The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan commemorated the 65th Anniversary of Independence at the Reiyukai Hall in Tokyo on Monday, 4 February, amid a large gathering of Sri Lankan expatriates and Japanese officials. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda was the Chief Guest on the occasion as Chief Guest of the ceremony.Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Admiral (Rtd.) WasanthaKarannagoda highlighted the close and friendly relations that Japan and Sri Lanka have shared over the years recollecting the support extended to Japan by Sri Lanka at the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1951 and the establishment of Diplomatic ties in 1952. Looking back at 60 years of diplomatic relations today, Japan supports Sri Lanka as one of the single largest donors to the country with financial assistance extended to the country in the short, medium and long term. Ambassador Admiral Karrannagoda stressed that the cordial and close support from Japan has greatly assisted Sri Lanka in its reconstruction and development following the end of 30 decades of LTTE terrorism.
