The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the occasion of the ceremonial opening of the new Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre on 11th of June 2026.
The cultural centre, commissioned by the Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre Trust and situated at No. 85, Ward Place, Colombo 07, is a landmark development designed to promote cultural exchange, education, professional training and bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan.
The New Sasakawa Centre was ceremonially opened by Cutting the Ribbon by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA, Honorary Chairman, The Nippon Foundation, Japan, Mr. Premalal Fernando, Chairman, Sasakawa Centre Trust.
During the event, the Prime Minister unveiled the plaque inaugurating the Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre.
Following the occasion Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Sasakawa Peace Foundation in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA, Honorary Chairman.
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated, the friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan is enriched by a long history of cultural and spiritual connections and that the societies are connected through a deep appreciation of nature, culture, learning, and community.
Highlighting the longstanding contribution of the Sasakawa Centre, the Prime Minister stated that it has played an invaluable role in promoting Japanese language education and strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Sri Lanka and Japan. She expressed confidence that the new Centre would emerge as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, educational cooperation, and meaningful people-to-people engagement.
The Prime Minister stated that, at a time of increasing global uncertainty, partnerships based on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to peace are more important than ever. She reaffirmed that Sri Lanka and Japan remain committed to dialogue, international cooperation, and a rules-based international order that promotes peace, prosperity, and human dignity.
The occasion was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA, Honorary Chairman, The Nippon Foundation, Japan, Mr. Premalal Fernando, Chairman, Sasakawa Centre Trust and Diplomatic core, distinguished guests.
Prime Minister’s Media Division