Friday Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Wednesday, 23 February 2022 01:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Understanding the necessity to broaden the horizons of learning opportunities of the undergraduates, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences reached another significant milestone last week with the inauguration of the new degree program; Bachelor of Arts Honours in Japanese.
Japanese Embassy said it has been a focal point in the strategic goals of the faculty to meet the contemporary trends of the world of employment by providing the undergraduates with an opportunity to excel in foreign languages.
Hence, the introduction of a new degree that enables the undergraduates to specialise in a language that bridges two nations together opening new possibilities, is considered an important step to further strengthen the mutual understanding between the two countries.
A ceremony was organised by the faculty on 17 February at the Sri Sumangala Auditorium of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, as part of the series of events that commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.
It was attended by the Guest of Honour Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki as well as other noteworthy dignitaries including University Grants Commission Chairman Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge, Sri Jayewardenepura University Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor Sudantha Liyanage and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Professor Shirantha Heenkenda.
Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Heenkenda highlighted some of the prominent examples of the events organised and the projects launched that manifest the friendship between the faculty and Japan.
With the introduction of the degree, he pointed out the new prospects of moulding future flag bearers who will steer the course of the journey towards a stronger friendship in the years to come. He specifically remarked and appreciated the resolute support given by the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka for the success of this brand new endeavour of the faculty.
Senior Prof. Liyanage, made it a point to reminisce the historical speech delivered by the former president of Sri Lanka J.R. Jayewardene, whose words resonate in the hearts of Sri Lankan and Japanese alike even today.
Ambassador Mizukoshi, in his speech, lauded the efforts made by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, blessed by the insightful guidance by Dinesh Gunawardena and former Minister of Education and current Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, in materialising this ground-breaking project, and expressed his firm commitment to support the new Bachelor program develop into the centre of excellence in Japanese studies in Sri Lanka.
