Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of The Nippon Foundation, paid a courtesy call on Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, at Temple Trees on 06 November.
The Prime Minister extended a warm welcome to Mr. Sasakawa and expressed her appreciation for his second visit to Sri Lanka. Mr. Sasakawa briefed the Prime Minister on the Leprosy Conference held earlier that morning, which was also attended by H.E. the President. He outlined The Nippon Foundation’s ongoing projects in Sri Lanka, highlighting initiatives that support persons with disabilities, especially students with special needs.
Mr. Sasakawa discussed the work of the Sri Lankan School of Prosthetics and Orthotics and proposed upgrading the institution to university level with government assistance. Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya responded positively, noting that she would instruct the Ministry of Education to assess the feasibility of this proposal.
The Prime Minister commended The Nippon Foundation’s “100 Schools Project” in the Northern Province and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving educational and social inclusion for students with disabilities. She also acknowledged the resource limitations faced by some programmes and expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support in addressing these challenges.
H.E. Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, reiterated Japan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka, particularly in promoting inclusivity and social welfare.
Both sides concluded the meeting by expressing their shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between Sri Lanka, Japan, and The Nippon Foundation in advancing education, accessibility, and social inclusion.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of The Nippon Foundation; H.E. Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka; Mr. Ryo Takaoka, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan; and Mr. Shota Nakayasu, Secretary to the Chairman, The Nippon Foundation.
Representing the Sri Lankan side were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Savitri Panabokke, Director General, East Asia & Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Ms. Gayanga Dias, Assistant Director, East Asia & Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister’s Media Division