Closing Ceremony of the JICA Chair Programme 2024/25

The University of Colombo marked the successful conclusion of the JICA Chair Programme 2024/25 with the Closing Ceremony held at the Faculty of Management & Finance Auditorium on January 23, 2025. This event celebrated the end of the program’s third consecutive cycle, which began in December 2022. The ceremony brought together dignitaries, students, faculty members, and representatives from the Embassy of Japan and JICA Sri Lanka.

The Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor (Chair) H D Karunaratne, opened the event with a heartfelt address. He reflected on the program’s evolution and its impact over the years, highlighting the range of topics covered, the expertise of the lecturers, and the field visits that enriched the participants’ experiences. He expressed deep gratitude for Japan’s contributions to developing countries, including Sri Lanka, particularly through the Japanese Government scholarships that have supported many Sri Lankan academics in achieving their PhDs.
Drawing on Japan’s development journey, Professor Karunaratne shared key lessons that Sri Lanka could adopt. He emphasized the importance of investing in education, technology, and innovation to drive progress, alongside promoting exports and international trade to bolster the economy. He highlighted the transformative potential of infrastructure development, digitalization, and fostering a culture of respect and discipline. Long-term strategic planning, public-private partnerships, and sustainable development were identified as essential practices for Sri Lanka to embrace. The Vice-Chancellor also shared the University’s intent to strengthen ties with Japanese institutions, including hosting guest lecturers, and extended his best wishes to the program’s graduates.
Mr Naoaki Kamoshida, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan, expressed his gratitude to the organizers and participants for their commitment to the JICA Chair Programme. He elaborated on the program’s role in sharing Japan’s development experiences to inspire participants in shaping Sri Lanka’s future. Congratulating the students who completed the program, he expressed hope that the knowledge they gained would empower them to contribute meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s progress.
Mr. Tetsuya Yamada, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka, praised the University of Colombo for its efforts in successfully implementing the program. He encouraged participants to remain lifelong learners, to think critically, and to adapt the lessons they have learned to address Sri Lanka’s unique challenges. Acknowledging that no single solution exists for global issues, he urged students to continuously refine and apply their knowledge. Both Mr Kamoshida and Mr Yamada were presented with tokens of appreciation in recognition of their support and contributions to the program.
A panel discussion, moderated by Ms J M Udani, offered further insights into the impact of Japan-Sri Lanka relations. Ms. Menuka Yasanji Wijesinghe highlighted Japan’s role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector through infrastructure projects like reservoirs and wells, which have made rural communities more resilient to climate challenges. Ms P Amasha Induwari Fernando emphasized Japan’s contributions to disaster management, citing post-tsunami recovery efforts and the rebuilding of critical infrastructure, as well as grassroots-level training and early warning systems that have significantly improved Sri Lanka’s preparedness for disasters.
Ms K A Hasanki Nimthara explored the collaborative efforts between Japan and Sri Lanka in education and technology. She highlighted the potential of exchange programs, research partnerships, and the adoption of Japan’s practical learning methods to enhance Sri Lanka’s academic and technical systems. Drawing from Japanese culture, she emphasized the importance of fostering discipline and respect from an early age. The discussion underscored the breadth of Japan’s contributions to Sri Lanka, ranging from economic development and disaster management to cultural and technological exchanges.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to students who successfully completed the program, recognizing their dedication and achievements. In her closing remarks, Dr Iroja Caldera, Director of the International Office, commended the participants and organizers for their hard work and expressed hope for the continued success of the JICA Chair Programme.
The ceremony was a celebration of the deepening ties between Sri Lanka and Japan. It reflected the program’s role in fostering academic and cultural exchange and its potential to inspire future collaborations. The University of Colombo looks forward to strengthening these ties and building a brighter, more sustainable future through continued partnership with Japan.