Karu first Sri Lankan to get highest decoration from Japan

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya with The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun confered by Japan and presented yesteray by Japan’s Ambassador Kenachi Suganuma at a special function held at the Japanese Embassy yesterday. Mrs Jayasuriya and Mrs Suganuma are also present - Pic by Shehan Gunasekara

​The Government of Japan yesterday formally presented ‘The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun’ to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya as recognition for his significant contribution in promoting bilateral relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.

The original annoucement of the award was made on 3 November 2016 and a congratulatory message was sent byMinister for Foreign Affairs of JapanFumio Kishidafollowing the announcement, stating: “Please accept my sincerest congratulations on the conferment of ‘The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun,’ in recognition of your outstanding contribution, and my best wishes for your continued good health and happiness.”

Despite arrangements having been made for the awarding of the Order of the Rising Sun by Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Place of Japan on 8 November 2016, Jayasuriya was unable to attend that ceremony due to the demise of his younger daughter, therefore this order was awarded at a special function held at the Japanese Embassy in Sri Lanka yesterday (31).

Before Jayasuriya went into politics in 1996 he served in private sector for 32 years. While visiting Japan and doing business with Japanese companies as a leading businessman from Sri Lanka, he conceived an idea that Sri Lanka could develop by taking Japan as an example, and he wished for stronger ties between the two countries.

Since then, he has worked continuously for the promotion of bilateral relations, and when the Sri Lanka-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association was established in 2001, he joined it as a Member of Parliament and later served as the President of Association from 2002 to 2004.  During his tenure, he received Japanese parliamentary delegations many times.

Jayasuriya also held various ministerial posts successively before being elected Speaker of Parliament, and facilitated many Japanese development assistance projects coming under his scopes of work.

Jayasuriya, as the Speaker of Parliament and a patron of the Sri Lanka-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association, is keen to further promote exchanges between the Parliaments as well as Members of Parliaments of the two countries. Since assuming office as Speaker he initiated Parliament-to-Parliament diplomacy.

This is the first time that this highest decoration was given to a Sri Lankan. The other dignitaries who received the same decoration together with Jayasuriya this time were as follows:

•    Cesar Enrique Aguinaldo Virata (Philippines) – Former Prime Minister, former Minister of Finance

•    Franklin M. Drilon (Philippines) – Former President of the Senate of the Philippines, President of the Philippines-Japan Parliamentarians Association

•    John Andrew Boehner (USA) – Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, former Republican Leader of the United States House of Representatives, former Member of the United States House of Representatives

•    Sam Kahamba Kutesa (Uganda) – Former President of the 69th session of United Nations General Assembly, Minister of Foreign Affairs 

•    John J. Hamre (USA) – Former Deputy Secretary of Defence, President and CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies

•    Dr. H.A.N. Sung Joo (Republic of Korea) – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Emeritus at Korea University, former President of the Seoul Forum for International Affairs

Jayasuriya in his acceptance speech conveyed his deep appreciation to the Emperor of Japan for conferring this honour on him.

"I am also grateful to your Government and Foreign Minister for facilitating the occasion.I am personally aware of Your Excellency’s role here. I must thank you and your able staff for all the assistance extended," he said.

Jayasuriya said he has had deep-rooted affection for Japan and its people from early stage of his life.  

"Our two countries have also cultural and religious links.Temperamentally we share common ideals.It was because of such affection and respect for your country that our late President J.R. Jayewardene in 1951 after World War II asked the world to forgive and forget the destruction of war by quoting Lord Buddha that ‘hatred ceasesnot by hatred, but by love,'" recalled Jayasuriya.

He also said that today Sri Lanka has become a peaceful, powerful and prosperous nation, Japanese leaders have followed the path of democracy and peaceful co-existence and Japan has become a friend to the world.

Today, Japan is one of the largest donors to Sri Lanka and all the assistance provided has been with good and sincere intentions, with a view to provide better quality life to the people of Sri Lanka, he noted.

"As a former Minister of the Sri Lankan Government, I recall with gratitutde the enormous support extended for completion of several gigantic projects to benefit the people of Sri Lanka.In my association with your religious, political and business leaders, I have always witnessed the warmth, affection and respect displayed to my country and people," Jayasuriya added.

He also told the ceremony that he would remain a dear andnear friend to Japan.

"Hon. Ministers, Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corp, distinguished invitees and friends, your presence here this evening has been an honour and strength to me. I am grateful to you for your distinguished presence. May the New Year bring all of youprosperity, happiness and good health," Jayasuriya added.