News & Events

37th Japanese Language Speech Contest 2026

The 37th Japanese Language Speech Contest was successfully held on Saturday, 17th October 2026, at the Sasakawa Centre Auditorium, Colombo 07, in the distinguished presence of His Excellency Mr. Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka.

The event was jointly organised by the Japanese Language Education Association (JLEA) and the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, with the support of the Japan Foundation and the Japan Sri Lanka Technical and Cultural Association (JASTECA).

The annual contest aims to encourage Japanese language learning, provide a platform for students to demonstrate their language proficiency and promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Sri Lanka and Japan.

This year, eight talented finalists across three categories (A, B and C) took to the stage, delivering inspiring speeches on a variety of topics reflecting their personal experiences, aspirations and appreciation of Japanese culture.

Contestants were evaluated on the content, grammatical accuracy and expression of their speeches, as well as their ability to respond to questions during an interactive question-and-answer session with the judges.

The contest was honoured by a distinguished panel of judges comprising Japanese language educators, academics and representatives of Japanese organisations in Sri Lanka.

1. Mr. Shigeo Honzu – Chief Representative, JICA Sri Lanka.
2. Mr. Saito Kosuke – Principal, Japanese School, Colombo.
3. Prof. Dilrukshi Rathnayake – Department of Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya.
4. Dr. S. M. Punchi Banda – Past President, JAGAAS, and Former Lecturer, Japanese Language Course, Embassy of Japan.
5. Ms. Yuki Minamidani – Japanese Language Specialist, Japan Foundation, and Lecturer, University of Kelaniya.
6. Ms. Mioko Kawamoto – Third Secretary, Information and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka.

The event commenced with an opening address by Mr. Premalal Fernando, Trustee and Committee Member of the Japanese Language Education Association Trust.

Following an impressive series of speeches, the winners of each category were announced and recognised for their excellent performances.

Category A – For students studying Japanese up to G.C.E. Advanced Level and under 19 years of age.

Winner – Mr. A. M. Sasiru Pahan S. A. Bandara

• Speech: Never Let Your Emotions Control You. Think Carefully and Live Your Life with Purpose.
• Prize: Laptop

1st Runner-Up – Ms. Mayumee Thathsarani Abeyrathna

• Speech: My Dream
• Prize: Tablet

2nd Runner-Up – Ms. Sundararajan Dhaarnesha

• Speech: Sweet Poison
• Prize: Japanese Books

Category B –For individuals who have studied Japanese beyond G.C.E. Advanced Level or are over 19 years of age.

Winner – Ms. Binadie Rathnayake

• Speech: Wabi-Sabi – A Traditional Japanese Concept
• Prize: Tour to Japan

1st Runner-Up – Mr. K. H. A. Sethum Senuka Kumarasinghe

• Speech: What I Learnt from Failure
• Prize: Laptop

2nd Runner-Up – Ms. K. K. W. T. Methusari Kariyawasam

• Speech: Blooming Now, Right Where I Am
• Prize: Tablet

Category C – For individuals who have spent less than one year in Japan.

Winner – Ms. Randie Jayasuriya

• Speech: The Beauty of Japanese People's Hearts
• Prize: Laptop

Runner-Up – Ms. P. H. Mayumi Okithma De Silva

• Speech: The Japan I Saw
• Prize: Tablet

In addition to the speech competition, the event featured a series of vibrant cultural performances that reflected the artistic traditions of Sri Lanka and Japan.

• A graceful traditional dance performed by Ms. Dewni Sunethma, a student of JLEA.
• A colourful traditional Sri Lankan dance presented by the students of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo.
• A captivating Japanese cultural performance presented by the students of the University of Kelaniya.

We look forward to welcoming even more passionate Japanese language learners to the next Japanese Language Speech Contest as we continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan.