1st Sakura Science Club Alumni Meeting in Sri Lanka

It is my great pleasure to be with you today in order to celebrate the launch of the Sakura Science Club Alumni Meeting in Sri Lanka. The Sakura Exchange Program in Science or the Sakura Science Plan aims to enhance exchanges of youth between Asia and Japan in the field of science and technology and to contribute to nurturing human resources in the said field. This program also helps young people in Asia develop interest-in, cutting-edge Japanese science and technology. I highly appreciate the contribution of relevant institutions, in particular, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) to the successful development of this program in Sri Lanka.
 
As a long-time friend, Japan remains committed to extending assistance in response to the genuine development needs of Sri Lanka. In particular, Japan and Sri Lanka share the view that human resources are essential for economic growth, and agree to strengthen bilateral cooperation in human resources development. In this respect, the Sakura Science Plan has been making a great contribution by giving young Sri Lankans opportunities to experience advanced science and technology in Japan.
 
In addition, the participants in this program can develop better understanding of Japan, including the way of thinking, work ethics and culture of Japanese people, leading to more mutual understanding and friendship between young generations of the two countries. And, on an institutional basis, this program provides a good basis for further exchanges between schools, universities, and research institutions of the two countries. So I would like to ask the alumni members present today to keep in touch with your Japanese friends! I also hope that this alumni meeting will be a good for to share your experiences in Japan and become an organization bringing Japan and Sri Lanka in the area of science and technology.
 
After your memorable experiences in Japan, you may wish to further pursue study and research in Japan. The Japanese Government provides scholarship to help foreign students pursue academic career in Japan. The embassy of Japan has an advisor for Japanese Scholarship, who is here today to introduce you to our scholarship programs later.
 
    Last but not least, I would like to offer again my heart-felt congratulations on the launch of the Sakura Science Club Alumni Meeting and express gratitude to Mr. Kazuki Okimura, Principal Fellow, former President of Japan Science and Technology Agency and Prof. Ananda Jayawardane, Director General, National Science Foundation, as well as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science, Technology and Research, and Ministry of Finance and Mas media for their great contribution to the success of the Sakura Science Plan. Thank you very much.