On the Occasion of the Opening Ceremony of the Floral Exhibition of Shi-en Ikebana and Floral Art Society of Sri Lanka

Ms. Ramani Liyanage, President, Shi-en Ikebana and Floral Art Society of Sri Lanka,
Mr. Harijanto Setiamen, Mentor of the Society,
Distinguished members,
Ladies and Gentleman,
 
Good morning, Ayubowan, Wanakkam, おはようございます。.
 
It is my great honour and privilege to be back to the annual exhibition of the Society this year titled “Paradise in Bloom”. To begin with, I take this opportunity to commend Ms. Ramani Liyanage and the Society’s distinguished members for practicing this exquisite art of Ikebana since 1991 while making the floral art approachable to many Sri Lankan friends from different walks of life. This is a true testament to the long lasting cultural interaction that exist mutually between Sri Lanka and Japan. 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Home to some of the well preserved rainforests, tropical gardens, rarest species of flora and fauna, Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a sanctuary of biodiversity, serene in purity and tranquil in its original form. It nurtures some 3,500 exotic species of flowering plants, which enrich the beauty of this island’s verdant landscape. Mentored by renowned floral artist, Mr. Harijanto Setiawan, Shi-en Ikebana and Floral Art Society features creative arrangements by using locally sourced material in innovative way. I am excited to take a look around and carefully appreciate what new “Paradise” the distinguished members have created this time, blooming brightly in the tropical climate and surroundings.
 
Whilst the importance of flowers runs deep into the cultural and religious faiths of Sri Lanka, flower arrangements in Japan also has spiritual aspect of resonating the inner feelings of the florists with the innate qualities of the flowers - to consciously learn to appreciate the cycle of nature that one most often takes for granted.  Ikebana very skillfully uses the decaying branches, withered leaves, and wilted barks of trees to give a second life, a constant reminder to appreciate nature in all its forms.    
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
In this era of “Reiwa -which illustrates that the Japanese culture and traditions are the means by which people are connected together in the most beautiful manner- I wish to send the blessing and prayers of this new Japanese era, translated to “beautiful harmony”, closer to the heart of Sri Lankan people. Such noble spirit is inherent in the art of Ikebana, and as we witness here today, it indeed showcases the unity of people in the most beautiful manner.
 
Last but not least, I wish to commend Shi-en Ikebana and Floral Art Society for making this exhibition a charity project from which the proceeds will be donated to ‘Sahana Madura’, an institution that provides comfort for those most in-need. Such caring initiative echoes loudly to the hearts of Reiwa, while embracing the silent power of flowers for peace and harmony.
 
In conclusion, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for inviting me to this annual exhibition, and wish you all the best for the success of this Floral Exhibition 2020.
 
Thank you very much for your kind attention.