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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The Government has not taken a policy decision yet regarding the Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) project which was to be implemented with the support of Japan, Director General of the Department of External Resources of the Ministry of Finance, R.M.S.P.S. Bandara said. 

He made the remark while responding to a question raised by a journalist during a press briefing held on the signing of the debt restructuring agreement with Japan, which took place at the Finance Ministry today.

R.M.S.P.S. Bandara further said that fresh discussions will be required to be held with the Government of Japan about the LRT project.

The project which was being planned under the Yahapalana Government was later cancelled by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa without any discussion with Japan or its main funding agency Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2021.

Upon coming to power, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended an apology to the Japanese Government in May 2023 during his official visit to Tokyo for the cancellation of the project. 

However, announcing the resumption of 11 suspended projects in Sri Lanka due to its economic crisis, in 2024, Japanese authorities said that the $1.5 billion LRT project could be considered a new possible future project. (Newswire)

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The head of the Japanese delegation visiting Sri Lanka, Dr. IZUMI Hiroto has highlighted the potential to resume the Light Railway Transit (LRT) project, which was halted by the previous government. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the Japanese delegation is actively assessing locations to re-implement this project, recognizing its significant potential to alleviate traffic congestion in Colombo city.

Dr. IZUMI Hiroto lauded the successful completion of the country’s debt restructuring process, noting that it has paved the way for the resumption of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects. “These projects, which include several initiatives that were suspended last period, are now poised to restart, signalling a renewed phase of cooperation and development,” he said.

He further highlighted that the international community’s confidence in President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s leadership is strongly reflected in the expedited success of the debt restructuring agreements, adding that this achievement, accomplished in partnership with the Official Creditors’ Committee and the International Monetary Fund, underscores a remarkable turnaround for Sri Lanka.

Dr. IZUMI Hiroto expressed these views when the high-level Japanese delegation, comprising representatives from the housing, construction, and urban sectors, met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.

During the meeting, the discussion also focused on new investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the potential for enhanced cooperation between the two nations. The delegation expressed their appreciation for Sri Lanka’s economic progress and the swift achievement of debt restructuring agreements in collaboration with the Official Creditors’ Committee and the International Monetary Fund. They praised President Wickremesinghe’s leadership in navigating the country through its financial challenges, which has restored international confidence and paved the way for renewed development initiatives.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, recalling Japan’s invaluable support during Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process, emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Japan across various sectors, including education and agricultural modernization. The President stressed the importance of resuming stalled projects under Japanese cooperation to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the critical role of the Colombo Dockyard, underscoring its significance as a key institution in Sri Lanka’s maritime and industrial landscape.

The Japanese delegation noted that several projects that are currently suspended, including the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Development Project, the Colombo Port Eastern Terminal Development Project, the Central Expressway Construction and the Digital Broadcasting Project, can be promptly restarted.

Both sides emphasized the significance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in executing housing for low-income earners and other urban development projects. It was also highlighted that the Government of Sri Lanka is committed to promoting environmentally friendly projects and renewable energy in line with its policies and international agreements.

The Japanese delegation expressed their willingness to the President to recruit Sri Lankan graduates in the field of technology for job opportunities in Japan’s private sector. This initiative aims to improve the electricity supply sector in Japan. The delegation also highlighted the Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM), which encompasses projects designed to promote environmental sustainability by utilizing advanced Japanese technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. (Newswire)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed his regret to the Japanese Government regarding the suspension of the Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which was to be implemented with Japanese support.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President expressed his regret during the official meeting in Tokyo yesterday (25) between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The President emphasized the need for future legislation in the Parliament to ensure that bilateral large-scale projects cannot be halted or cancelled without the agreement of both parties.

The PMD stated that the Prime Minister of Japan warmly received President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and bilateral talks commenced after a friendly conversation between the two leaders.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to Japan for its support in helping Sri Lanka recover from its economic crisis, thanking the Japanese Prime Minister for his assistance.

The leaders also discussed new opportunities to enhance cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka.

In another meeting held on the same day (25) in Tokyo, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki to discuss Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring and the International Monetary Fund’s program. 

Subsequently, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, focusing on strengthening long-term bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Japan, including increased cooperation in economic and cultural fields.

Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Prime Minister of Japan Yasuo Fukuda participated in a breakfast meeting organized by the Japan-Sri Lanka Association in Tokyo on the same day (25).

During the meeting, President Ranil Wickremesinghe briefed the former Prime Minister of Japan on the ongoing economic recovery program in Sri Lanka. The President highlighted the favourable investment climate in Sri Lanka and extended an invitation to Japanese investors to return and invest in the country.

Furthermore, a meeting was held between the former Prime Minister of Japan, Taro Aso and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, focusing on potential steps to strengthen the existing close and friendly relationship with Sri Lanka.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also engaged in bilateral talks with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Tokyo on the same day (25). 

The President reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to implementing the Singapore Free Trade Agreement during discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore. (NewsWire)

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