On the occasion of the Emperor’s Birthday Ceremony 2021
2021/3/17
Ambassador's Speech
Thank you very much, Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Foreign Minister, for coming to my official residence to place a congratulatory message for His Majesty the Emperor.
Good afternoon, Ayubowan, Wanakkam and Konnichiwa.
First of all, I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt appreciation to all the distinguished guests for “clicking” to participate in our virtual ceremony today－to celebrate the 61st Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. Like many other alternatives initiated under the “new normal”, this is our first attempt to hold our National Day Ceremony on this novel platform. Such a major change notwithstanding, it is our sincere wish to convey our warmest greetings to the Government and people of Sri Lanka as well as to the Japanese compatriots in Sri Lanka, and with the blessings of many good friends, I take great honour in offering my sincere prayer for the health, happiness, and prosperity of His Majesty, together with my best wishes for our ever-lasting friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The year 2021 marks an important juncture in the history of our valued diplomatic relationship. 70 years ago, in 1951, the first bud of our long-cherished friendship began to sprout in the San Francisco Peace Conference, in which the representative of the then Ceylon, His Excellency J.R. Jayawardene, made an ever -memorable speech on September 6th, paving the way for Japan to recover her status in the international community after World War II. Today, that precious bud grew into a firm and robust tree, standing as a testimony to the time-tested friendship that endured through thick and thin for the past 70 years.
The current global pandemic of COVID-19, for Japan and Sri Lanka, presents another circumstance to rise to the occasion, further bolstering the spirit of solidarity with mutual trust and respect in the face of unprecedented challenges. To my honour, Japan’s assistance to Sri Lanka in our joint combat against COVID-19 stretches over wide-ranging areas, in total sum of USD 9.6 million, including essential support for children and expectant women, welfare of repatriated Sri Lankan nationals, awareness campaign on health and sanitation, strengthening quarantine facilities as well as providing medical equipment and technical assistance to frontline health workers.
Such various supports, on the other hand, are, in fact, a symbolic reflection of Japan’s deep appreciation for the vigorous solidarity expressed by our Sri Lankan friends during the pall of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami－which will mark the 10th anniversary on the 11th of March this year. In order to alleviate our suffering, Sri Lanka sent a disaster relief team, comprising 15 officials from the Ministry of Disaster Management, and donated USD 1 million and 3 million tea bags, sealed and delivered with encouragement. The sympathy and fraternity expressed to our people throughout our hours of darkness were received with ever-lasting thankfulness – etched deeply in our abiding memory. Trials of afflictions, for Japan and Sri Lanka, could not be the source of weakness but must be that of strength.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Sharing the common geographical attributes of being a continental island in the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean respectively, Japan and Sri Lanka are tightly united by shared oceanic interests and experiences, making each other a natural maritime partner in the Indo-Pacific Region. Our prosperity and welfare rest upon the blessings of the sea, the imperatives of which has figured in the wisdom of promoting freedom of navigation and a rule-based maritime order for the peace and prosperity of the region, which would benefit all the countries, littoral and non-littoral alike. Japan has been making a determined effort to foster Indo-Pacific to be “Global Commons” or “International Public Goods”, which is a holding pillar of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific－FOIP in short. As is evident from its appellation, FOIP is an inclusive vision open to all countries that share its basic principles, and under this vision, Japan aspires to further consolidate maritime cooperation with Sri Lanka, which is an important partner located at the strategic position on the east-west sea lanes – and that at the very heart of the Indian Ocean.
To date, Japan and Sri Lanka have made steady progress in this area of crucial importance, which has culminated in; a)granting two new patrol vessels to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, b)extending technical assistance for improving oil spill management to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and, c)supporting VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) Training Courses conducted by UNODC with close support of the Sri Lanka Navy, to tackle the mounting challenge of illegal drug trafficking plaguing the regions, among others. The said patrol vessels also played an active role in contributing to the joint effort carried out by Sri Lanka and India in successfully extinguishing the fire that broke out on a distressed oil tanker steering off the coast of Sri Lanka last September.
The Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy have also been facilitating port calls by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels, even amidst of the challenging circumstances caused by the COVID-19. Over the last one year, from January 2020 to February 2021, fifteen JMSDF vessels have made port calls at the ports in Sri Lanka. The visit by KAGA, one of the biggest ships of the JMSDF, particularly highlighted the long-time friendly relationship between the JMSDF and the Sri Lanka Navy through conducting joint bilateral exercise successfully.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The grand design of FOIP envisages creating new dynamism by combining “Two Oceans”, that is the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and “Two Continents” that is Asia and Africa, by, for one, enhancing connectivity through “Quality Infrastructure” development. The “Quality Infrastructure” is a concept originally launched by the Government of Japan, which attaches particular emphasis on; a) open access, b) transparency, c) economic efficiency including life-cycle cost, and, d) financial viability of recipient countries, leading to resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth of developing countries across the region. In the context of Sri Lanka, the new initiatives have culminated in wide-ranging projects, such as the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project (Phase 2) and the New Bridge Construction Project Over the Kelani River, among others.
Japan, as a long-time development partner, has committed to assisting the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka in response to the genuine needs of Sri Lankan people. As recent studies have shown, Japan’s development assistance to Sri Lanka is characterized by; a) high concessionality, b) lower project cost, c) competitive procurement procedure, and, d) high productivity to the economy, which render positive impact to Sri Lanka’s GDP and industrial output growth. The “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor”－a people-oriented, highly insightful manifesto of His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa－gives special attention to the development of agricultural sector and water resource upliftment – the foundation of governance that, to the best of my knowledge, stems deeply from the ancient statecraft of Taprobane. I am pleased to note that Japan has been extending active support in the respective areas. The most recent achievement in the agricultural sector is “Establishment of Research and Training Complex” at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, which was inaugurated on February 5th. Ongoing projects in the water supply sector are “Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project” and “Kalu Ganga Water Supply Expansion Project”. Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide, in his letter commemorating Sri Lanka’s 73rd Independence Day, also expressed Japan’s categorical support to realize the aspirations envisaged in the “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor”.
Japan and Sri Lanka have also been close trade and investment partners for a long time, while I should stress that there still remains untapped potential to expand and diversify the business relations between the two countries. Japanese business people have shown keen interest in Sri Lanka, in view of its geographical location; its proximity to the rapidly growing Indian Subcontinent and neighboring regions; its strong workforce with diligence and high-level education. Japanese investors, in turn, make a substantial contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy through creating employment, generating exports, transferring Japanese technology and introducing Japanese management style to Sri Lanka.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
While development assistance and business relations have admittedly elevated our bilateral relationship to a new height, the mainspring has been, and will remain to be, the people-to-people contacts at all levels. Long before the dawn of the establishment of our diplomatic relationship, Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala, one of the leading makers of modern Buddhism, had pioneered connecting our hearts and souls by deepening mutual understanding through the common faith of Buddhism, and had kindled the first warmth of friendship during his first visit to Japan in the late 19th century.
Terming Japan as a “beacon light to Asia”, Dharmapala not only promoted spiritual interactions between the two countries but also encouraged his devout followers to learn industrial art, such as weaving, from Japan – while admiring Japanese people’s practical wisdom and advanced knowledge in technical science. The new path thus broken by Dharmapala was well beaten by the following generations, turning it into a myriad of bridges that connect the hearts of the two peoples today.
The undercurrent of mutual attraction, further strengthened by the shared rich Buddhist heritages, can, by no means, be affected by the prevailing scourge of COVID-19. Though the people-to-people contacts between Japan and Sri Lanka, including tourism, suffered sharp fall in 2020, I do believe it will bounce back with renewed zeal once we redeem the life of normalcy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in coming summer as proof that humanity has defeated the pandemic of COVID-19. It is expected to further propel people-to-people exchanges to a greater extent. Three registered host towns, Sanmu, Hashima and Maebashi, will receive the Sri Lankan athletes with open arms, and are preparing to make this “global festival of peace” shared memories for both Japan and Sri Lanka.
In recent years, fresh breeze is beginning to blow from the new generations, especially young women. We have come to know a young female gymnast dedicating herself to rigorous training in Tokyo, while living all by herself, aspiring to represent Sri Lanka in the Tokyo Olympic Games. We also know that majority of young learners of Japanese language are female students, who symbolize the “precious buds” in the great tree of friendship, as I described earlier, to one day, spearhead the new frontiers of our bilateral relationship.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year, in the New Year’s video message, His Majesty the Emperor offered faithful prayer for tranquility, happiness and peace of the people of Japan and the world, while stating that humanity in the past have overcome great trials, such as numerous pandemics and natural disasters, each time with unwearied spirit of solidarity and perseverance. Keeping in mind the virtuous thoughts of His Majesty, I would like to renew, with all the might of my ability, my commitment to further consolidating our time-honoured friendship in the years to come.
