set to begin with the aim of meeting the drinking water needs of nearly 500,000 families in Kalutara and Colombo districts. 

The project, estimated at Rs. 73 billion, will be implemented under a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) loan assistance.

A high‑level discussion on the project was held under the leadership of Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Susil Ranasinghe, with participation from Honzu Shigeo, Chief Representative of JICA in Sri Lanka, along with JICA officials, the Ministry Secretary, Project Director, and senior officers of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.

Under the project, a new water purification plant with a daily capacity of 140,000 cubic meters will be constructed in addition to water storage towers and an extensive pipeline network. Officials emphasized that the government is paying special attention to ensuring timely completion so that the public can benefit without delay.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of minimizing potential delays and maintaining close coordination among all stakeholders during implementation.

The Kalu Ganga Water Project is expected to significantly strengthen the water infrastructure in the Western Province, improve drinking water access, and contribute to long‑term urban development in Colombo and Kalutara. (Newswire)

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Rs. 7. 15 Bn hospital projects to strengthen Northern and Eastern healthcare https://www.newswire.lk/2026/09/14/rs-7-15-bn-hospital-projects-to-strengthen-northern-and-eastern-healthcare/ Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:01:59 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=255002

The foundation stone for new hospital buildings in Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, and Mannar, with an investment of Rs. 7,148 million,Continue Reading

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The foundation stone for new hospital buildings in Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, and Mannar, with an investment of Rs. 7,148 million, will be laid on Wednesday (16) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The initiative, supported by loan assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of India, aims to strengthen the health system and expand treatment services in the Northern, North Central, and Eastern provinces. 

According to the Health Ministry, the ceremony will be attended by Minister of Health and Media Nalinda Jayatissa, provincial governors, and senior officials.

At the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, an eight‑storey cardiac treatment complex costing Rs. 3,545 million will be built, equipped with coronary care and critical care units, catheter laboratories, wards, clinics, laboratories, library, auditorium, X‑ray, ECG, and other modern facilities.

At the Trincomalee District General Hospital, another eight‑storey cardiac treatment complex costing Rs. 2,403 million will be constructed under JICA loan assistance, with similar advanced facilities for cardiac diagnosis and treatment.

The Mannar District General Hospital will see the construction of a modern emergency accident and treatment unit complex at a cost of Rs. 600 million, while the Mullaitivu District General Hospital will receive a four‑storey ward complex costing Rs. 600 million, designed to ease patient congestion.

The projects at Mannar and Mullaitivu hospitals will be funded under Indian loan assistance amounting to Rs. 1,200 million, with Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha scheduled to attend the ceremonies. 

JICA’s Chief Representative in Sri Lanka Shigeo Honzu and Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata will also participate.

The Health Ministry added that the projects will allow people living in areas far from Colombo to obtain specialised cardiac and emergency treatment quickly and free of charge within their own regions. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka–Japan to strengthen cooperation in digital transformation and AI https://www.newswire.lk/2026/08/15/sri-lanka-japan-to-strengthen-cooperation-in-digital-transformation-and-ai/ Sat, 15 Aug 2026 07:01:01 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=250302

Sri Lanka and Japan are set to deepen cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), following high‑level talks betweenContinue Reading

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Sri Lanka and Japan are set to deepen cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), following high‑level talks between Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratna and Shohei Hara, Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Digital Economy yesterday (14), centered on two priority areas: expediting the digital television project and resolving its technical challenges, as well as exploring the local manufacture of set‑top boxes to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic industries.

In addition, both sides discussed establishing a National AI Data Centre to support future AI infrastructure in Sri Lanka. Plans include capacity‑building programs, training, developing AI solutions tailored to local needs, and exchanging international technical expertise and best practices.

The Ministry of Digital Economy expressed appreciation for JICA’s ongoing technical cooperation, while Deputy Minister Weeraratna emphasized that these initiatives will be advanced successfully, further reinforcing the friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan. (Newswire)

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PM Harini meets JICA Senior Vice President Shohei Hara https://www.newswire.lk/2026/08/13/pm-harini-meets-jica-senior-vice-president-shohei-hara/ Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:38:27 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=249977

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met with Shohei Hara, Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and hisContinue Reading

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met with Shohei Hara, Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and his delegation at Temple Trees to discuss Sri Lanka’s development priorities and future cooperation with Japan.

