Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day Celebrated in Japan
The Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Japan ceremoniously marked the 78th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence at an official event held in Tokyo. The celebration brought together members of the diplomatic community, Japanese officials, Sri Lankan expatriates, and friends of Sri Lanka to commemorate the nation’s rich heritage and enduring friendship with Japan.
The ceremony commenced with the National Anthems of Sri Lanka and Japan, performed by Ms. Kanon Yasuzuka from the Toho Gakuen School of Music. She played the historic “Hibaku Violin,” a miraculous survivor of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing, found just 2.5 kilometers from the hypocenter. Dressed in an elegant gown crafted from a kimono salvaged after the Hiroshima heavy rain disaster, Ms. Yasuzuka’s performance symbolized peace, resilience, and the shared hopes of both nations.
Guests then observed a moment of silence to honour those who sacrificed their lives for Sri Lanka’s independence and the victims of the recent Cyclone Ditwah. The traditional lighting of the ceremonial oil lamp followed, representing enlightenment and unity within Sri Lanka’s cultural tradition.
Official messages were then read, including the Independence Day address of H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, President of Sri Lanka; the Independence Day message of Hon. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister; and the message of Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The distinguished Guest of Honour, Mr. MIYAMOTO Shingo, Director-General of the Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered a message highlighting the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and Japan. Hon. MATSUSHITA Shinpei, Member of the House of Councillors, also addressed the gathering, reaffirming the importance of mutual cooperation and cultural exchange.
The highlight of the official segment was the address by H.E. Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan, who reflected on the nation’s journey toward peace, prosperity, and development while thanking Japan for its continued support and friendship.
The formal proceedings concluded with vibrant cultural performances celebrating Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic identity and the lasting ties of friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan. Guests were later invited to enjoy a variety of traditional Sri Lankan dishes representing the island’s Northern, Up-Country, Southern, and Eastern culinary heritage.
| Upul Janaka Jayasinghe
