New Year and Thaipongal Celebrations in Japan were held on 12th Tokyo. The event was organized by Sri Lanka Students’ Association in Japan (SLSAJ) with the help of well-wishers, Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan and Sri Lankan community in Japan. This is the 25th consecutive year that the New Year and Thaipongal were celebrated in Tokyo.
The proceedings began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by H.E. Ambassador of Sri Lankan in Japan and Sri Lankan Embassy Staff, Prof. Mangala De Zoysa, University of Ruhuna, Mr. Anil Priyantha (Nipara International) Mr. Saman Priyankara (Sayuri International and Sri Lanka Automobile Exporters Association in Japan), Mr. Udaya Atukorla (Sri Lanka Business Council in Japan), Mr. Aruna Kumara (Sri Lankan Professionals Association in Japan), Mr. Tunga Randeniye (Founding member of SLSAJ), Dr. Neelam Ramaiah (The university of Tokyo) and Mr. Tatsuya Haga, (Institute of International Students Association in Japan).
Then, Mr. Udara Manawadu, secretary of SLSAJ welcomed the participants. The Chief Guest at the ceremony was Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan, H. E. Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda. In his remarks, he stressed the importance of national events of this nature to promote Sri Lanka’s national unity and traditions in foreign nations through such cultural exchanges. Mr. Nava Cumaran a committee member of SLSAJ, prepared the “Pongal rice” and has drawn the “Kolam decorations” giving an excellent explanation of the Thaipongal celebrations to the participants.
The celebrations comprised Sri Lankan musical performances by “Ahindas JP” a Sri Lankan student community band in Tokyo. Authentic Sri Lankan food prepared by the well-wishers was served during the event. Mr. Amila Abeynayaka (President of SLSAJ) representing the organizing committee thanked the Sri Lankan community for gathering around Sri Lankan Students’ Association in Japan to make the event successful.
SLSAJ Would like to Thank everyone who helped to conduct the event successfully
