March 13, Colombo (LNW): The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for Sri Lanka to sign documents with the Japanese government, securing a grant of Yen 1.6 billion (approximately Rs. 3.3 billion) under the Japanese Economic and Social Development Program. This grant aims to support various projects in Sri Lanka, particularly those addressing immediate humanitarian needs and uplifting the country’s economic situation amid the current crisis. Japan, a longstanding ally of Sri Lanka, is extending its cooperation by providing immediate humanitarian grants to communities affected by the economic downturn. The approved grant of Japanese Yen 1.6 billion will be allocated for the implementation of several key projects under the Japanese Economic and Social Development Program. The projects include:

1. Response and management enhancement project for oil spills of Sri Lanka Coastal Defense Force
2. Project to supply assisting equipment for maternal and infant treatments in the main hospitals of the Northern province
3. Project to distribute assisting equipment for garment courses in vocational training centers of the Northern province
4. Project to award assisting equipment for the security of fishermen in Northern and Eastern provinces

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his role as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, proposed the signing of exchange papers and other relevant documents with Japan to facilitate the donation grants for these projects. The approval from the Cabinet marks a significant step towards the initiation of these developmental endeavors.