The Annual General Meeting of the 30th Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka Japan Cultural Center Trust

Mr. Tilak De Zoysa, Newly elected Chairman and the Members of the Board of Trustees of the Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka Japan Cultural Center Trust
Distinguished Members,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Good evening,
 
At the outset of my remarks, I wish to express my deepest sorrow and the most profound grievance on the demise of Mr. Daya Wetthasinghe, the news of which pierced our hearts with great force of pain last Saturday on June 22. No words can ever express the shock of this great loss, while I can only stand here, in a great sense of void, to convey my heartfelt condolence and sympathy to the members of his family, and offer my humble prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul.
 
Mr. Daya Wettahsinghe had been a driving force in shaping our bilateral relationship for great many years. He was a top businessman, a philanthropist, and above all else, our true friend with unparalleled passion and love for Japan. Guiding the course of our relationship with outstanding acumen and actions, while serving as the chairman of various friendship associations such as the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society and the Sasakawa Memorial Trust, as well as the Sri Lanka Japan Business Council, Mr. Daya Wetthasinghe has left behind indelible marks in the history of friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan.  Recalling Mr. Daya Wetthasinghe’s contribution to our bilateral relationship, including our 50^th anniversary celebration into great success, and welcoming Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino to Sri Lanka in 1992, I, on behalf of the Government of Japan, wish to express my deepest homage and appreciation to the late Mr. Daya Wetthasinghe.       
   
Distinguished members,
 
Since its foundation in 1987, Sasakawa Memorial Trust has been the pivot of our cultural, economic and educational activities in Sri Lanka. The name “Sasakawa” rings ever louder in the hearts of the Sri Lankan people as the firebrand of mutual understanding, goodwill and friendship between our two countries, which is all the more befitting in the new Japanese era of “Reiwa”, aspiring to pursue the beautiful harmony and peace of the world. In the very beginning of this new era, which was inaugurated on May 1, 2019, I would like to renew my firm resolve to further strengthen our bond of friendship while standing shoulder to shoulder with the valued members of this prominent organization, and wish to call upon everyone’s participation to embark upon this fresh endeavor.
 
Last but not least, I would like to congratulate the past members of the Board of Trustees for successfully convening the 30^th Annual General Meeting today, despite the immediate aftermath of the loss of the chairman, and express my sincere wish for closer and continued cooperation with the newly elected members under the new leadership.
 
Mr. Tilak De Zoysa, my heartfelt congratulations to your election and my best wishes for your successful chairmanship.  
 
On this note, with my appreciation for inviting me to today’s AGM, and my highest regard and tribute to the memory of Mr. Daya Wetthasinghe, I would like to close my remarks.
 
Thank you very much.