The meeting also brought together Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as both sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding economic collaboration.

During his visit, Mr. Hara also held discussions with Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, United Nations Assistant Secretary‑General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, focusing on sustainable development and partnerships to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

JICA Sri Lanka confirmed that Mr. Hara will travel across Sri Lanka to meet communities and inspect key projects, including the Water Supply Development initiative in Anuradhapura and the Doppler Weather Radar Network establishment in Puttalam. 

The Agency added that these engagements reaffirm JICA’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s sustainable growth, resilience, and prosperity. (Newswire)

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JICA provides advanced Drones to RDA https://www.newswire.lk/2026/03/17/jica-provides-advanced-drones-to-rda/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:58:59 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=227429

Advanced drones handed over by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Sri Lanka’s Road Development Authority (RDA) in FebruaryContinue Reading

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Advanced drones handed over by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Sri Lanka’s Road Development Authority (RDA) in February are to be used exclusively to strengthen landslide disaster prevention and plan emergency measures more effectively.

According to a JICA statement, on 26 February 2026, JICA officially handed over advanced drones to the RDA under the Project for Strengthening Landslide Disaster Prevention Capacity for Resilient Road Transportation (2025–2028).

Following an urgent request from the RDA, JICA supported a comprehensive post‑disaster road survey in December after the severe impacts of Cyclone Ditwah. 

JICA states these drones will now be used exclusively for aerial reconnaissance of hazardous slopes, helping RDA engineers and Japanese experts conduct wide field investigations, assess landslide‑affected areas, identify high‑risk road sections, and plan emergency measures more effectively.

The drones enhance real‑time assessment, accurate topographic surveys, 3D models to assess landslide extent, faster surveys at hazardous sites and monitoring of vulnerable road sections. 

They will also feed high‑resolution data into the Sri Lanka Road Asset Management System, strengthening on‑site decision‑making during emergencies.

This timely support boosts disaster preparedness, strengthens emergency response, and contributes to a safer, more resilient national road network, JICA added. (Newswire)

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JICA yet to greenlight LRT project : Foreign Minister https://www.newswire.lk/2026/02/17/jica-yet-to-greenlight-lrt-project-foreign-minister/ Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:40:11 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=223500

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has yet to provide final clearance for the proposed Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT)Continue Reading

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The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has yet to provide final clearance for the proposed Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said.

Addressing the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Herath said JICA had conveyed that any decision on the LRT would be considered only after assessing the progress and outcomes of other ongoing projects.

He said work on multimodal transport hubs is currently underway and that discussions regarding the LRT have been held, but formal approval has not been granted.

Herath said that during talks with JICA officials, the government presented its proposals for the LRT. However, JICA indicated that priority should first be given to completing and evaluating existing projects before taking a decision on the rail initiative. (Newswire)

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Infectious waste incinerators to be established at 15 Govt hospitals https://www.newswire.lk/2025/09/03/infectious-waste-incinerators-to-be-established-at-15-govt-hospitals/ Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:25:17 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=201567

The Ministry of Health says state-of-the-art infectious waste incinerators are to be established at 15 government hospitals across Sri Lanka.Continue Reading

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The Ministry of Health says state-of-the-art infectious waste incinerators are to be established at 15 government hospitals across Sri Lanka.

According to the Ministry, the infectious waste incinerators are to be installed at the hospitals under the Infectious Waste Management Improvement Project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

This project is implemented with a financial grant of 503 million yen from the Japanese government and its citizens.

In addition to the Trincomalee District General Hospital, units have been installed at the teaching hospitals in Ratnapura and Kurunegala; district hospitals in Embilipitiya, Avissawella, Hambantota, Mannar, and Kilinochchi; base hospitals in Rikillagaskada, Mahiyanganaya, Puttalam, Meerigama, Medirigiriya, and Welikanda; and the divisional hospital in Nakulugamuwa.

The incinerator installed at Trincomalee District General Hospital is capable of burning up to 162 kilograms of infectious waste per hour. The project includes five such high-capacity machines and ten additional units capable of incinerating 58 kilograms per hour. Each incinerator has been installed according to the specific needs of the respective hospital. 

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art infectious waste incinerator installed at the Trincomalee District General Hospital is scheduled to be vested with the public on Friday, 05th September 2025.

