On the occasion of the Presentation Ceremony of the 26th Bunka Award

Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs,
Respected Members of Selection Committee and the Sub Committee of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Cultural Fund
Distinguished Guests,
And not least, Seven winners of the 26th Bunka Award,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

　Good afternoon, Ayu Bowan, Wanakkam, Konnichiwa,

　First and foremost, on behalf of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Cultural Fund, I would like to express our great pleasure of organizing the Presentation Ceremony of the 26th Bunka Award on this virtual platform today. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for gracing this glorious occasion as the Chief Guest. The warm blessings by Honourable Prime Minister for the winners of the Bunka Award would most appreciatively manifest greater eminence of the Bunka Award. 

　Ladies and Gentlemen,

　As illustrated in the name of the Japanese era of Reiwa, people are connected together in unity in the most beautiful manner where culture flourishes. The founders of the Bunka Award also held close to their hearts the historical and cultural affinities between Japan and Sri Lanka, while envisaging that the peoples of both countries, by deepening the mutual understanding towards the respective cultures, could cultivate the true friendship that would withstand the test of times. Today, after 28 years since the first seed had thus been planted, the Bunka Award has achieved its original purpose successfully, with strengthened cultural ties further explored by 130 pioneers decorated with this esteemed award.  

　The seven winners of the 26th Bunka Award, whose names will be announced shortly, were unanimously voted for by the prominent members of both the Selection Committee and the Sub Committee of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Cultural Fund. They are highly commended for attaining the art of excellence in their respective pursuits, while infusing fresh vigor and inspiration into the diverse cultural scene of Sri Lanka. On behalf of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Cultural Fund, I take a great pleasure in welcoming all the seven winners into this prestigious “League of Cultural Pioneers”, with heartfelt congratulations on winning the award.

　Before closing, allow me to take a moment to express my sincere regret for having had to postpone the presentation ceremony for more than a year due to the prevailing situation of COVID-19. Yet, it is a matter of great honour for me to witness that the spirit of solidarity between Japan and Sri Lanka has only continued to grow throughout our joint combat against the global pandemic. 

　The strength of true friendship is tested by an unprecedented challenge like the current hardship, and it can only be tempered by nurturing the mutual compassion that is cultivated through the cultural affinities. The seven new recipients of the Bunka Award will each stand as an icon of such lasting cause, and are expected to bridge the numerous hearts through silent but most resilient power that culture is endowed with.        

　On this note, and with my very best wishes for the continuous success of the seven winners, along with further prosperity and development of our cultural friendship, I would like to conclude my congratulatory remarks.

　Thank you very much for your kind attention.