On 26 March 2022, the 33rd Japanese Language Speech Contest commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan & Sri Lanka was held at the Auditorium of Sasakawa hall.
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.
The Japanese Language Speech contest was started in 1989 and is organized by the JLEA. Japanese Language Education Association (JLEA) is the unit within JASTECA which serves as the pioneer organization in Sri Lanka disseminating the Japanese Language to Sri Lankans. JLEA has been carrying out this service since 1974.
This year, 4 participants in the Category A, 3 participants in Category 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:
Mr. Takayuki Kawakami – First Secretary, Information & Cultural Affairs Embassy of Japan
Mr.Dayasiri Warnakulasooriya – President, JLEA
Mr.Tetsuya Yamada – Chief Representative, JICA Sri Lanka
Dr.S.M.Punchi Banda – retired Senior Adviser JIICA, Pioneer Japanese Language Teacher,JLEA
Dr.Dilrukshi Rathnayake – Head of Modern Languages Dept, University of Kelaniya
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 H.E.Mizukoshi Hideaki Ambassador for Japan in Sri Lanka
Winners of Category B
Winner - K.L.LAKSHA PRASHANSANI LIYANAGE
(SABARAGAMUWA UNIVERSITY)
Topic - You need to be your strength
1st Runner up - H.A.V.ERANGA LAKMINI GUNASINGHE
(UNIVERSITY OF KELANIYA)
Topic - continuing the effort is key to success
2nd runner up - H.A. DINUSHA LAKSHANI
(SABARAGAMUWA UNIVERSITY)
Topic - Let's learn the proper disposal of garbage from Japan
Mr.Tetsuya Yamada , Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka appreciated the contestants and awarded the Category A winners.
Winners of Category A
Winner - METHMI MANDARA J.K.GAMAGE
(GOTHAMI BALIKA VIDYALAYA)
Topic - Sri Lankan New Year
1st Runner up - VIHINI SEHENYA RAMANAYAKE
(RATHNAVALI BALIKA VIDYALAYA)
Topic - Praise the Lord
2nd Runner up - K.A.G.CHATHUMINI RANDYA
(RATHNAVALI BALIKA VIDYALAYA)
Topic - The most wonderful night in the world
3rd Runner up - K.A.HASANKI NIMTHARA LAKMINI
(ST.JOSEPH BALIKA VIDYALAYA KEGALLE)
Topic - Technology and present Sri Lanka
