The Nippon-Lanka Collaboration Centre (NLCC-KDU), attached to the Department of Social Sciences, successfully organized a Book Donation Ceremony on 30th September 2024 at the auditorium on the 4th floor of the Metropolitan Campus – KDU in Colombo. This significant event was made possible through the generous guidance and support of the Embassy of Japan under the Read Japan Project, administered by the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research and funded by the Nippon Foundation, Japan.
The Read Japan Project, initiated in 2008 by the Nippon Foundation, aims to promote a deeper understanding of Japan by donating Japan-related books in English to universities and libraries worldwide. To date, it has supported more than 1,200 institutions globally. The project provides access to 200 carefully selected books across five categories: (1) Politics and International Relations, (2) Economy and Business, (3) Society and Culture, (4) Literature and the Arts, and (5) History. These books are curated by a committee of renowned Japanese and international scholars, journalists, and experts, making them a valuable resource for researchers, intellectuals, and general readers alike.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, who served as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Tetsuya Yamada, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office; Mr. Inoue Kenji, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan; Mr. Hiroki Oi, Resident Representative of JETRO Colombo Office; and Rear Admiral H.G.U. Dammika Kumara, Vice Chancellor of KDU. The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Defence and Administration, Deans, Directors, Librarian, Heads of Departments, Professors, Military Officers, academic and non-academic staff of Metropolitan Campus, as well as students of KDU.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor highlighted the importance of learning from Japan’s experiences, particularly in contributing to the long-term economic and human resource development of Sri Lanka amidst its ongoing recovery from the 2022 economic crisis. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Japanese counterparts and the Coordinator of the Nippon-Lanka Collaboration Centre for their exceptional efforts in fostering this collaboration.
The Chief Guest, Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki, reflected on the historical bond between Sri Lanka and Japan, recalling Sri Lanka’s support at the San Francisco Conference following World War II. He also emphasized Japan’s continued support for Sri Lanka, particularly during the challenging periods following the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis of 2022.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered in both Japanese and English by Dr. Hemantha Premarathne, Coordinator of the Nippon-Lanka Collaboration Centre. He encouraged all staff and students to explore the donated books and deepen their understanding of Japan.
The Book Donation Ceremony stands as a testament to the strong ties between Sri Lanka and Japan, promoting academic and cultural exchange while fostering mutual understanding through shared knowledge and learning.
