Independence Day celebrations in Tokyo

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan commemorated the 65th Independence anniversary at the Reiyukai hall in Tokyo on Monday amid a large gathering of Sri Lankan expatriates and Japanese officials. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda was the Chief Guest on the occasion as Chief Guest of the ceremony.

The ceremony comprised of the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, rendering of the national anthem and reading of messages of the President, Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Admiral (Rtd.) WasanthaKarannagoda highlighted the close and friendly relations that Japan and Sri Lanka have shared over the years recollecting the support extended to Japan by Sri Lanka at the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1951 and the establishment of Diplomatic ties in 1952. Looking back at 60 years of diplomatic relations today, Japan supports Sri Lanka as one of the single largest donors to the country with financial assistance extended to the country in the short, medium and long term. Ambassador Admiral Karrannagoda stressed that the cordial and close support from Japan has greatly assisted Sri Lanka in its reconstruction and development following the end of 30 decades of LTTE terrorism.

Former Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka and current President of Japan-Sri Lanka Association Isamu Nitta also addressed the gathering.

All attendees were treated to a breakfast of traditional Sri Lankan food and entertained by cultural dance performances by members of the Sri Lanka Students' Association in Japan.