The event to officially hand over the equipment to the public will be held at 10.00 am this Friday under the patronage of Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, with participation of Eastern Province Governor Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasiri, Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra, and Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata. (Newswire)

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JICA to continue providing financial & technical assistance to Sri Lanka https://www.newswire.lk/2025/01/07/jica-to-continue-providing-financial-technical-assistance-to-sri-lanka/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:53:26 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=170170

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has assured it will continue its financial and technical assistance to Sri Lanka withoutContinue Reading

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The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has assured it will continue its financial and technical assistance to Sri Lanka without interruption. 

The assurance was made during a meeting held today (Jan 07) at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Senior Vice President of JICA, HARA Shohei.

During the discussion, attention was drawn to the ongoing development work at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, which is being carried out under Japanese aid. 

It was highlighted that all projects initiated in Sri Lanka under JICA support are planned to be expedited and completed efficiently. 

HARA Shohei also reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to extending financial support to Sri Lanka in the future, similar to the assistance provided during the country’s debt restructuring process.

He emphasized that JICA is ready to provide financial and technical assistance for the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme and other initiatives. 

Additionally, JICA expressed interest in supporting Sri Lanka in reforming its transport system and enhancing urban cleanliness through financial and logistical aid.

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, First Secretary, Head of Economic Cooperation Kenji Ohashi, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Tetsuya Yamada, Senior Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Yuri Ide, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake also participated in the discussions. (Newswire)

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JICA team visits Sri Lanka’s Viridis to study plastic management https://www.newswire.lk/2024/11/29/jica-team-visits-sri-lankas-viridis-to-study-plastic-management/ Fri, 29 Nov 2024 07:44:55 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=166496

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) technical team for ‘Strengthening plastic management capacity in Sri Lanka’ has visited Viridis, aContinue Reading

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The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) technical team for ‘Strengthening plastic management capacity in Sri Lanka’ has visited Viridis, a pioneer in plastic waste management, to get first-hand experience on Recycling efforts. 

The JICA technical team was headed by Dr. Naofumi SATO, accompanied by members Dr. Paulo Vinicius Queiroz Sousa and Dr. Mohamed Hamza Cherki.

Deputy Director General (Solid waste) of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) Chathura Malwana and Project Coordinator of JICA Nayana Samaraweera also participated and held a meeting with Viridis Chairman John Martin Stewart Phillips and its Managing Director Buddhika Muthukumarana.

Founded in 2005, VIRIDIS (PVT) LTD is a pioneering leader in mixed plastic waste management in Sri Lanka, with nearly two decades of expertise in the industry. 

Registered under the BOI, Ministry of Industrial Development, Export Development Board, and Waste Management Authority, the company has made remarkable strides in environmental sustainability by recycling over 9,500 metric tons of plastic waste, including 288 million PET bottles. These efforts have significantly reduced waste that would otherwise pollute landfills, waterways, and oceans.

With its operations guided by the Central Environmental Authority’s standards, Viridis ensures all waste is responsibly recycled or disposed of, either internally or through certified recyclers and upcyclers. 

The vision of its founder, Stewart, a UK entrepreneur, brought PET bottle recycling to Sri Lanka, addressing a critical environmental challenge. Located in the Templeburg Industrial Zone in Panagoda, just 30 km from Colombo, Viridis continues to drive impactful waste management and recycling solutions for a cleaner, greener future. (Newswire)

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JICA expected to release funds for BIA terminal project by August https://www.newswire.lk/2024/07/30/jica-expected-to-release-funds-for-bia-terminal-project-by-august/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:56:19 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=153804

Construction on the proposed second terminal for the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is expected to resume soon, with the necessaryContinue Reading

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Construction on the proposed second terminal for the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is expected to resume soon, with the necessary loan facility expected to be provided by next month.

Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. (AASL), Eng. Athula Galketiya said negotiations with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are underway, and they are expected to provide the necessary loan facility by next month as promised. 

“We plan to issue tenders by mid-September, begin construction by mid-next year, and complete it by the end of 2028, aiming to accommodate about 9 million more passengers,” he noted. 

Eng. Athula Galketiya further said by July 2024, there will be 4.3 million international passenger movements, and they anticipate that this number will reach around 9 million by the end of the next six months, reflecting a 26.10% growth compared to July 2023.

