Japanese Ambassador commends ‘Ginza on the Edge’ Chairman

Friday, 30 January 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ambassador of Japan Nobuhito Hobo accorded a special commendation to Richard Balasuriya, the owner and founder of Japanese restaurant ‘Ginza on the Edge’, in recognition of his dedication to promote fine Japanese cuisine in Sri Lanka, at a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s residence on 16 January.

Ginza on the Edge currently located at the Water’s Edge, Battaramulla was formerly known as ‘Ginza Hohsen’ at the Hilton Colombo since its inception in September 1987, owned by the Top Company Ltd. of Japan, and was the first Japanese restaurant in a five star hotel in Sri Lanka, serving authentic Japanese cuisine of perfection with a touch of creativity. Balasuriya is a JICA scholar conversant in Japanese language and served as a senior government officer in the Ministry of Agriculture. He also served as a National Tourist Guide Lecturer promoting Sri Lankan tourism for Japanese. Having resigned from the government service in 1984, he made his way to Japan on an invitation by the Top Company Ltd of Japan and operated a popular Sri Lankan restaurant in Giza district, Tokyo. Returning back to Sri Lanka in 1987, he opened the Ginza Hohsen at Hilton Colombo, and he has contributed to popularising Japanese food in Sri Lanka since then. His Japanese cuisine has played an important role in the good relationship between two countries for the past 28 years.

Japanese Ambassador Hobo awards the Commendation to Richard Balasuriya