UGC Chairman receives order of the Rising Sun felicitation from Japan
View(s):UGC Chairman Sampath Amaratunge has been conferred with the order of the Rising Sun by Japan.
The Order of the Rising Sun is conferred by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on foreign nationals who have made distinguished contributions to enhancing friendly relations with Japan.
Sri Lanka Baseball/Softball Association (SLBSA) Executive Vice President Manoj Fernando, has also been conferred with the same title.
“Prof. Amaratunge’s commitment, persistence and dedication over the decades of association with Japan have promoted academic exchanges between the two countries to a new height,” A spokesperson for the Japanese Embassy said recently.
“Having completed higher education in Japan and proficient in Japanese, Snr. Prof. Amaratunge, during his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, founded the Faculty of Technology, which, through close collaborations with numerous universities in Japan, has contributed to advancing technological and scientific studies at the University. The partnership with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science in Japan have also promoted the university’s technical competencies in the relevant areas,” they said.
Apart from the above, Professor Amaratunge established Sri Lanka’s first City University modelled on the Japanese higher education system in order to expand access to higher education for aspirant students.
As a member of the Bunka Awards Committee, he also contributed to preserving and further promoting cultural activities in Sri Lanka, thus strengthening friendly ties between Japan and Sri Lanka.