Meiji Revolution | JICA Chair Programme 2025/26 Lecture III
The third session of the JICA Chair Programme was held on 30th January 2026 at the Senate Hall. Ms Yoneda Hiroka, Representative of JICA Sri Lanka, addressed the audience and explained the objectives of the JICA Chair Programme. Addressing the gathering, Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilakee, Vice Chancellor of the University, emphasised the benefits that students could gain from participating in the programme.
The highlight of the session was an insightful DVD lecture delivered by Dr Kitaoka Shinichi, former President of JICA, on the theme “Meiji Revolution”. The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of Japan’s Meiji Revolution as a transformative period that marked the country’s transition from a feudal society to a modern nation-state through political, social, and economic reforms. The session was moderated by Dr Darshi Thoradeniya of the Department of History, Faculty of Arts, who presented an interesting comparison of Sri Lanka and Japan during this period and facilitated an engaging question-and-answer segment. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Iroja Caldera, Director of the International Office, who expressed her sincere appreciation to all contributors and participants.
