News & Events

36th Japanese Language Speech Contest

On August 16th, we conducted the 36th Japanese Language Speech Contest, proudly graced by our chief guest, His Excellency Mr. Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka.

The contest was co-organised by Japanese Language Education Association (JLEA) and the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka and supported by the Japan Foundation and JASTECA in order to encourage and promote Japanese language education in Sri Lanka.

This year, 6 participants from Category A & B enjoyed speaking about Japan and the things that interest them.

The participants were judged based on the content, expression and grammar of their speeches and a Question & Answer session with the judges.

The panel of Judges:

1. Mr. Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya, Chairman, JLEA Trust
2. Mr. Kenji Kuronuma, Chief Representative, JICA Sri Lanka
3. Mr. Hiroki Oi, Resident Representative, JETRO Colombo
4. Ms. Eguchi Miyuki, First Secretary, Information & Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka
5. Mr. Saito Kosuke, Principal Japanese School , Colombo
6. Prof. Dilrukshi Rathnayake, Head of the Modern Languages Department, University of Kelaniya
7. Dr. S.M. Punchi Banda, Past President, JAGAAS & Former Lecturer, Japanese Language Course at the Embassy of Japan

The Opening Speech was made by the President Dayasiri Warankulasooriya and stated that the Speech Contest not only provides an opportunity to showcase the contestants' language ability, but also contributes to further friendship and mutual understanding between Sri Lanka and Japan The prize for the winners for the Category B was awarded by our guest of honor His Excellency Mr.Akio Isomata, Ambassador for Japan in Sri Lanka

Winners of Category B

Winner - N.M.Y. NETHMA HETTIGEDARA
(UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA)
Topic - I Realized the Beauty of Human Connections


1st Runner up - R.A. PRABANI PRAHARSHA RANASINGHE
(JAPANESE LANGUAGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION)
Topic - A little magic given by flowers


2nd runner up - R M V SATHSARANI RATHNAYAKA
(UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA)
Topic - Is development really what humans think it is?

Mr.Kenji Kuronuma , Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka appreciated the contestants and awarded the Category A winners.


Winners of Category A

Winner - SANDALI SIDANGANA THARUMUTHU DE COSTA
(ST. PAUL'S GIRLS SCHOOL - MILAGIRIYA, COLOMBO 5)
Topic - The importance of mental health

1st Runner up - S.DHAARNESHA
(Private)
Topic - My Experience in Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest

2nd Runner up - M. G. SHEVON SANDEEV WIJESINGHE
(Ananda National College, Chilaw)
Life is a River

The event featured vibrant cultural performances including:

• A beautiful traditional dance by Ms. Poorni Pathirana, JLEA student
• An energetic J-POP dance by students from Mahanama College
• A mesmerizing performance by the JLEA Student Committee, celebrating the beauty of Okinawa Island and Sri Lanka