#DiplomacyLk<\/strong><\/a><\/p>","main_img_path":"561583268_1164478342489282_3144637336633509564_n2123.jpg"},{"id":"1668","caption":"Ambassador-designate Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe and the staff of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan held a farewell gathering for Ms. Sesath Thambugala, Deputy Head of Mission, who departed for Sri Lanka after completing three and a half years of dedicated service in Japan.","news_text":"Ambassador-designate Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe and the staff of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan held a farewell gathering for Ms. Sesath Thambugala, Deputy Head of Mission, who departed for Sri Lanka after completing three and a half years of dedicated service in Japan.<\/p>
A Grade I officer of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, Ms. Thambugala made significant contributions toward enhancing political, economic, and cultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan. Her outstanding efforts in coordinating Sri Lanka\u2019s participation in major trade and tourism exhibitions, workshops, and Sri Lankan festivals, including Expo 2025, are particularly noteworthy.<\/p>
Throughout her tenure, Ms. Thambugala maintained close engagement with the Sri Lankan community and associations in Japan, and notably served as Charge d\u2019Affaires a.i. on two occasions.<\/p>
Upon her return, she will assume duties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka.<\/p>
The Ambassador and all staff members extend their heartfelt appreciation and best wishes to Ms. Thambugala for continued success in her future professional and personal endeavors.<\/p>","main_img_path":"561583268_1164478342489282_3144637336633509564_n2120.jpg"},{"id":"1665","caption":"Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan, had the honour of attending the 155th Ritsumeikan Founding Anniversary and the 125th Commemoration Ceremony of the School held at the Kyoto International Conference Centre (ICC Kyoto) in Japan on October 18, 2025, upon the invitation of Dr. Yoshio Nakatani, President of Ritsumeikan University.","news_text":"
Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan, had the honour of attending the 155th Ritsumeikan Founding Anniversary and the 125th Commemoration Ceremony of the School held at the Kyoto International Conference Centre (ICC Kyoto) in Japan on October 18, 2025, upon the invitation of Dr. Yoshio Nakatani, President of Ritsumeikan University. Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. Princess delivered an inspiring commemorative lecture titled \u201cLearning in Kyoto, Learning from Kyoto.\u201d As an alumnus of Ritsumeikan APU University, Ambassador Kumarasinghe expressed his deep appreciation for the university\u2019s visionary leadership and enduring contributions to education, research, and international exchange.<\/p>","main_img_path":"561583268_1164478342489282_3144637336633509564_n2116.jpg"},{"id":"1663","caption":"Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan, participated in the Embassy Cricket Cup 2025 Welcome Function hosted by the Japan Cricket Association at the Sano International Cricket Ground with staff members of the Embassy on 25 October 2025.","news_text":"
Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan, participated in the Embassy Cricket Cup 2025 Welcome Function hosted by the Japan Cricket Association at the Sano International Cricket Ground with staff members of the Embassy on 25 October 2025. The event marked the opening of the annual tournament that brings together diplomatic missions in Japan to promote friendship and sportsmanship through cricket.<\/p>
The ambassador and the accompanying staff congratulated the Sri Lankan players and team management and encouraged them to deliver their best performance in the tournament.The event was attended by Mr. Yutaka Kaneko, Mayor of Sano City, and Mr. Naoki Alex Miyaji, Chief Executive Officer of the Japan Cricket Association, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the role of cricket in fostering cross-cultural ties.<\/p>","main_img_path":"561583268_1164478342489282_3144637336633509564_n2113.jpg"},{"id":"1662","caption":"Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, visited the Honganji Foundation in Kyoto for discussions with its President, Most Ven. Chojun Otani and Executive Director, Ven. Saneshige Otani, who also serves as the 26th Head Priest of the Higashi Honganji Temple of the Shinshu Otani Sect.","news_text":"
Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, visited the Honganji Foundation in Kyoto for discussions with its President, Most Ven. Chojun Otani and Executive Director, Ven. Saneshige Otani, who also serves as the 26th Head Priest of the Higashi Honganji Temple of the Shinshu Otani Sect.<\/p>
The Foundation has a 110-year history of promoting culture and fostering friendship between the two nations, notably through the donation of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Memorial in 2006 and the Foundation President's historic lecture at the Sri Lankan Parliament in 2018.<\/p>
A highlight of this relationship is the conferral of the Great Sasana Ratna the first supreme state decoration awarded to a foreigner in the world oupon Most Ven.Chojun Otani by the Sri Lankan Government in 2020.<\/p>
During the meeting, the Ambassador expressed deep gratitude for the Foundation's extensive support, and both parties committed to further deepening cultural exchange and bilateral ties. The Ambassador concluded his visit by touring the historic Main Hall and viewing the sacred Buddha relics gifted from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka, reaffirming the unique bond connected by Buddhism.<\/p>","main_img_path":"561583268_1164478342489282_3144637336633509564_n2103.jpg"},{"id":"1658","caption":"Strengthening Academic Collaboration between Sri Lanka and Japan","news_text":"
