Sri Lankan Tea distributed in evacuation centres in Miyagi Prefecture

Ambassador Admiral (Rtd.) Wasantha Karannagoda with Embassy staff and Sri Lankan community members in Japan distributed over 2 million bags of Sri Lankan tea, which is part of the consignment sent by the Government of Sri Lanka, in evacuation centres in Miyagi prefecture, located approximately 600 km away from Tokyo, on Thursday, 28 April to show solidarity with the people and Government of Japan.

Tea was distributed in evacuation centres in Kesennuma, Minamisanriku and Ishinomaki in the Miyagi prefecture with the kind support of the Most Venerable Chiba Shozo, Chief Priest of the Hosenji Temple, in Kesennuma city and also the Non-Governmental Organisations PARCIC and Peace Boat based in the prefecture.

At a meeting with Sato Jin, Mayor of Minamisanriku in Miyagi, the Ambassador stressed the importance of true friendship and stated that Sri Lanka will always stand by Japan in times of need. Speaking to evacuees at the centres, he stated that Japan has always supported Sri Lanka at times when the country was in need, especially remembering the time the tsunami struck the island in 2004, Japan was a close friend who extended valuable support. Sri Lanka now extends its fullest support to the Japanese Government and its people.

The Most Venerable Chiba Shozo, Chief Priest of the Hosenji Temple in Kesennuma city maintains very strong ties with Sri Lanka and had supported the country during the tsunami in 2004.