JICA Chair Program 2026/27 Inaugural Ceremony
The inaugural session of the JICA Chair Programme 2026/27 was held on 15th October 2026 at the Senate Hall of College House, University of Colombo. The session commenced with a welcome address delivered by Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University. This was followed by an address by Mr Honzu Shigeo, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka. Mr Hamana Issei, Representative, and Mr Thiyagarajah Paramendiren, Senior Project Specialist, also attended the session, reflecting the strong partnership between JICA and the University of Colombo.
The highlight of the programme was an insightful video lecture delivered by Professor Hiroyuki Itami, President of International University of Japan, on “Economic Growth & Japanese Management.” The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of Japan’s economic growth and its unique Japanese management practices, highlighting the importance of teamwork, discipline, continuous improvement, and long-term planning.
The session was expertly moderated by Professor Priyanga Dunusinghe of the Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts. It also included a lively question-and-answer segment, to which Professor Indika Karunathilake and Mr Honzu Shigeo made valuable contributions. The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Iroja Caldera, Director of the International Office, who expressed her sincere appreciation to all the individuals and institutions that contributed to the successful implementation of the JICA Chair Programme.
