The Nippon Foundation Chair Yohei Sasakawa paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on Thursday (6), where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, accessibility, and social inclusion.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed her appreciation for Mr. Sasakawa’s second visit to Sri Lanka and commended The Nippon Foundation’s longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
Sasakawa briefed the Prime Minister on the outcomes of the recent Leprosy Conference, attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and outlined the Foundation’s ongoing projects in Sri Lanka—particularly those aimed at empowering persons with disabilities and supporting students with special needs.
Highlighting the work of the Sri Lankan School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Sasakawa proposed upgrading the institution to university level with Government collaboration. The Prime Minister responded positively and instructed the Ministry of Education to assess the proposal’s feasibility.
Dr. Amarasuriya also praised the ‘100 Schools Project’ implemented by The Nippon Foundation in the Northern Province, reaffirming her Government’s dedication to advancing inclusive education and social empowerment. She further acknowledged the resource constraints faced by some initiatives and conveyed gratitude for Japan’s continued assistance in addressing them.
Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, especially in areas promoting social welfare, inclusivity, and education.
Both parties expressed their shared commitment to deepening collaboration among Sri Lanka, Japan, and The Nippon Foundation to advance inclusive development and strengthen people-to-people ties.
The meeting was attended by Yohei Sasakawa, Ambassador Akio Isomata, Second Secretary Ryo Takaoka, and Shota Nakayasu, Secretary to The Nippon Foundation’s Chairman.
Representing the Sri Lankan side were Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Sagarika Bogahawatta, Director General of the East Asia and Oceania Division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Savitri Panabokke, and Assistant Director Gayanga Dias.
