Japan invests US$3.15M to boost dairy in Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA – The Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa of Japan has announced an investment of 963 million Japanese yen ( US$21.64 million) to improve the productivity of Sri Lanka’s dairy production sector and to assist the official security services of the Navy. 

The Japanese Government has agreed to provide a grant of 463 million Japanese yen to equip the Department of Animal Production and Health with the necessary technology and assistance, thereby increasing its capacity under the project aimed at improving productivity in the dairy production sector.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to sign the relevant exchange sheets and other documents related to these projects during his upcoming official state visit to Japan.

Additionally, the government has agreed to provide a grant of 500 million Japanese yen to support the Sri Lanka Navy’s investigation, surveillance, and monitoring activities through the Official Security Assistance Project. 

Japan supports dairy facility establishment in Egypt

In 2024, Japan allocated a grant of US$55,240 to the New Horizon Association for Social Development (NHASD) to aid in the establishment of a dairy facility in Balat, New Valley, Egypt.

The project entails the construction of livestock barns, a dairy factory equipped with production machinery, and training programs for the youth in Balat.

This collaboration between Japan and NHASD marks the fourth endeavour since 2008 under the Japanese Basic Human Security Assistance Project, known as KUSANONE.

This initiative aims to enhance the region’s food security, generate employment opportunities, and increase income levels.

On March 11, Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Oka Hiroshi and NHASD’s Executive Director Nady Kamel Youssef signed a grant contract for KUSANONE.

Ambassador Hiroshi expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership and the positive impact of previous agricultural projects.

He expressed optimism that this new initiative would bring prosperity to Balat, echoing the success of previous KUSANONE projects.

Youssef, in turn, expressed appreciation for Japan’s support, highlighting the effectiveness of KUSANONE in addressing community needs comprehensively.

He commended the program’s holistic approach, considering social, economic, and environmental factors to ensure sustainable benefits.

“The KUSANONE program provides direct financial support to NGOs, focusing on local community initiatives.”

Since 1994, Japan has contributed over US$10 million to support 179 projects across various sectors in Egypt, collaborating with 129 NGOs nationwide.

These projects encompass education, healthcare, sanitation, vocational training, women’s empowerment, and support for people with disabilities.

This initiative is expected to not only improve the local economy but also empower youth through training programs, fostering sustainable development in the region.

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