Japan urges Sri Lanka to pivot ‘East’, adopt export-oriented industrial model

Sri Lanka should look Eastward toward Southeast Asia and Japan, and adopt an export-oriented industrial model, the Japanese envoy has said.

Ambassador Akio Isomata outlined three priorities for deepening bilateral economic relations: an effective and forward-looking trade and investment policy, the promotion of domestic industrial policy, and expanded investment in renewable energy.

He was speaking at the annual general meeting of the Sri Lanka – Japan Business Council (SLJBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

“Sri Lanka’s ongoing review of its Free Trade Agreement policy would be important in shaping the country’s future negotiating landscape.”

He said the government’s National Export Development Plan 2026 and National Mineral Policy 2026 was consistent with Japan’s vision of connecting Sri Lanka’s export-related manufacturing sectors with India’s high-growth manufacturing base.

Council President Athulla R F Edirisinghe said Sri Lanka had missed many opportunities to attract Japanese foreign direct investment.

Highlighting the 2025 proposal for a Sri Lanka – Japan Economic Corridor by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry Japan, he called on Sri Lankan businesses, industry associations, and the wider community to come together in dialogue with the Government to ensure the country does not miss this opportunity as well.

2026/27 Committee: President: Athulla R F Edirisinghe – Director, Hirohama Ceylon, Senior Vice President – Ruwan Waidyaratne – Managing Director, Hayleys Advantis, Vice President – Shamil Mendis – Managing Director, Spear International, Treasurer – Rohitha Mendis – Managing Director of Prudential Shipping Lines, Immediate Past President – Mahen Kariyawasan – Managing Director, Andrew The Travel Company, representatives from Amano Lanka Engineering, BOV Capital, Brandix Apparel, Heritage Teas, Kalhari Enterprises, Lanka Harness, Dentsu Grant, MAC Holdings, and Vidullanka. By invitation: HVA Foods PLC (subsidiary of George Steuart & Co), Spillburg Holdings, and Vaughan Chemicals. (Colombo/Sep9/2026)