Press Release

On 24th September 2022, JICA held the JICA Special event jointly organized by Department of Agriculture and JICA Sri Lanka office in conjunction with Annual Symposium of Department of Agriculture (ASDA) 2022 to commemorate 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.

Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Agriculture and Hon. Mohan De Silva, State Minister of Agriculture participated to this event respectively as Chief guest and Guest of honor. Senior officials from Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, development partners, other related organizations representing agriculture sub sectors such as export of agriculture, animal production, health and fisheries, as well as academia were also among the participants.

JICA cooperation in the past few decades were immense to Sri Lankan agriculture sector through ODA Loans, Grants and Technical cooperation not only for constructions of facilities and supply of equipment's but also for human resource development. There were several significant impacts generated through JICA assistance to the people of this country. Mr. Yamada, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka office introduced JICA's history and evolution of cooperation in Sri Lanka, especially in Agriculture sector. Dr. Thushara, Additional Director, National Plant Quarantine Service, Ms. Kekulandara, Deputy Director, Plant Genetic Resource Centre and Dr. Lakmini, Additional Director, Seed Certification Service made presentations on long-lasting relationship between JICA and DOA to show the significant impacts generated with JICA assistance. Ms. Ide, Senior Representative of JICA Sri Lanka office introduced ongoing cooperation and future collaborations with different organizations including private sector and UN agencies. On behalf of Sri Lankan government Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera expressed his appreciation to JICA, Japanese government and people of Japan for the 70 years of cooperation and support extended to Sri Lanka particularly in the Agriculture sector and he expects JICA and Government of Japan to continue the ODA cooperation more to the country with fullest cooperation from the Sri Lankan counterparts.

Currently farming community and agriculture sector in particular faced severe socioeconomic crisis in Sri Lanka. JICA will continue to do the relevant and required cooperation in this sector for overcoming the current situation and to lead sustainable agricultural development.