Sri Lanka Embassy in Tokyo celebrates 67th Independence Day
Saturday, 7 February 2015 00:01
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The 67th anniversary of the independence of Sri Lanka was held on Wednesday, 4 February at the Reiyukai Hall in Tokyo. The event which was organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo was held with a large gathering of Sri Lankan expatriates in Japan.
The official ceremony of the Independence Day celebrations was commenced with the hoisting of the national flag accompanied by Magul Bera followed by the National Anthem. Religious observances were conducted by the representatives of the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian clergy, followed by reading of the Independence Day messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Japan Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda stated that the longstanding relations between Japan and Sri Lanka will further continue to grow stronger in the coming years. He also stressed that even though the formal diplomatic ties between Japan and Sri Lanka date back over 60 years, recorded history establishes that relations date back many a century.
Karannagoda also highlighted the year 2014 was most unique to both the countries since Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe undertook a two day official visit to Sri Lanka after a lapse of 24 years and the visit was most constructive and productive. During this visit, the Prime Minister had several high level meetings including that of a high profile business forum paving the way to strengthen the economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Ambassador also stated that the visit of the Vice President of LDP Masahiko Komura, who is also the President Japan-Sri Lanka Parliamentary League, to Sri Lanka in July of last year with a group of parliamentarians, strengthened the bilateral relations.
Karannagoda also emphasised the Overseas Development Assistance of Japan to Sri Lanka stating that it continues to make a positive contribution to the economic and social tapestry of the country. He further stressed the growing economic ties between the two countries and that as one of the largest donors of Sri Lanka; Japanese investment has contributed immeasurably to the country’s economic development.
The participants witnessed a cultural event performed by the Sri Lanka Students Association in Japan followed by a typical Sri Lankan breakfast reception which included traditional milk rice and Sri Lankan sweetmeats.
