Japan-Sri Lanka Expo 2018 on April 21-23
View(s):Sri Lankans will witness an “exceptional country exhibition” when the Japan Sri Lanka Expo 2018 is held on April 21-23 at the BMICH, according to Ruwan Perera, Chairman, Kizuma International Sri Lanka Association, organisers of the event.
Speaking at a media briefing last week to launch the event, he said 80 to 90 per cent of the exhibition would cover the entire BMICH exhibition display space showing Japanese culture and tradition.
He said while last year there were more than 300 Japanese tourists visiting the exhibition, this year they expect 500 Japanese visitors.
There would be Japanese award-winning film shows, dances, music and also famous Japanese heavyweight Sumo wrestling demonstration matches. Explaining the purpose of the exhibition, Michiyo Furusowa, Chairman, Japan Sri Lanka Kizuma Association said that there are several similarities between Japan and Sri Lanka –both countries are islands, both nationals eat rice, both are concerned about cleanliness and both are passionately kind hearted.
She said that ‘Kizuma’ is a meeting place of cultures and traditions of Japan and Sri Lanka. They expect to further strengthen the solid historical ties between Sri Lanka and Japan, she said, and indicated that Sri Lanka has been special to Japan as it was former President J R Jayawardene who stood by Japan at the legendary San Francisco Conference.
The conference was where world leaders decided to punish Japan for the crimes committed at the World War II. Ms. Furusowa said that JRJ quoting Lord Buddha’s “Na hi verena” stanza from the Dhammapada had urged that Japan should be pardoned.
Saman Athaudahetti, Chairman, Independent Television Network (ITN) and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister spoke of Japan and asserted that Sri Lanka could learn much from Japan.
Japanese are inclined to adapt all good things into their culture and would consequently become a part of their traditions.
Jun Mizuteni, Event Producer, explained the itinerary of the exhibition.
(QP)