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Tracy
Tracy
Sep 07 2026
15The 250-strong Japanese delegation, brought together through the Little Japan initiative, visited Colombo Port City today, marking the final stop of their journey across Sri Lanka before departing for Japan later today.
The visit to Port City offered delegates a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s evolving skyline and its ambitions as a growing hub for business and investment in the region, rounding off a journey that took the group from ancient heritage sites to the country’s most modern development.
Over the course of their visit, the delegation travelled across Sri Lanka, visiting key locations including Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Koneswaram Temple, Sigiriya, Mirigama and Minneriya National Park Safari, among others, taking in centuries-old sacred sites, UNESCO World Heritage locations and coastal landmarks, alongside opportunities for cultural exchange and business engagement with the local community. Organised under the campaign banner “Japan Returns to Sri Lanka,” the visit stands as one of the largest privately organised Japanese delegations to travel to the island, and reflects a broader renewal of confidence among Japanese travellers and businesses in Sri Lanka as a destination.
Colombo International Airport Hotel served as the delegation’s gateway throughout the visit, hosting the group on arrival and departure and supporting the wider programme in its role as a host for large-scale international delegations and business travellers entering Sri Lanka.
Little Japan Founder, Dr. Ruwan Perera, said, “Watching this delegation move from Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage to Port City, one of its most forward-looking developments, has been a fitting close to this journey. We hope every guest leaves with a genuine connection to Sri Lanka, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
Sam San, organiser of the Little Japan delegation, was also part of the team coordinating the delegation’s journey across Sri Lanka.
As the delegation departs for Japan, organisers say the visit has laid the groundwork for deeper tourism, trade and cultural exchange between the two nations, with further collaboration expected to follow in the months and years ahead. Little Japan and Colombo International Airport Hotel say they remain committed to building on this momentum, with future delegations and initiatives already under consideration as part of their long-term commitment to strengthening Japan-Sri Lanka ties.
About Colombo International Airport Hotel
Colombo International Airport Hotel is a Japanese-supported hospitality property near Bandaranaike International Airport, serving as a gateway for international delegations, transit travellers and business visitors entering Sri Lanka.
About Little Japan
Little Japan is a platform connecting Japanese visitors, businesses and institutions with Sri Lankan destinations, enterprises and communities, fostering cultural exchange, tourism and bilateral business ties. Founded by Dr. Ruwan Perera, the initiative has grown from facilitating smaller business delegations to organising some of the largest privately-led Japanese visitor programmes in Sri Lanka. Little Japan is an initiative of Colombo International Airport Hotel.
