Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of Japan Self Defence Force Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano paid a courtesy call to the Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS) at BMICH this morning (09 March, 2018). \r\n\r\nThe call-on was preceded by a Tri-Services Guard of Honour presented to Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano at the main ceremonial premises at BMICH. \r\n\r\nA cordial discussion was held between the two officials, especially on matters of mutual interests including increasing and enhancing training opportunities to Sri Lanka tri-services personnel and on potential areas for expert knowledge exchange.\r\n\r\nDuring the discussion, Admiral Wijegunaratne further mentioned that Sri Lanka will ensure the safety of ships passing through our waters and free flow of trade in the Indian Ocean. \r\n\r\nMementos were also exchanged signifying the occasion. Captain Shusuke Takahashi, Lieutenant Colonel Yuko Iwasa, Commander Yuki Tanaka, Major Ryuichi Morotomi and the Japanese Defence attache to Sri Lanka, Captain Atsuhiro Moroe were also present at the occasion. \r\n\r\nAdmiral Kawano is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka following an invitation extended to him by his Sri Lankan counterpart.\r\n\r\nAdmiral Kawano is presently serving as the 5th Chief of Staff, Joint Staff and is the highest-ranking officer of the Japan Self-Defence Force since 15th October 2014. Prior to his appointment, he served as the 31st Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force since 26th July, 2012.\r\n
