The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo marked the 78th Anniversary of Independence on 4th February 2026 at Reiyukai Kotani Hall, with high-level dignitaries and officials in attendance.
The ceremony featured multi-faith religious observances and a moment of silence to honor those who sacrificed for the country. Congratulatory messages from H.E. the President, the Hon. Prime Minister, and the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism were presented, while the national anthems of Sri Lanka in Sinhala and Tamil, as well as Japan, were sung. The anthems were performed by Ms. Kanon Yasuzuka of the Toho Gakuen School of Music on the historic “Hibaku Violin,” a rare instrument that survived the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing, together with her attire crafted from a salvaged kimono, symbolizing peace, resilience, and the shared aspirations of Sri Lanka and Japan.
Dignitaries, including Hon. MATSUSHITA Shinpei, Member of the House of Councilors; Mr. MIYAMOTO Shingo, Director-General/Assistant Minister, Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department, MOFA; and Ambassador AKASHI Yasushi, Former Representative of the Government of Japan for Peace-Building, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction in Sri Lanka, graced the occasion.
Representatives from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, and Hon. MATSUSHITA Shinpei, Member of the House of Councillors, extended warm congratulations to Sri Lanka on its 78th Independence Day and they reaffirmed Japan’s steadfast support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and post-disaster reconstruction while highlighting the deepening bilateral cooperation grounded in shared values of democracy and the rule of law. The Government of Japan expressed its commitment to advancing the Comprehensive Partnership and expanding economic and people-to-people ties.
Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, Ambassador, addressing the gathering, highlighted Sri Lanka’s 78-year journey of independence as one shaped by resilience, reform, and enduring friendships, with Japan holding a special place as a trusted partner and true friend. He expressed deep gratitude for Japan’s steadfast support, from development cooperation and disaster relief to economic recovery and global engagement, reaffirming the shared commitment to peace, shared values, and a forward-looking partnership.
Over 250 guests, including members of the Japanese government, the diplomatic community, corporate entities, professionals, academics, and the Sri Lankan community in Japan attended the event.
Sri Lankan artists in Japan showcased vibrant traditional Sri Lankan dance and drum performances, representing the country’s diverse ethnic traditions. Guests also had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious traditional Sri Lankan dishes representing the island’s Northern, Up-Country, Southern, and Eastern culinary heritage.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Tokyo
09 February 2026
