Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa held an in-depth discussion with Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata today at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, focusing on the severe disaster situation unfolding across Sri Lanka.
Premadasa expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan for deploying relief and emergency service teams during this critical period. He appealed for Japan’s continued support, noting that Japan has always stood by Sri Lanka in times of crisis. He further requested Japan’s technical expertise, advanced technology, and workforce assistance to help rebuild the damaged road network and restore the severely affected railway system.
During the meeting, the Opposition Leader outlined the scale of the devastation, including widespread infrastructure failures, loss of livelihoods, large-scale displacement, and the disruption of essential services.
He highlighted that several major hospitals remain without water, creating a serious threat of disease outbreaks that typically follow disasters of this magnitude. Given the urgency of the situation, he stressed that Sri Lanka is in dire need of Japan’s expanded humanitarian assistance.
Premadasa also emphasized the importance of establishing transparent, accountable, and non-politicized systems to ensure that all local and international aid reaches affected communities swiftly and without discrimination.
