Your Excellency Hideaki Mizukoshi, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, esteemed guests, and members of the Lanka Japan Friendship Society,

I stand before you today with immense gratitude and humility as the newly elected 19th President of the Lanka Japan Friendship Society, an institution that has fostered camaraderie between our nations for over 65 years. Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency Hideaki Mizukoshi, our Chief Guest, and to Mr. Merrick Gooneratne, Immediate Past President, for their presence and support.

Before I delve into the future, let me share a bit about my journey with Japan and the Lanka Japan Friendship Society. In 1976, at the young age of 24, I embarked on a remarkable chapter of my life at Nichimen Corporation, a Japanese trading company or Sogo Shosha as you call in Japanese. From those humble beginnings, I navigated through various roles, gaining invaluable experience in ceramics, metal trading, machinery, grain, and projects. My journey culminated after 37 years of dedicated service with Nichimen & Sojitz, concluding with my retirement from the company in 2013 as General Manager for Sri Lanka, which post I held for 14 years.

Throughout these decades, my interactions with Japanese colleagues and collaborators provided me with valuable insights into their work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and a profound commitment to excellence. This cultural and business exchange significantly influenced my professional growth and cultivated a deep appreciation for the principles of collaboration and dedication that define Japanese business practices.

In 2007, I joined the Lanka Japan Friendship Society during the presidency of Mrs. Lalitha Rajapakse. Over the past 16 years, I have had the privilege of serving in different capacities within the Executive Committee. Today, I am deeply thankful to Mr. Merrick Gooneratne, my "Senpai" or mentor, for his unwavering guidance and support.

Under the commendable leadership of Mr. Merrick Gooneratne during the 2022/2023 term, our society achieved significant milestones. We celebrated moments of fellowship, delivered a lecture on Facets of Japanese Culture, enjoyed a Musical Nite which was also a fund raiser, and inaugurated the "Lifetime Achievement Awards" to honour outstanding members. As we move forward, we are poised to embark on a new Corporate Social Responsibility initiative – the "Alleviation of malnutrition amongst underprivileged school children."

Executing these initiatives will undoubtedly present challenges, but I am confident that, with the collaborative support of the Japanese embassy, the Japanese community in Sri Lanka, the Executive Committee, our members, and our sponsors, we can overcome any obstacles that may arise.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this esteemed society. Together, let us continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka, working towards a future of shared prosperity and understanding. Thank you.

M.D.(Tony) Saldin,
PRESIDENT
Lanka – Japan Friendship Society        
24th November 2023