Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka

在スリランカ日本大使館

MESSAGE OF MR. NOBUHITO HOBO
AMBASSADOR OF JAPAN
TO THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA

          

 Welcome to the Home Page of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka

          I arrived in Colombo on 16th October as the 21st Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka.

          Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka in 1952, bilateral relations have been promoted in various fields such as political, diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges. Japan’s economic cooperation has played an active role in the development of Sri Lanka.

          As I have even worked in the field of economic cooperation for many years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), I would like to make the most of my past experience while serving as Ambassador in Sri Lanka.

          Since the end of the 26-year-long conflict in May 2009, the Sri Lankan government has seriously engaged in the protection and resettlement activities of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) which amounted to almost 300,000 persons.  Japan, in cooperation with other countries and international organizations, has supported Sri Lanka’s efforts by providing emergency relief, food and de-mining assistance. In addition, the Government of Japan is strongly encouraging the Sri Lankan Government to focus on the importance of national reconciliation in order to achieve the long lasting peace.

          Next year, 2012, Japan and Sri Lanka will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations.   Currently, my Embassy is having discussions with the Japanese and Sri Lankan authorities, on the plans for the 60th Anniversary celebrations. This event will further strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries.

          I hope this Home Page will be useful for those who support the wide range and long standing friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka further.

Nobuhito HOBO
Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka
17th October, 2011