The Sri Lanka Embassy in Tokyo recently organised a special remembrance ceremony at the Sawara Lankaji Temple, marking the 10-year anniversary and bless the victims and survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011. The 9.3-maginutde earthquake, which was followed by a tsunami, resulted in a radiation leakage at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant that took the lives of approximately 20,000 civilians.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan, with the coordination of the Sri Lankan community, Sri Lankan associations, Sri Lankan temples, and Japanese friends of Sri Lanka, organised a remembrance memorial ceremony that was attended by over 100 guests. Over 15 Buddhist monks from Sri Lankan and Japanese temples, as well as media and television personnel, participated in the event.
Ambassador Sanjiv Gunasekara mentioned how the relief efforts were coordinated after the devastation by the Sri Lankan Mission 10 years ago. He explained how the Mission staff and volunteers were mobilised to the disaster areas to distribute essentials and cook meals using mobile kitchens for those affected during the months that followed. The Ambassador recalled the Government airlifting three million bags of Sri Lankan tea, as well as money gifted to the Japanese Red Cross Society. He also highlighted the special Tri-Forces volunteer team that was sent by the Government of Sri Lanka, which spent over a month working in the disaster-hit areas.
Ambassador Gunasekara also recalled the generous Japanese assistance given to Sri Lanka and its people after the tsunami devastation in December 2004. He mentioned the tsunami early warning system that was gifted by Japan to Sri Lanka. The Ambassador emphasised the special relationship Sri Lanka and Japan enjoys due to the many historical milestones the two countries have shared while standing united during adversities. He added that the cultural and religious values, as well as hospitality and kindness, which are common to the people of two countries, make the relationship unique.
The Ambassador and Japanese guests laid flowers in memory of the victims, and Buddhists priests conducted a special sermon during the event. The event was telecast through Sri Lanka Embassy and other media channels.