Ambassador MIZUKOSHI Commemorates 70th Anniversary of Friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka at the University of Peradeniya

　　On February 25, Ambassador MIZUKOSHI addressed the "70th Anniversary of Friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka" in the JICA Chair Program at the University of Peradeniya.

The JICA Chair is a programme that supports the establishment of Japanese studies courses at premier universities in developing countries, and this was the eighth and final lecture on the history of Japan's modernization and development for the University of Peradeniya as part of the 2021 course.

In his lecture, Ambassador MIZUKOSHI highlighted that Peradeniya is the center of historical events between the two countries, while exemplifying that many Japanese diplomats studied Sinhala at the University of Peradeniya and have played important roles in historical occasions such as summit meetings and peace negotiations, and that the Japanese Imperial Family enjoys close association with Sri Lanka as symbolized in planting a commemorative tree at the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

Ambassador MIZUKOSHI recalled Japan's reintegration into the international community firmly supported with the sacred verse of Dhammapada “Hatred ceases not by hatred, but by love” quoted by Hon. J. R. Jayewardene, at the San Francisco Peace Conference, as well as Japan's contribution to international cooperation which had begun by joining in the Colombo Plan, while expressing Japan’s appreciation to Sri Lanka for its historic role.
 

He also introduced how the two countries have further deepened their friendship through Japan's ODA projects and peace building assistance, noting that both countries have developed together as time-honored partners by extending hands of assistance in times of needs, such as the time of Great Tsunami which hit both countries in 2004 and 2011 respectively.

In closing, Ambassador MIZUKOSHI expressed his commitment to further enhance the friendship beyond the 70th anniversary year. He concluded his speech by expressing his wish that all the students in attendance will become part of the robust arc of bridges that connects on hearts and further strengthen our bond of friendship in a variety of areas in their future careers.