A new cultural centre aimed at strengthening educational, cultural, and professional cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan was formally opened on June 11 at Ward Place, Colombo.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the opening of the new Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre, which has been established to promote cultural exchange, language education, and people-to-people engagement between the two countries.
Centre to support education and cultural exchange
The facility, commissioned by the Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre Trust, is located at No. 85, Ward Place, Colombo 07.
The centre has been established to facilitate cultural activities, educational programmes, professional training and bilateral cooperation initiatives.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the opening of the centre.
The facility was formally declared open through a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA, Honorary Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, Japan, and Mr. Premalal Fernando, Chairman of the Sasakawa Centre Trust.
Defence ministry signs MoU
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Ministry of Defence and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA.
Further details of the agreement were not disclosed during the event.
PM highlights longstanding ties
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan is built on longstanding cultural and spiritual connections.
She said the Sasakawa Centre has contributed to Japanese language education and mutual understanding between the people of both countries.
The Prime Minister added that the new centre is expected to serve as a platform for educational cooperation, cultural exchange and community engagement.
The event was attended by diplomats, government representatives and invited guests.
Developments Prime Minister’s Office
Last modified: June 13, 2026
