Your Excellency AKIO ISOMATA, Ambassador for Japan in Sri Lanka and Madame CHIEKO, distinguished guests, members of the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society, invitees and friends.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome all of you to our Annual General Meeting. Tonight, we gather not just to reflect on our achievements and plan for the future but also to celebrate the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan—a bond rooted in mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared values.

I am particularly honored to extend a warm welcome to our distinguished Patron, His Excellency AKIO ISOMATA the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka. & Madame CHIEKO. Prior to accepting the appointment in Sri Lanka, Ambassador ISOMATA was the Japanese Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Your Excellency, your presence here is a testament to the strength of the ties between our two nations and your personal commitment to fostering closer connections between our peoples. We are deeply grateful for your support and look forward to working closely with you in the years to come.

The Lanka-Japan Friendship Society with a history of over 65 years has long been a bridge between our two cultures. Over the years, we have been privileged to host numerous cultural, educational, and social initiatives that deepen understanding and appreciation of each other’s traditions. This would not have been possible without the collective effort of our members, partners, sponsors and the unwavering support of the Embassy of Japan.

As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: to continue building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration between Sri Lanka and Japan. Whether it’s through cultural programs, youth exchanges, or community development projects, we remain steadfast in our goal of strengthening this unique partnership.

Your Excellency, we look forward to hearing your thoughts and vision for the future of Japan-Sri Lanka relations during your tenure. It is an exciting time for both our nations, and we are eager to embark on new initiatives under your guidance.

To our esteemed members, thank you for your dedication and hard work. Your contributions are the lifeblood of this organization, and together, we can achieve even greater milestones.

On behalf of the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society, I once again warmly welcome His Excellency AKIO ISOMATA and Madame, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Naoki KAMOSHIDA and Madame, Diplomats and staff of the embassy and all of you present here tonight. Let us continue to celebrate and strengthen the bonds that unite our two nations.

Kindly note that after the termination of the AGM, it is the day for the members to get-together, network, take part in some games and enjoy, and dance your cares away.

Before I conclude, I must mention a special word of thanks to our efficient and hardworking Hony. General Secretary Ms. Samadara Mampitiye for taking the lead in organizing today’s event and the support extended by Mahendra de Vaz and others in the team

M.D.(Tony) Saldin,
PRESIDENT
Lanka – Japan Friendship Society        
4th Dec 2024