Last but not least, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Foreign Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, for sending a cordial message on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka to celebrate this joyous day with the people of Japan.
Thank you very much for your kind attention.
Good afternoon, Ayubowan, Wanakkam and Konnichiwa.
First of all, I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt appreciation to all the distinguished guests for “clicking” to participate in our virtual ceremony today－to celebrate the 61st Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. Like many other alternatives initiated under the “new normal”, this is our first attempt to hold our National Day Ceremony on this novel platform. Such a major change notwithstanding, it is our sincere wish to convey our warmest greetings to the Government and people of Sri Lanka as well as to the Japanese compatriots in Sri Lanka, and with the blessings of many good friends, I take great honour in offering my sincere prayer for the health, happiness, and prosperity of His Majesty, together with my best wishes for our ever-lasting friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The year 2021 marks an important juncture in the history of our valued diplomatic relationship. 70 years ago, in 1951, the first bud of our long-cherished friendship began to sprout in the San Francisco Peace Conference, in which the representative of the then Ceylon, His Excellency J.R. Jayawardene, made an ever -memorable speech on September 6th, paving the way for Japan to recover her status in the international community after World War II. Today, that precious bud grew into a firm and robust tree, standing as a testimony to the time-tested friendship that endured through thick and thin for the past 70 years.
The current global pandemic of COVID-19, for Japan and Sri Lanka, presents another circumstance to rise to the occasion, further bolstering the spirit of solidarity with mutual trust and respect in the face of unprecedented challenges. To my honour, Japan’s assistance to Sri Lanka in our joint combat against COVID-19 stretches over wide-ranging areas, in total sum of USD 9.6 million, including essential support for children and expectant women, welfare of repatriated Sri Lankan nationals, awareness campaign on health and sanitation, strengthening quarantine facilities as well as providing medical equipment and technical assistance to frontline health workers.
Such various supports, on the other hand, are, in fact, a symbolic reflection of Japan’s deep appreciation for the vigorous solidarity expressed by our Sri Lankan friends during the pall of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami－which will mark the 10th anniversary on the 11th of March this year. In order to alleviate our suffering, Sri Lanka sent a disaster relief team, comprising 15 officials from the Ministry of Disaster Management, and donated USD 1 million and 3 million tea bags, sealed and delivered with encouragement. The sympathy and fraternity expressed to our people throughout our hours of darkness were received with ever-lasting thankfulness – etched deeply in our abiding memory. Trials of afflictions, for Japan and Sri Lanka, could not be the source of weakness but must be that of strength.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Sharing the common geographical attributes of being a continental island in the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean respectively, Japan and Sri Lanka are tightly united by shared oceanic interests and experiences, making each other a natural maritime partner in the Indo-Pacific Region. Our prosperity and welfare rest upon the blessings of the sea, the imperatives of which has figured in the wisdom of promoting freedom of navigation and a rule-based maritime order for the peace and prosperity of the region, which would benefit all the countries, littoral and non-littoral alike. Japan has been making a determined effort to foster Indo-Pacific to be “Global Commons” or “International Public Goods”, which is a holding pillar of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific－FOIP in short. As is evident from its appellation, FOIP is an inclusive vision open to all countries that share its basic principles, and under this vision, Japan aspires to further consolidate maritime cooperation with Sri Lanka, which is an important partner located at the strategic position on the east-west sea lanes – and that at the very heart of the Indian Ocean.
To date, Japan and Sri Lanka have made steady progress in this area of crucial importance, which has culminated in; a)granting two new patrol vessels to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, b)extending technical assistance for improving oil spill management to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, and, c)supporting VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) Training Courses conducted by UNODC with close support of the Sri Lanka Navy, to tackle the mounting challenge of illegal drug trafficking plaguing the regions, among others. The said patrol vessels also played an active role in contributing to the joint effort carried out by Sri Lanka and India in successfully extinguishing the fire that broke out on a distressed oil tanker steering off the coast of Sri Lanka last September.
The Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy have also been facilitating port calls by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels, even amidst of the challenging circumstances caused by the COVID-19. Over the last one year, from January 2020 to February 2021, fifteen JMSDF vessels have made port calls at the ports in Sri Lanka. The visit by KAGA, one of the biggest ships of the JMSDF, particularly highlighted the long-time friendly relationship between the JMSDF and the Sri Lanka Navy through conducting joint bilateral exercise successfully.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The grand design of FOIP envisages creating new dynamism by combining “Two Oceans”, that is the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and “Two Continents” that is Asia and Africa, by, for one, enhancing connectivity through “Quality Infrastructure” development. The “Quality Infrastructure” is a concept originally launched by the Government of Japan, which attaches particular emphasis on; a) open access, b) transparency, c) economic efficiency including life-cycle cost, and, d) financial viability of recipient countries, leading to resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth of developing countries across the region. In the context of Sri Lanka, the new initiatives have culminated in wide-ranging projects, such as the Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project (Phase 2) and the New Bridge Construction Project Over the Kelani River, among others.
