On the Opening Ceremony of Japan Film Festival 2019

Priyantha Jaya Kodi, District Inspector General,
Ms. FURUSAWA Michiyo, Chairman, Japan-Sri Lanka Kizuna Association,
Mr. Nishanta, a multi-talented professor and a popular TV personality in Japan,
Mr. Ratta, a leading YouTuber of Sri Lanka,
Distinguished Invitees,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Good Morning. 
It is my great privilege to say a few words on this auspicious opening of “Japan Film Festival 2019” organized by Japan-Sri Lanka Kizuna Association, to which the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka extends its cordial support. First and foremost, I wish to warmly welcome Japan-Sri Lanka Kizuna Association for their sincere efforts in introducing the Japanese culture to our friends in Sri Lanka, with the past two successful events. I would also like to thank District Inspector General Priyantha Jaya Kodi for gracing this special event with his kind presence.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
This year, Kizuna Association returned to Sri Lanka with the collection of five fascinating Japanese films, selected by 5-member committee which includes H.E. Prof. Dammika Ganganath Disanayake, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan, with a view to touching deeply the heartstrings of the Sri Lankan people. Thus carefully selected films cover wide-ranging genre, for both old and young, women and men to enjoy.  To be sure, these are all recent award-winning films, presented to the Sri Lankan audience with a hope to reaching out and strengthening the bond of friendship -that is “Kizuna” in Japanese- as the name of the association itself suggests.
  
As you would agree, films are one of the most powerful medium to appeal to the whole gamut of human senses, powerful enough, indeed, to change one’s perception of the vision of the life. I believe many of you might recall such unforgettable films that you’ve encountered in your life, the films to turn to in times of need. It is my sincere expectation that this film festival will bring such magical experience to the Sri Lankan audience, leading to unleashing renewed interest in the Japanese culture and the lives of Japanese people.
 
 With this hope in mind, I would like to express my sincere appreciation once again to Japan-Sri Lanka Kizuna Association for their dedicated efforts and creating this precious opportunity here in Sri Lanka, and without further ado, I would like to give way to the next speaker, Mr. Nishanta, to say a few words.
   
Thank you for your attention.