The Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan, in partnership with the Export Development Board, recently held the Japan–Sri Lanka ICT Business Matching Event 2026 at the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center in Tokyo. This event brought together prominent stakeholders from both nations to enhance cooperation in the digital sector.
The gathering showcased 10 prominent ICT firms from Sri Lanka, including Adventa, Bileeta, Calcey, EFutures, Effective, Imara, Kingslake, Lonnslab, Synergy, and Zillione. It also attracted more than 50 representatives from various Japanese IT companies and significant institutions. Key partners involved in the event included the Japan External Trade Organization, the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center (MCIPC), the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Japan Institute for Overseas Investment.
During the opening address, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Japan, Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasingha, underscored the country’s growth as a reliable and competitive player in the global ICT arena. He highlighted that the industry has become the second-largest sector for exports, generating over USD 1.5 billion each year. He also pointed out Sri Lanka’s notable capabilities in software development, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and research and development, supported by a highly skilled workforce of over 85,000 professionals.
Yuji Ando, Senior Director of the Japan External Trade Organization, provided guest remarks where he discussed the distinct advantages of Sri Lanka’s ICT sector. He noted the strong communication skills, international project experience, and cultural affinity with Japan that Sri Lankan firms possess. Ando emphasized that these companies engage in collaborations that extend beyond mere outsourcing, contributing actively to problem-solving and innovation.
He further remarked on Sri Lanka’s strategic location in South Asia, which offers a favorable combination of technical skills and ease of collaboration for Japanese businesses. With Japan facing a projected shortage of IT talent, Ando indicated that the expanding pool of skilled professionals in Sri Lanka presents a valuable opportunity for long-term partnerships.
The event also featured speeches from Atsushi Nishioka, Deputy Director of the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center; Shino Masao, Director of the Japan International Cooperation Agency; and Dinesh Attanayake, Assistant Director of the Export Development Board, alongside officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Institute for Overseas Investment.
The Ambassador expressed his appreciation for the strong participation from Japanese companies, including notable firms like Nikkei Inc., Fujitsu, Toppan, Highreso, Metatechno, and Arosence, among others.
The program included a showcase of Sri Lankan ICT companies, followed by extensive B2B networking sessions, which facilitated over 400 successful meetings between Sri Lankan and Japanese businesses, promoting direct interactions and exploration of potential collaborations.
This initiative, coordinated by Sandun Sameera, First Secretary (Commercial) of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan under the Ambassador’s guidance, represents a significant advancement in enhancing Sri Lanka–Japan ICT collaboration, encouraging innovation, and fostering sustainable partnerships within the digital economy.
