On the occasion of the 2nd Sakura Science Club Alumni Meeting in Sri Lanka

　　
Dear alumni members of Sakura Exchange Program in Science,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
  It is my great honor to participate in this online Sakura Science Club second Alumni Meeting, “Sakura Science and Beyond”. I would like to commend National Science Foundation (NSF), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Sri Lanka Sakura Science Club Alumni Association (SLSSCAA) for organizing this event despite the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19.  I appreciate the kind invitation and it is my great pleasure to speak a few words at this august event.
 
  Talented young people in the field of science and technology are driving forces for economic growth.Japan and Sri Lanka have strengthened cooperation in developing human resources in this field.In this respect, the Sakura Exchange Program in Science or the Sakura Science Plan have been making a great contribution by giving young Sri Lankans opportunities to experience advanced science and technology in Japan.I should also note that the Sakura Science Plan has done so much in promoting exchanges of youth between Japan and Sri Lanka. This Alumni Meeting itself clearly shows the close bond of friendship nurtured through this exchange program.
 
  I understand that the Sakura Science Plan had to limit itself to online exchange programs last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Although there is no doubt that you can learn a lot from online programs, I strongly hope that young Sri Lankan friends will be able to visit Japan to enjoy the real benefit of this precious exchange program in the not so distant future.
 
  I hope that this alumni meeting will be a good platform to share your experiences, while bringing Japan and Sri Lanka closer in the area of science and technology.In addition, as I said two years ago, I would like the alumni members present today to keep in touch with your Japanese friends you found through this program.
 
  With many lessons learnt from this pandemic, Japan and Sri Lanka should further collaborate in converting challenges into opportunities.  Japan will continue to deepen our dialogue and cooperation with Sri Lanka to provide development assistance, including in the areas of human resource development, in response to the genuine needs of the Sri Lankan people.
 
  Last but not least, I would like to offer my heart-felt congratulations to the Sakura Science Club Alumni Meeting and highly commend the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Sri Lanka Sakura Science Club Alumni Association (SLSSCAA), for their great contribution to the success of the Sakura Science Plan.
 
   Thank  you very much.