Japanese ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki and Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay made remarks in this regard at the function to mark the launch of a report on this context compiled by the Pathfinder Foundation.

The Indian High Commissioner said India and Japan share wide-ranging interests in a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and the Japanese Prime Minister recently visited India and outlined his vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Asserting that Sri Lanka is an important member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IROA) countries, he said there is a great deal of opportunity for India, Japan and Sri Lanka to work together for the prosperity of people here and the benefit of all sides.

“This should be in accordance with the priorities of Sri Lanka,” he said pointing out “Sri Lanka is at the happy confluence of three important pillars of India’s foreign policy.The Japanese ambassador said over the years, Japan and India have had a positive impact on the region.