JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER’S COMMENDATION 2018 AWARDED TO TWO SRI LANKANS

The Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendations were awarded to Kala Keerthi Mrs. Sumitra Peries, and Mr. Deepal Sumanthri Gunaratne, by Mr. Akira Sugiyama, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, at a special ceremony held on 24th January 2019 at the Ambassador’s residence in Colombo.

Mrs. Sumitra Peries, a pioneer female film director and one of the most successful artistes in Sri Lanka, was appointed as a Committee member of the Japan Sri Lanka Friendship Cultural Fund Awards in 1992. Since the establishment of the Japan Sri Lanka Friendship Cultural Fund Awards (Bunka Awards) in 1993, she has been participating in almost every Committee meeting and always provided constructive opinions on how the Cultural Fund should be managed, based on her broad knowledge of art. Her contribution to the Committee has enabled the Cultural Fund Awards to maintain and develop its reputation as one of the most distinguished cultural awards in Sri Lanka, while keeping in line with the current cultural environment.

The Japan Sri Lanka Friendship Cultural Fund Awards (Bunka Awards) is one of the most prestigious awards in Sri Lanka, and aim to encourage and promote Sri Lankan artists with remarkable talents. Mr. Deepal Sumanthri Gunaratne became a member of the Lanka – Japan Friendship Society in 1984, which was established in 1956 in order to convey the authentic Japanese Culture to the people of Sri Lanka.

Ever since he was appointed as the President of the Lanka – Japan Friendship Society in July 2012, Mr. Gunaratne organised various cultural activities related to Japan. Based on his distinguished leadership, Mr. Gunaratne made a great contribution as one of the Executive Committee members to the series of events, e.g. a reception with more than 200 invitees, conducted in 2012 to celebrate the 60 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.until his retirement in 2014, his leadership and contribution as the President have enabled the Lanka – Japan Friendship Society to maintain and develop its reputation as the most active cultural organisation related to Japan in Sri Lanka.

The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups for their outstanding achievements in international fields to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and foreign countries.