Leader of the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team, Iwase Kiichiro, paid a courtesy call on Director General, East Asia & Oceania Division, Savitri Panabokke, and Head of the Emergency Response Unit and the Director General of Public Diplomacy & International Security Cooperation Divisions, Thushara Rodrigo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism today (15 December 2025). Representatives of JDR Medical Team, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and officials of the Embassy of Japan were also participated.
Director General Panabokke appreciated the prompt response by the Government of Japan in deploying a 31-member Disaster Relief Team to Sri Lanka to provide essential medical services, and expressed gratitude for Japan’s solidarity in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
Leader of the JDR Medical Team Iwase Kiichiro conveyed his appreciation to the Ministry for the support extended during the team’s deployment. It was further highlighted that such support reflects the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
Expressing his gratitude, Director General Rodrigo requested JICA to consider extending technical assistance to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the Department of Meteorology of Sri Lanka, including the provision of early warning systems.
The representatives of the JDR Medical Team presented a summary report on their medical operations in Sri Lanka to the Ministry.
The JDR Medical Team is scheduled to return to Japan on 16 December 2025, following the successful completion of medical operations in Chilaw.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Colombo
15 December 2025
