At the 34th Annual General Meeting of the Japan Sri Lanka Technical & Cultural Association (JASTECA)

Mr. Nimal Perera, Outgoing President of JASTECA,
Mr. Gamini Marambe, Incoming President of JASTECA,
Prof. Buddhi Marambe, Senior Professor, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya
Mr. Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya, Chairman of JASTECA Trust
Executives, Secretaries, and Members of JASTECA,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
　Good evening, Ayu Bowan, Wanakkam, こんばんは。
 
　I would like to start by congratulating the Japan-Sri Lanka Technical and Cultural Association (JASTECA) on successfully convening the 34th Annual General Meeting.  I appreciate the kind invitation and it is my great honour to speak a few words at this august event.
 
　At the outset, on behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to  express solidarity with the people and Government of Sri Lanka in our joint combat against COVID-19, while commending the strong leadership of the Government and business leaders of Sri Lanka in tackling successfully the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19.  Japan, as a long-standing friend, has provided USD 9.6million grant aid in order to help Sri Lanka fight against COVID-19, including procurement of essential medical equipment such as MRI system and CT scanners and improvement of hospital facilities.
 
　It’s been almost 2 years since I started my tenure in Sri Lanka and I have been deeply impressed with the valuable contribution of JASTECA in  strengthening business relations between Japan and Sri Lanka. Especially, thanks to the dedicated efforts of JASTECA, Japanese style management systems such as 5S and Kaizen concepts have spread throughout Sri Lankan commerce and industries, thus contributing to improving their international competitiveness, which has elevated Sri Lanka’s importance as a hub in the South Asian region.
 
　I would also like to highlight JASTECA’s contribution to Japanese language training through extending cooperation to the Japanese Language Education Association (JLEA). Improving young Sri Lankans’ proficiency in Japanese language is, of course, vital to furthering business relations between the two countries. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the JASTECA’s sincere efforts, in particular, the uncontested dedication long extended by Mr. Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya, president of JLEA.
 
　Sri Lanka has an enormous potential to attract foreign investment, thanks to its geographical location as the hub of the east-west shipping route in the Indian Ocean; its proximity to the rapidly growing Indian Subcontinent and neighboring regions; its strong workforce with diligence, high-level education as well as proficiency in English, among others.
 
　We see the growing interest of Japanese companies keen to pursue business opportunities here in Sri Lanka. Last September，The Board of Investment (BOI) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Sri Lanka, held an investment seminar in Japan. I have learned that the seminar received most favorable responses from attendees. Nearly 240 businesspersons and over 200 companies attended the said seminar. This result is an evidence of the growing interest among Japanese investors towards Sri Lanka.
 
　Some Japanese companies are exploring the possibilities of diversifying their sources of supply after a serious disruption of supply chain caused by COVID 19.  I hope there will be opportunities here to strengthen further trade and investment relations between our two countries.  To be sure, when Japanese companies come to explore business opportunities in this beautiful country, they will be very much encouraged when they find good local business partners like those present here today, who are well versed in Japanese style management systems.
 
　Let me reiterate that Japan will continue to commit its support to enhance productivity of the corporate sector of Sri Lanka in various ways, especially through AOTS training programs in close collaboration with JASTECA.  
 
　This Annual General Meeting marks the start of another year of excellence for JASTECA.  Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed members of the executive committee. I am sure that JASTECA will enjoy continued success under the able leadership of new President, Mr. Gamini Marambe and I commend outgoing Chairman Mr. Nimal Perera for his longtime dedication to JASTECA.
 
　To conclude, I wish all the best for JASTECA’s continued success in the coming year, and I assure you that the Embassy of Japan will continue to extend its fullest support to the friends of JASTECA.
 
  Thank you very much for your attention and wish you all a pleasant evening.