The Ambassador of Japan visits Pathfinder Foundation Interest in the developments in the Indian Ocean high level conference
Posted on April 6th, 2025
Pathfinder Foundation
H. E. Akio Isomata, the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, visited the Pathfinder Foundation headquarters at River Point in Peliyagoda at the invitation of Mr. Milinda Moragoda, the Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation. After receiving a briefing on the relationship the Foundation has developed with Japan over the two decades.
Mr Moragoda briefed the Ambassador on the special relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka since Sri Lanka’s independence in 1944, the high esteem with which Sri Lankans regard Japan and its people, and the vital role Japan has played in Sri Lankan development projectsover the last several decades. Mr Moragoda expressed that Japan will demonstrate its continued interest in the developments in the Indian Ocean by participating in the conference at a high level.
The Ambassador was also briefed on Japan’s role in the Foundation’s work that led to the ‘Trincomalee Consultations’ held in 2017 and 2019 and the Pathfinder Indian Ocean Security Conference since 209. He highlighted that the next round of the Indian Ocean Security Conference, held every two years, isscheduled for Spring 2026. Considering Japan’s interest in the Indo-Pacific since 2007, initiated by the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,
Ambassador Isomata was assisted by Mr. Shinichi Murata, the First Secretary and Head of the Political Section of the Embassy. The Pathfinder team comprised Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairperson of the Foundation; A. A. Jawad, Director; and Gayathri Nanayakkara, Manager (Programmes).
As part of the visit the Ambassador and his delegation together with senior members from the Pathfinder Foundation boarded the Foundation’s river boat ‘Mahanaga’ and sailed to the Kelaniya Rajamaha viharaya.
pic 1- from left to A. A. Jawad, Director PF, Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman of the Foundation; Mr. Milinda Moragoda, Founder PF, H. E. Akio Isomata, the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and Mr. Shinichi Murata, the First Secretary and Head of the Political Section at the discussion
pic 2- from Left to A. A. Jawad, Director PF, Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman of the Foundation; Mr. Milinda Moragoda, Founder PF, H. E. Akio Isomata, the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and Mr. Shinichi Murata, the First Secretary and Head of the Political Section at the discussion