Academic,BusinessandPolicyCollaborationforSustainableBilateralPartnership
Building a Stronger Bilateral Knowledge, Innovation and Partnership Ecosystem
The Sri Lanka–Japan Academic, Business and Policy Collaboration Centre, also known as the Sri Lanka–Japan ABC Centre, is proposed as a permanent bilateral platform to strengthen cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan through integrated academic, business, and policy collaboration.
Sri Lanka and Japan have enjoyed a longstanding and friendly relationship for more than seven decades, built on development cooperation, infrastructure investment, human capital development, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections. The Sri Lanka–Japan ABC Centre aims to take this partnership to the next level by creating a structured platform that brings together universities, research institutions, companies, government agencies, policymakers, development partners, and professional networks.
The Centre is expected to serve as an umbrella hub for research, business engagement, policy dialogue, innovation, and capacity development between the two countries.
"To become a leading bilateral hub that further enhances Sri Lanka–Japan cooperation through integrated academic, business, and policy collaboration."
- Connect universities, research institutions, companies, and government agencies
- Promote policy-relevant and evidence-based research
- Build sustained institutional partnerships between Sri Lanka and Japan
- Support capacity building, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development
- Strengthen long-term bilateral cooperation through practical collaboration
Bridging the Gap Between Knowledge, Policy, and Practice
Although Sri Lanka and Japan have maintained strong diplomatic, development, and cultural relations since 1951, collaboration among academia, business, and policymakers remains fragmented. The Sri Lanka–Japan ABC Centre is designed to bridge this gap.
Promote Collaborative Academic Research
The Centre will encourage joint research between Sri Lankan and Japanese universities, research institutions, think tanks, and policy experts. Research will focus on areas that are important for economic transformation, sustainable development, governance, innovation, and bilateral cooperation.
Strengthen Entrepreneurship, Business and Industry Partnerships
The Centre will support stronger business-to-business and industry-academia collaboration between Sri Lanka and Japan. It will promote investment opportunities, business forums, innovation partnerships, and sector-focused cooperation.
Support Evidence-Based Policymaking
The Centre will provide policy research, advisory support, and dialogue platforms to strengthen decision-making in areas such as public finance, trade, investment, governance, infrastructure, climate change, and development policy.
Enhance Human Capital Development and Innovation
The Centre will support training programmes, executive education, student exchange, professional development, and innovation-focused initiatives to build future-ready human capital in Sri Lanka and Japan.
How We Are Organised
Governing Board
The Governing Board will provide strategic direction and high-level guidance to the Centre. It is expected to include senior representatives from diplomatic missions, universities, ministries, industry, and policy institutions from both Sri Lanka and Japan.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee will be responsible for the day-to-day management, programme implementation, coordination of activities, and engagement with partner institutions.
Research Clusters
The Centre will operate through thematic research clusters aligned with its priority areas. These clusters will bring together academics, researchers, policy experts, business leaders, and development professionals.
Strategic Partnerships
The Centre will build strong partnerships with universities, JICA, government agencies, chambers of commerce, professional associations, alumni networks, international organizations, and Sri Lanka–Japan friendship and business associations.
Core Thematic Areas
The Sri Lanka–Japan ABC Centre will focus on the following thematic areas:
Real Economy, Macroeconomic Stability and Public Finance
Supporting research and policy dialogue on economic recovery, fiscal sustainability, investment, productivity, and long-term macroeconomic stability.
Labour Markets, Demography, Health and Migration
Studying workforce development, demographic transition, healthcare systems, migration, skills development, and employment opportunities.
Tourism, Trade, Investment, Agriculture and Industrial Policy
Promoting practical research and business engagement in tourism, export development, Japanese investment, industrial development, agriculture, and value chain transformation.
SDGs, Climate Change and Natural Capital
Supporting Sri Lanka and Japan’s shared commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, climate resilience, renewable energy, biodiversity, and natural resource management.
Governance and Institutional Quality
Promoting policy dialogue and institutional collaboration to strengthen governance, public administration, transparency, and regulatory quality.
International Relations, Security, Geopolitics and Geoeconomics
Creating a platform for strategic dialogue on regional cooperation, Indo-Pacific developments, international relations, and Sri Lanka–Japan strategic partnership.
Infrastructure, Community Empowerment and Development
Supporting research and cooperation in infrastructure development, regional development, community empowerment, local economic development, and inclusive growth.
What We Do
Joint Research & Publications
Collaborative research projects, policy papers, working papers, academic publications, sector studies, and practical knowledge products.
Partnership Opportunities
The Sri Lanka–Japan ABC Centre welcomes collaboration with:
Based in Colombo, Connected to Tokyo
The Sri Lanka–Japan ABC Centre is expected to be located at the University of Colombo, with a possible branch office linked to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Tokyo. This structure will enable the Centre to maintain a strong presence in both Sri Lanka and Japan while facilitating academic, business, and policy engagement across the two countries.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
Be Part of This Partnership
Join us in building a stronger Sri Lanka–Japan knowledge, innovation, and partnership ecosystem.