Japan, as a long-time development partner, has committed to assisting the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka in response to the genuine needs of Sri Lankan people. As recent studies have shown, Japan’s development assistance to Sri Lanka is characterized by; a) high concessionality, b) lower project cost, c) competitive procurement procedure, and, d) high productivity to the economy, which render positive impact to Sri Lanka’s GDP and industrial output growth. The “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor”－a people-oriented, highly insightful manifesto of His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa－gives special attention to the development of agricultural sector and water resource upliftment – the foundation of governance that, to the best of my knowledge, stems deeply from the ancient statecraft of Taprobane. I am pleased to note that Japan has been extending active support in the respective areas. The most recent achievement in the agricultural sector is “Establishment of Research and Training Complex” at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, which was inaugurated on February 5th. Ongoing projects in the water supply sector are “Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project” and “Kalu Ganga Water Supply Expansion Project”. Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide, in his letter commemorating Sri Lanka’s 73rd Independence Day, also expressed Japan’s categorical support to realize the aspirations envisaged in the “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor”.
Japan and Sri Lanka have also been close trade and investment partners for a long time, while I should stress that there still remains untapped potential to expand and diversify the business relations between the two countries. Japanese business people have shown keen interest in Sri Lanka, in view of its geographical location; its proximity to the rapidly growing Indian Subcontinent and neighboring regions; its strong workforce with diligence and high-level education. Japanese investors, in turn, make a substantial contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy through creating employment, generating exports, transferring Japanese technology and introducing Japanese management style to Sri Lanka.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
While development assistance and business relations have admittedly elevated our bilateral relationship to a new height, the mainspring has been, and will remain to be, the people-to-people contacts at all levels. Long before the dawn of the establishment of our diplomatic relationship, Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala, one of the leading makers of modern Buddhism, had pioneered connecting our hearts and souls by deepening mutual understanding through the common faith of Buddhism, and had kindled the first warmth of friendship during his first visit to Japan in the late 19th century.
Terming Japan as a “beacon light to Asia”, Dharmapala not only promoted spiritual interactions between the two countries but also encouraged his devout followers to learn industrial art, such as weaving, from Japan – while admiring Japanese people’s practical wisdom and advanced knowledge in technical science. The new path thus broken by Dharmapala was well beaten by the following generations, turning it into a myriad of bridges that connect the hearts of the two peoples today.
The undercurrent of mutual attraction, further strengthened by the shared rich Buddhist heritages, can, by no means, be affected by the prevailing scourge of COVID-19. Though the people-to-people contacts between Japan and Sri Lanka, including tourism, suffered sharp fall in 2020, I do believe it will bounce back with renewed zeal once we redeem the life of normalcy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held in coming summer as proof that humanity has defeated the pandemic of COVID-19. It is expected to further propel people-to-people exchanges to a greater extent. Three registered host towns, Sanmu, Hashima and Maebashi, will receive the Sri Lankan athletes with open arms, and are preparing to make this “global festival of peace” shared memories for both Japan and Sri Lanka.
In recent years, fresh breeze is beginning to blow from the new generations, especially young women. We have come to know a young female gymnast dedicating herself to rigorous training in Tokyo, while living all by herself, aspiring to represent Sri Lanka in the Tokyo Olympic Games. We also know that majority of young learners of Japanese language are female students, who symbolize the “precious buds” in the great tree of friendship, as I described earlier, to one day, spearhead the new frontiers of our bilateral relationship.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year, in the New Year’s video message, His Majesty the Emperor offered faithful prayer for tranquility, happiness and peace of the people of Japan and the world, while stating that humanity in the past have overcome great trials, such as numerous pandemics and natural disasters, each time with unwearied spirit of solidarity and perseverance. Keeping in mind the virtuous thoughts of His Majesty, I would like to renew, with all the might of my ability, my commitment to further consolidating our time-honoured friendship in the years to come.
Last but not least, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Foreign Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, for sending a cordial message on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka to celebrate this joyous day with the people of Japan.
Thank you very much for your kind attention.