On The Occasion of the Handover Ceremony of the Book Donated by the Nippon Foundation

Professor M.M.M. Najim, Vice Chancellor of South Eastern University,
Mr. M.M.M. Rifaudeen, Librarian
Distinguished academic Staff,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Good afternoon, Wannakkam, Ayubowan, Konnichiwa.
 
　　　　It is my utmost pleasure and honour to be here in your kind presence to handover a gift of 90 books donated by the Nippon Foundation, the foremost public welfare and philanthropic organization in Japan. It has indeed been my enduring fascination to visit the southeastern coast of the island -the historic gateway to the Eastern trade and a renowned destination for its beautiful scenery of pristine beach and lagoons-. I am very thankful for gaining this valuable opportunity finally today.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

　　　　Since the foundation in 1996, South Eastern University has established itself as the Center of Excellence in scholarly pursuits, attracting many promising students from all over the island, in particular from the Eastern region. It is our sincere desire to further cultivate untapped potential of scholarly interactions with this prestigious university, with the intention of uplifting the interest of students to pursue higher education in Japan from this reputed academic institute.
 
　　　　The program of donating books serves the cause of this aspiration most favorably in introducing, as the first step, Japan in the deeper sphere. The 90 books presented here are carefully selected by individuals with extensive knowledge of Japan, which encompass wide-ranging areas of discipline, including politics, economics, history, culture, literature and arts. The Nippon Foundation, the initiator of the program, has been playing a leading role in promoting the Japanese language and culture at Sasakawa Center in Colombo for the past many years, and is now reaching out its activities to the wider regions of the island – to spread its ideal of bridging the understanding between different culture and customs, which is essential for our coexistence and for the promotion of the international peace.
 
　　　　Upon today’s handover ceremony, Mr. SASAKAWA Yohei, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, has sent a special message to the South Eastern University, and on his behalf, I would like to take this opportunity to read it out as follows;
 
　　　　“The Nippon Foundation has been donating English books about Japan since 2008 to promote "Understanding Japan through books"　as READ JAPAN PROJECT. Over 65,000 books were given out to 1,011 libraries in 136 countries and regions so far, and South Eastern University is the third recipient in Sri Lanka receiving our books.
 
　　　　I heard that many Muslim university staff and students were forced to escape from the north due to the civil war. The Nippon Foundation has provided support for internally displaced persons and reconstruction of damaged local elementary and middle schools to develop peacebuilding in the region. Now, I am very happy today here to be able to assist you in education.
 
　　　　Japan has undergone a major social transformation twice in 150 years. The first was the conversion from a feudal system to a modern nation, and the second was the postwar recovery from defeat. What lies behind this are the history, experience, philosophy and spirits of Japan. I hope that the insights and knowledge about Japan instilled in these 90 books will not only deepen our understanding of Japan, but will also be helpful in creating a future society in Sri Lanka. In addition, the books will serve as a bridge between the University and Japan for intellectual exchange. Although I was not able to attend the donation ceremony due to COVID-19, I look forward to meeting you all someday and hearing your thoughts about our books.” 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
　　　　I have noticed, with pleasant surprise, that the symbol of “the rising sun” has been used as a design on the Coat of Arms of the South Eastern University. The breaking of day, with the first light before the dawn, appears in the eastern horizon carrying a new promise of hope everyday. The common geographical orientation has also labeled Japan as the country of “the rising sun”. While embracing this rising hope for our future, and for the next leaders who will fledge out from this university, I am certain that the 90 books presented here today will be remembered as the “symbol of hope” for the many years to come.       
In closing, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Professor M.M.M. Najim, Vice Chancellor, and Mr. M.M.M. Rifaudeen, Librarian, as well as other academic staff for organizing this handover ceremony today. On this note and my very best wishes for the success and prosperity of the South Eastern University, I would like to conclude my remarks.

Thank you very much for your attention. Nandri, Stuti.