the Book Handover Ceremony at the Jaffna Public Library

Honorable Mayor, His Lordship Emmanuel Arnold,
Mr. R. T. Jeyaseelan, Municipal Commissioner of Jaffna Municipal Council,
Ms. Suganthy Sathasivamoorthy, Head Librarian of Jaffna Public Library,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Good morning, Wanakkam, Ayubowan.
 
First of all, I would like to begin by expressing my great pleasure of being here at the Jaffna Public Library on the occasion of the book handover ceremony this morning. I am extremely thankful to Ms. Sathasivamoorthy for arranging this special ceremony, as well as to His Lordship Emmanuel Arnold, Honorable Mayor of Jaffna Municipal Council, for gracing the event as the chief guest. This is my first visit to the beautiful city of Jaffna, where I came by road via Sigirya, Vauniya, and Kirinochchi, which provided myself with precious opportunity to learn first-handedly about the history and the diversity of this island nation located at the heart of the Indian Ocean.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
This morning, prior to this program, I went to Muhamalai in Kirinochchi to attend the signing ceremony of Grant Contracts for mine clearance projects, which will be undertaken by two NGOs -one international and one local- the Halo Trust and Skavita Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Project (SHARP) respectively. Japan has been a long-time partner in the process of peace and reconciliation, and provided relief and reconstruction assistance for conflict affected communities, including in the Northern Province.
 
Likewise, I firmly believe that 92 books, which I deliver today on behalf of The Nippon Foundation, will certainly contribute to restoring the “pristine glory” of the Jaffna Public Library, that is known to have been one of the best and largest in South Asia and home to a priceless collection of books and manuscript, as was described by the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, who himself was an active campaigner for donations of books for this majestic library during his tenure as Foreign Minister.        
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
The Nippon Foundation, the foremost public welfare and philanthropical organization in Japan, has been aiming to achieve a society where all people support one another, reducing the burdens and challenges they face together, under the banner of “Shares the pain. Share the hope. Share the future.” On the basis of this noble spirit, The Nippon Foundation has also been playing the leading role in Sri Lanka in promoting the Japanese language and culture at Sasakawa Center in Colombo, with unwavering conviction that understanding different culture and customs is essential for us to coexist and to promote the international peace.
 
The program to donate books clearly envisages this vision, and intends to enhance deeper understanding of contemporary Japan through one hundred books carefully selected by a committee of ten individuals with extensive knowledge of Japan, including professors, writers, journalists, entrepreneurs, diplomats and representatives from the civil society. The books thus selected run into the whole gamut of disciplines, ranging from politics, economics, history, culture, and literature and arts. Perhaps, the fact that this year marks the 10^th anniversary since the end of the war in Sri Lanka as well as the beginning of new era of “Reiwa” –beautiful harmony– in Japan, adds special significance to the spirit that is being nourished through the donation of books.
 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Taking this opportunity, I would now like to read out a special message from Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, who has sent his warm wishes on this occasion of the handover ceremony today. 
 
“As some of you might know, Sri Lanka Japan Cultural Centre, commonly known as Sasakawa Centre is dedicatedly managed by the people of Sri Lanka. After its inauguration in 1990, I have heard that the Centre is well used for many occasions and has become the bridge for Sri Lanka and Japan. I would like to take this opportunity to show my appreciation for this dedication.
 
Today, The Nippon Foundation has donated 92 books regarding Japan to Jaffna Public Library. The books which you chose are about the experience in Japan and the knowledge of a predecessor.　We expect this book donation project will enhance the intellectual exchange between Japan and Sri Lanka.　We would be grateful if you could make use of these books.
 
Yohei Sasakawa,
Chairman The Nippon Foundation”
 
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my sincere appreciation to all who are present here today to make this ceremony prominent, and on this note and my very best wishes for the future of the Jaffna Public Library, as well as for our time-honored friendship, I would like to close my remarks.
 
Thank you very much.