Strengthening Academic Collaboration between Sri Lanka and Japan<\/strong><\/p>A virtual meeting was conducted by Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe<\/strong>, Ambassador-Designate of Sri Lanka to Japan, on 16 October 2025<\/strong>, with representatives from the Universities of Peradeniya<\/strong>, Moratuwa<\/strong>, and Sabaragamuwa<\/strong>, to explore potential academic collaboration with the United Nations University (UNU), Tokyo<\/strong>. The discussion focused on establishing long-term partnerships in research and education, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/strong>.<\/p>The United Nations University (UNU) maintains close academic cooperation with several leading universities around the world through joint research, postgraduate programmes, and policy-driven initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges. During the meeting, both sides explored the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)<\/strong> between UNU and the Sri Lankan universities to formalize collaborative efforts in academic exchange, research initiatives, and sustainable development programmes.<\/p>From the United Nations University, Mr. Nicolas du Bois, Programme Officer, Office of the Rector, UNU Headquarters, and Mr. Simon Botha<\/strong>, Associate Programme Officer, participated in the virtual discussion and shared insights into UNU\u2019s ongoing global academic partnerships and potential areas for cooperation with Sri Lankan institutions. <\/p>The meeting was attended by Prof. M. Sunil Shantha<\/strong>, Vice Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Dr. Poornika Seelagama<\/strong>, Director of the Sri Lanka?Japan Study Center (SLJSC)<\/i> at the University of Peradeniya and Dr. Samaradivakara GVI<\/strong>, Director of International Relations at the University of Moratuwa along with several other officials from universities<\/strong> who participated in the discussions and expressed their support for enhancing academic cooperation.<\/p>Ambassador-Designate Prof. Kumarasinghe emphasized the significance of strengthening international partnerships in higher education and research, noting that such collaborations are essential for mutual academic growth and for contributing meaningfully to global development goals<\/p>","main_img_path":"561583268_1164478342489282_3144637336633509564_n2111.jpg"},{"id":"1656","caption":"Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, the Ambassador-designate, and the embassy staff members participated in the annual Katina Puja ceremony held at the Yomogida Buddhist Centre on October 19, 2025.","news_text":"
Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, the Ambassador-designate, and the embassy staff members participated in the annual Katina Puja ceremony held at the Yomogida Buddhist Centre on October 19, 2025. The event was organized under the patronage of Venerable Malegoda Nanda Thero, the Chief Sanghanayake of the Bentara Walallawita Korala.<\/p>
A large number of local Sri Lankan and Japanese devotees participated in the procession of the traditional Katina Robe, Kapruk Puja, Sanghika Dana, and Dansal. The event was accompanied by opening the temple's wall with traditional carvings and \u2018Wahalkada\u2019 gate.<\/p>
The role played by Buddhist temples in preserving traditions, further strengthening the long-standing cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Japan, and providing community support to the Sri Lankan community living in Japan was evident throughout the event.<\/p>","main_img_path":"561583268_1164478342489282_3144637336633509564_n215.jpg"},{"id":"1655","caption":"The newly constructed Stupa at the Kumagaya Ananda Meth Viharaya hosted its annual Kathina Pooja ceremony on October 19, 2025. Ambassador-designate Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe and embassy staff members attended the event.","news_text":"
The newly constructed Stupa at the Kumagaya Ananda Meth Viharaya hosted its annual Kathina Pooja ceremony on October 19, 2025. Ambassador-designate Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe and embassy staff members attended the event.<\/p>
The ceremony took place under the patronage of Venerable Narawila Vijithawansa Nayaka Thero, the Chief Sanghanayake of the Colombo-Kalutara Division, along with Theros from all three chapters residing in Japan, as well as those from Sri Lanka.<\/p>
A large number of Sri Lankan and Japanese devotees living in Kumagaya and the surrounding areas participated in the event. This gathering highlighted the significant role that Sri Lankan Buddhist temples in Japan play in strengthening cultural relations between Sri Lanka and Japan.<\/p>","main_img_path":"561583268_1164478342489282_3144637336633509564_n223.jpg"},{"id":"1652","caption":"Ambassador-Designate Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe met with Mr Hiroshi Matsuzaka,","news_text":"
Ambassador-Designate Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe met with Mr Hiroshi Matsuzaka, Vice Commissioner for Cultural Affairs at the Agency for Cultural Affairs, in Kyoto City to discuss opportunities for collaboration in the tourism sector between Sri Lanka and Japan. They addressed the critical shortage of hotel management personnel in Japan's tourism industry, which challenges service quality. Sri Lanka proposed a partnership to provide its expertise and training in hospitality to help meet these needs. Vice Commissioner Matsuzaka expressed the Agency's strong support for these new initiatives. The Agency for Cultural Affairs has long been committed to fostering Japan\u2019s arts, preserving heritage, and promoting international cultural exchange, a mission it continues to pursue vigorously since its full-scale relocation to Kyoto began in 2023.<\/p>","main_img_path":"561583268_1164478342489282_3144637336633509564_n231.jpg"},{"id":"1651","caption":"Ambassador-Designate Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe met with Hon. Takeo Fukutani,","news_text":"
Ambassador-Designate Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe met with Hon. Takeo Fukutani, the Deputy Governor of Nara Prefecture, on October 9th for a productive discussion to advance Sri Lanka?Nara relations. Both leaders are strongly committed to enhancing cooperation in cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and tourism.<\/p>
The Ambassador requested Nara\u2019s expertise to assist in training programs for Sri Lankan administrators and strengthen cultural heritage management skills for tourism development. Deputy Governor Fukutani warmly welcomed this proposal and expressed his willingness to consider future cooperation.<\/p>","main_img_path":"561583268_1164478342489282_3144637336633509564_n212.jpg"}]}}