He also noted that international air traffic increased by 24.50% by June 2024 compared to June 2023, while air cargo movement rose by 28.96% in the same period. 

“Our terminal handled approximately 10.8 million air passengers in 2018, but there are challenges in providing adequate facilities. Therefore, many short-term and long-term measures are currently being implemented to improve facilities for 8 to 9 million passengers,” he said. 

Eng. Athula Galketiya revealed that the tender aims to improve the departure area of the first external terminal, with the award likely happening next month. 

He further said that additionally, 30 more counters will be added to the departure area of the new building, along with the construction of four e-gates each for arrivals and departures, streamlining the immigration and emigration processes. (Newswire)

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Funding projects in SL: Official announcement from Japan https://www.newswire.lk/2024/07/25/funding-projects-in-sl-official-announcement-from-japan/ Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:12:55 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=153499

The Japanese Government has officially notified Sri Lanka of its decision to resume disbursement to Yen Loan Projects that wereContinue Reading

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The Japanese Government has officially notified Sri Lanka of its decision to resume disbursement to Yen Loan Projects that were previously suspended since the default of Sri Lanka in 2022. 

The decision has been taken following the completion of the signing of the agreement between the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and Sri Lanka on Tuesday (July 23) and the expression of willingness by the Government of Sri Lanka to conclude a bilateral agreement on debt restructuring swiftly.

A press conference was held at the Ministry of Treasury yesterday jointly with the Government of Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Japan, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to officially announce the resumption of Yen Loan Projects in Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the media, Japanese Ambassador MIZUKOSHI Hideki said all the suspended Yen Loan projects are crucial infrastructures that promote Sri Lanka’s economic growth.

He further commended Sri Lankan authorities for their ongoing efforts in implementing the comprehensive economic and social reforms essential to guiding the country back to a sustainable path.

Japanese Ambassador MIZUKOSHI Hideki also reaffirmed Japan’s continuous and unwavering commitment to supporting Sri Lanka. 

Also addressing the media, the Chief Representative of the JICA Sri Lanka office, IDE Yuri expressed hope that the resumption of Yen Loan projects will contribute to stabilizing the economy and society of Sri Lanka. 

Yuri further expressed hope that it will also help gain momentum toward long-term sustainable growth, thus paving the way for Sri Lanka to recover trust and confidence from the people and private businesses of both Sri Lanka and the world. 

“JICA with discussions with the Government of Japan has decided to promptly resume the disbursement and other operations of their ODA loan projects without waiting for the amendment of each relevant agreement. This decision was made to restart and drive forward the delayed ODA loan projects at the earliest possible speed. Projects such as the expansion of the Katunayake Airport, digitalization of Terrestrial TV Broadcasting, expansion of power transmission lines, construction of water supply and treatment facilities, and improvement of the medical facilities,” Yuri added.

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka to the Government of Japan for their pivotal role throughout the debt treatment process and for being the foremost decision taker to refinance the ongoing infrastructure development projects. (Newswire)

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Japan agrees to resume BIA extension project – Minister https://www.newswire.lk/2024/07/10/japan-agrees-to-resume-bia-extension-project-minister/ Wed, 10 Jul 2024 05:35:01 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=152162

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has agreed to resume the 2nd terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) extensionContinue Reading

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The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has agreed to resume the 2nd terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) extension project, Minister of Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva announced.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the project will be facilitated under a concessionary loan scheme. 

According to a previous JICA statement, the objective of the project was to improve the facilities of the Katunayake Airport to cope with air traffic.

The project focuses on the construction of the second passenger terminal and the required utility. The terminal building was to be developed based on the concept of Eco-Airport with Japanese advanced technology and know-how. 

The concept includes rainwater harvesting for the landscaping works and recycled water from the sewerage treatment plant for flushing toilets, photovoltaic power generation, solar energy harvesting, LED lighting, energy-efficient glazing, etc. 

After the completion of the Terminal, the airport was to be able to handle 15 million passengers per annum and eventually ease the air traffic movement.

The construction of the new passenger terminal building by Taisei Corporation Japan was expected to be opened in 2024. 

