Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata said Japan had been a victim of corruption in Sri Lanka and expressed hope that the government would take concrete steps to address the issue, Daily Mirror reported.

Isomata made the remarks during a roundtable discussion organized by the Pathfinder Foundation last week in Colombo.

His comments follow reports that some Japanese companies have encountered difficulties investing in Sri Lanka due to compliance-related concerns. Japanese firms strictly adhere to anti-bribery laws and do not offer bribes or kickbacks.

At the roundtable, Isomata also mentioned his participation at the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan, where he listened to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake outline the administration’s efforts to combat corruption. The ambassador welcomed the plan and emphasized the importance of its full implementation.

In response to the president’s remarks that no National People’s Power politicians are involved in corruption, Isomata said it is equally important to address corruption among bureaucrats.

On Japan-Sri Lanka relations, the ambassador said Sri Lanka remains an important partner for Japan. While Japanese companies are unlikely to make immediate new investments, he said investor interest could grow as Sri Lanka’s economy stabilizes under its agreement with the International Monetary Fund and progress on debt restructuring.

“We need cooperation with the Sri Lankan people,” he said. (With inputs from Daily Mirror)