Discussion with Deputy Head of the Embassy of Japan

Deputy Head of the Embassy of Japan Mr. Katsuki Kotaro called on the Director General of the Sustainable Development Council Ms. Chamindry Saparamadu this morning to discuss a number of important aspects relating to the SDGs process in Sri Lanka. Mr. Kotaro previously served at the International Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, where he was responsible for the overall coordination of implementing the Japanese Government’s activities related to the SDGs both domestically and internationally.

The discussion focused on the current institutional coordination mechanism and partnerships for SDG driven planning, monitoring and budgeting processes, ESG investments and blended financing, education and research for sustainable development in Sri Lanka, among others. Mr. Kotaro explained that In Japan, the SDGs Promotion Headquarters is chaired by the Prime Minister of Japan and its membership consists of Cabinet Ministers symbolizing the highest level of political commitment towards SDGs. Ms. Saparamadu explained that based on comparative experience and good practices, Sri Lanka recently established a national SDG Steering Committee under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.   

Mr. Kotaro highly appreciated the efforts taken by the Sustainable Development Council and the Government of Sri Lanka towards achieving the SDGs and expressed the willingness of the Government of Japan to extend assistance in the relevant thematic areas. Mr. Kotaro, in his remarks, stated that ‘as a long-standing friend, Japan remains committed in extending assistance towards the genuine sustainable development needs of Sri Lanka’.