However, following Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, JICA halted the funding for Terminal 2 construction of the BIA Development project and the move compelled the Japanese Taisei Corporation to suspend construction. (Newswire)

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Met Department to receive tech upgrade this year https://www.newswire.lk/2024/06/03/met-department-to-receive-tech-upgrade-this-year/ Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:59:30 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=149044

Sri Lanka’s Meteorology Department has taken measures to strengthen its weather forecasting system, in light of the continuous impacts theContinue Reading

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Sri Lanka’s Meteorology Department has taken measures to strengthen its weather forecasting system, in light of the continuous impacts the nation faces due to the seasonal inclement weather conditions. 

Speaking to the media, Met Department Director General Athula Karunanayake said at present, the department can only predict up to 150mm of rain.

He said, therefore, steps have been taken to obtain a Doppler weather radar, which is a type of radar used to locate precipitation, calculate its motion, and estimate its type (rain, snow, hail, etc.). 

Athula Karunanayake said Sri Lanka expects to receive the Doppler system soon and it is to be received as a gift from Japan under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

He added that by receiving the Doppler weather radar the Met Department can inform the expected rainfall before the rains begin and can predict over 450mm of rain. 

The Met Department Director General also revealed that as the existing weather forecasting system is insufficient, measures have been taken to upgrade it. 

Athula Karunanayake said preparations have been made to commence the upgrade with the assistance of the World Bank. (Newswire)

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JICA head meets President Ranil https://www.newswire.lk/2024/02/15/jica-head-meets-president-ranil/ Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:13:57 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=139893

The President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (Feb 14).Continue Reading

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The President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. Tanaka Akihiko called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (Feb 14).

During the meeting, Dr. Akihiko expressed gratitude for President Wickremesinghe’s commitment to the economic reform program, acknowledging its challenging nature.

In response, President Wickremesinghe emphasised his focus on ensuring the swift resumption of investment projects, including the expansion of the Katunayake Airport, the Light-rail transit (LRT), and the central expressway.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President also conveyed appreciation for the continued support provided by the Government of Japan and JICA towards Sri Lanka during the economic crisis.

Meanwhile, Dr. Akihiko elaborated on JICA’s efforts, highlighting the priority of concluding debt restructuring while also aiming for the resumption of stalled projects.

President Wickremesinghe was accompanied by the President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka and Director of International Affairs Dinouk Colombage during the meeting. (NewsWire)

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JICA requested to continue assistance for CEB reforms https://www.newswire.lk/2024/02/14/jica-requested-to-continue-assistance-for-ceb-reforms/ Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:25:01 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=139816

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has extended his gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for theContinue Reading

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Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera has extended his gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the continuous support provided for the reform process of Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

Taking to ‘X’, Minister Wijesekera said he had expressed his gratitude during a meeting with the President of JICA, Dr Tanaka Akihiko and other senior officials of the institution held at the Ministry of Power & Energy this morning. 

“JICA has assisted vital infrastructure development of the electricity sector and energy efficiency programs with grants, concessionary finance facilities and technical assistance. Currently, JICA is actively assisting the reform process of CEB with financial and technical assistance in setting up the reform secretariat and extending experts to the secretariat to implement the reforms,” he said. 

Minister Wijesekera further said that he had thanked the JICA President and the country representatives for their assistance and requested continued assistance for reforms, energy efficiency programs, infrastructure development, and integration of Renewable Energy.

Director General of the South Asia Division, Ito Teruyuki, Chief Representative JICA Sri Lanka, Yamada Tetsuya, Senior Representative JICA Sri Lanka Mrs. Ide Yuri, and other officials of JICA also participated in the discussion. (NewsWire)

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Greater Kandy Comprehensive Urban Plan presented to President https://www.newswire.lk/2023/12/18/greater-kandy-comprehensive-urban-plan-presented-to-president/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:05:52 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=134552

The final draft of the Greater Kandy Comprehensive Urban Plan was unveiled and presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe during anContinue Reading

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The final draft of the Greater Kandy Comprehensive Urban Plan was unveiled and presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe during an event held at the President’s House in Kandy on Sunday (Dec 17).

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), this visionary plan is aimed at transforming Kandy into a well-planned, organized and developed city.

In the course of the discussion, President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized his commitment to engage in consultations with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to expedite pertinent development activities.

