The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo held a formal ceremony in Reiyukai Kotani Hall on 05 February 2024 to mark the 76th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka with the participation of high-level dignitaries, including , Former Prime Minister of Japan and Honorary Chairperson of the Japan-Sri Lanka Association FUKUDA Yasuo and State Minister of Foreign Affairs TSUGE Yoshifumi. The ceremony was also attended by a large number of senior political leaders, ministers, Members of Japanese Parliament, and high officials.
The event was celebrated in the presence of over 600 guests representing the Government of Japan, diplomatic community, corporate entities, professionals of various disciplines, academia, and the Sri Lankan community in Japan including members of Sri Lankan associations in Japan.
Multi-faith religious observances from Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic and Islamic faiths were conducted and a moment of silence was observed in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland and to pray for those affected in the Noto peninsula Earthquake that occurred on 01 January in Japan. The congratulatory messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka were presented while the national anthems of Sri Lanka and Japan were performed by an acclaimed Japanese Opera singer Masako Shindo.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan Rodney Perera spoke of the positive developments in the multi-faceted relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan during the past year and the efforts undertaken by the Mission in Tokyo to further consolidate this vibrant relationship. Ambassador Perera also took the opportunity to appreciate the lead role played by the Government of Japan to assist Sri Lanka in its economic revival and hoped that upon completion of formal procedures, Japanese investment and development assistance would resume continuing the partnership between the two countries.The recent visits of the Japanese Foreign Minister and the Finance Minister to Sri Lanka, after a lapse of four years, were highlighted as key milestones in this regard. Ambassador Perera saluted the Sri Lankan community in virtually all prefectures in Japan and vouched to continue to work to expand the scope of cultural, economic, and educational links of the two countries. He also recognized the Sri Lanka Vehicle Association, ITOCHU Corporation, Bank of Ceylon and other well-wishers for their steadfast support in Embassy’s activities and their sponsorship of the event.
Former Prime Minister of Japan Yasuo Fukuda in his address, congratulating Sri Lanka on its 76th Independence Day, acknowledged President Ranil Wickremesinghe's efforts in resolving debt concerns and implementing economic reforms. He further expressed confidence in Sri Lanka's growth potential and anticipated further development in bilateral relations. Highlighting the longstanding friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka, he emphasized cooperation in various areas, including tourism, trade, and climate change.
State Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Tsuge Yoshifumi acknowledged 72 years of cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Japan and extended felicitations for Sri Lanka’s prosperity and the further development of friendly relations with Japan. Noting the potential for greater partnership in coming years, he highlighted Japan's assistance in Sri Lanka's debt restructuring and expressed hope for robust development of Sri Lanka.
Several other Japanese leaders including Yamaguchi Natsuo, Chief Representative of the Komeito Party echoed voices of solidarity with Sri Lanka to rebuild its economy and to serve as a hub in the region. They were appreciative of Sri Lanka’s support for Japan at the 1951 San Francisco Peace Conference and shared the sentiment that Japan would stand by Sri Lanka in its difficult hour in a similar manner.
Brief congratulatory remarks were also made by the 32nd President of the House of Councilors Santo Akiko, Vice Minister Honda Akiko, and members of the Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship League; Mutai Shunsuke of the House of Representatives and Matsushita Shinpei of the House of Councilors.
Sri Lankan Cultural artistes, resident in Japan, reflecting traditions of all ethnic communities of Sri Lanka, entertained the gathering with dance and drum performances. Several Japanese artists performed classical Sri Lankan songs such as “Olu Pipila” and “Paawena Nil Walawe”” reflecting the spirit of friendship and cultural bonds between the two countries. The guests were treated to a delectable Sri Lankan meal showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Sri Lanka while Sri Lankan Tea was served to all guests.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Tokyo
12 February 2024
