Conferment of "The Order of the Rising Sun" upon Dr. Ananda Kumara
2026/11/3
On 3rd November 2026, the Government of Japan announced that The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon has been conferred upon Dr. Ananda Kumara, Vice Chancellor of Lanka Nippon BizTech Institute (LNBTI), in recognition of his distinguished contribution to promoting academic exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and Sri Lanka.
As the Vice Chancellor and President of LNBTI—the sole higher education institution in Sri Lanka established as a joint venture between a Japanese company and a Sri Lankan company in 2016 to cultivate world-class IT professionals —Dr. Kumara has played a pivotal role in fostering human resources tailored to Japanese culture and workplace environment. Under his leadership, LNBTI was accredited as a four-year degree-awarding institute by the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka in June 2022. Graduates who are employed as software developers and engineers in Japan have earned high praise from employer companies for possessing both technical expertise and adaptability to Japanese workplace culture, thereby advancing the smooth acceptance and long-term retention of highly skilled talent in Japan.
In addition to academic and technical training, Dr. Kumara has taken initiative in promoting mutual understanding not only through Japanese language education but also by leading on-campus initiatives such as Japanese speech contests and the annual "Japanese Day." Furthermore, Dr. Kumara has been actively engaged in Bon Odori Festival, which is co-organised annually by the Embassy of Japan and the National Youth Services Council of Sri Lanka, by leading students to participate in various activities to experience Japanese culture, including learning how to wear Yukata (summer kimono) , practicing Bon Odori dance and organising interactive booths featuring Cosplay and Shodo (Japanese calligraphy). Dr. Kumara has significantly contributed to the promotion of Japanese culture in Sri Lanka and fostering young talents to bridge the two nations.
Beyond his contributions at LNBTI, Dr. Kumara devoted himself over 20 years to higher education in Japan as a university professor at Suzuka International University, Tokyo Institute of Technology and Meijo University. He has worked extensively to enhance students’ intercultural understanding and global competency at these universities. For example, at Suzuka International University, he promoted practical international education by linking university education and the local communities. He was also involved in running the Global Scientists and Engineers Course at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. At Meijo University, he served as the Founding Dean, Faculty of Foreign Studies, promoting students’ understanding of different cultures and contributed to the development of globally competent human resources. Furthermore, he served as President of the Japan Association for Global Competency Education between April 2022 and March 2026 and has served as its Director General since April 2026.
The Embassy of Japan wishes to express its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ananda Kumara on the decoration of the Order, with sincere appreciation for his remarkable dedication to the cause of deepening mutual understanding and promoting friendly relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.
As the Vice Chancellor and President of LNBTI—the sole higher education institution in Sri Lanka established as a joint venture between a Japanese company and a Sri Lankan company in 2016 to cultivate world-class IT professionals —Dr. Kumara has played a pivotal role in fostering human resources tailored to Japanese culture and workplace environment. Under his leadership, LNBTI was accredited as a four-year degree-awarding institute by the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka in June 2022. Graduates who are employed as software developers and engineers in Japan have earned high praise from employer companies for possessing both technical expertise and adaptability to Japanese workplace culture, thereby advancing the smooth acceptance and long-term retention of highly skilled talent in Japan.
In addition to academic and technical training, Dr. Kumara has taken initiative in promoting mutual understanding not only through Japanese language education but also by leading on-campus initiatives such as Japanese speech contests and the annual "Japanese Day." Furthermore, Dr. Kumara has been actively engaged in Bon Odori Festival, which is co-organised annually by the Embassy of Japan and the National Youth Services Council of Sri Lanka, by leading students to participate in various activities to experience Japanese culture, including learning how to wear Yukata (summer kimono) , practicing Bon Odori dance and organising interactive booths featuring Cosplay and Shodo (Japanese calligraphy). Dr. Kumara has significantly contributed to the promotion of Japanese culture in Sri Lanka and fostering young talents to bridge the two nations.
Beyond his contributions at LNBTI, Dr. Kumara devoted himself over 20 years to higher education in Japan as a university professor at Suzuka International University, Tokyo Institute of Technology and Meijo University. He has worked extensively to enhance students’ intercultural understanding and global competency at these universities. For example, at Suzuka International University, he promoted practical international education by linking university education and the local communities. He was also involved in running the Global Scientists and Engineers Course at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. At Meijo University, he served as the Founding Dean, Faculty of Foreign Studies, promoting students’ understanding of different cultures and contributed to the development of globally competent human resources. Furthermore, he served as President of the Japan Association for Global Competency Education between April 2022 and March 2026 and has served as its Director General since April 2026.
The Embassy of Japan wishes to express its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ananda Kumara on the decoration of the Order, with sincere appreciation for his remarkable dedication to the cause of deepening mutual understanding and promoting friendly relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.