The journey towards this ground-breaking urban transformation initiative began in February 2023 when President Wickremesinghe submitted a proposal to the Cabinet of Ministers, emphasizing the need to elevate Kandy into a modern city with improved infrastructure facilities and services.

Recognizing the significance of this endeavour, the Cabinet of Ministers gave its approval for the establishment of a Special Committee tasked with crafting a Comprehensive Development Plan for the Katugasthota, Kandy and Kundasale areas.

Under the patronage of the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake, a committee comprising key stakeholders and experts was formed and tasked with the responsibility of crafting a Comprehensive Development Plan.

The development plan, initially discussed with Ministers representing the Kandy district, including the Governor of the Central Province, has undergone additional scrutiny, incorporating feedback and suggestions. The final draft, meticulously prepared by the Urban Development Authority, was thereafter officially presented to the President.

The development plan underwent thorough review, with the President emphasizing the imperative to execute development initiatives that concurrently uphold the historical and cultural heritage of Kandy city while prioritizing the enhancement of public infrastructure

Additionally, the President revealed plans to allocate certain universities to be established in the country to the city of Kandy, envisioning its transformation into a future educational hub

Following the deliberation on the Kandy city development plan, a discourse on the development plan of Akurana city was also held. 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued instructions to officials for the comprehensive submission of a report concerning the development of Akurana City within a stipulated timeframe of six weeks. (NewsWire)

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Japan yet to consider revival of Light Rail Project https://www.newswire.lk/2023/03/30/japan-yet-to-consider-revival-of-light-rail-project/ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:57:18 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=113628

A decision has not been made as yet about the revival of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Light RailContinue Reading

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A decision has not been made as yet about the revival of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, stretching from Colombo Fort to Malabe, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Hideaki Mizukoshi said on Wednesday (29). 

Ambassador Hideaki Mizukoshi told a breakfast forum organised by the Ceylon Motor Traders Association in Colombo, yesterday that no decision has been taken as yet regarding the JICA funded US$ 2.2 billion project which was suspended by the former Sri Lankan government. 

He further said the decision about the project depends on the reforms of the Sri Lankan government and if Sri Lanka can regain the trust of the Japanese government and business community.

The revival of the project will be considered when those conditions are met, the Japanese Ambassador said. 

His remarks come after Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga announced earlier this month that a decision has been taken to reimplement the Colombo Fort- Malabe light rail project. 

Making the announcement, Minister Ranatunga pointed out that the train service will help public servants based in Colombo, Malabe, and other suburbs for work to save time and money. 

The project was initially slated to commence in 2020 after land acquisition and be completed by mid-2024, with the Japanese government agreeing to provide a loan of US dollars 1,850 million, and financial and technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project was later suspended due to various reasons, including the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.

The Colombo Fort- Malabe light rail project is proposed to be 16 kilometres in length with 16 stations, enabling travel from Malabe to Colombo- Fort in 30 minutes. The train service is scheduled to run every four minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during normal hours. (NewsWire)

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Govt to reimplement Japan funded light rail project https://www.newswire.lk/2023/03/16/govt-to-reimplement-japan-funded-light-rail-project/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 08:09:55 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=112596

A decision has been taken to reimplement the Colombo Fort- Malabe light rail project, Urban Development and Housing Minister PrasannaContinue Reading

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A decision has been taken to reimplement the Colombo Fort- Malabe light rail project, Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

According to the Daily News, the government has decided to re-implement the light rail project as a solution to the severe traffic congestion in and around Colombo.

A Cabinet paper to obtain alternative proposals for this was submitted by Minister Prasanna Ranatunga recently.

Minister Ranatunga has pointed out that the train service will help public servants based in Colombo, Malabe, and other suburbs for work to save time and money. 

The project was initially slated to commence in 2020 after land acquisition and be completed by mid-2024, with the Japanese government agreeing to provide a loan of US dollars 1,850 million, and financial and technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The project was later suspended due to various reasons, including the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.

However, the Japanese government has agreed to recommence the light rail project following bilateral discussions held during the official visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to Japan.

The Colombo Fort- Malabe light rail project is proposed to be 16 kilometres in length with 16 stations, enabling travel from Malabe to Colombo- Fort in 30 minutes.

The train service is scheduled to run every four minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during normal hours. (NewsWire)

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