Sri Lanka: Present Day and Culture

The first Ambassador's Lecture of 2008 took place on February 26 (Tues.) at the Japan National Press Club. This time we welcomed Ambassador Ranjith Uyangoda from the beautiful island country of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka is separated from India by only 22 miles, which explains the large influence it has received from its nearest neighbor. In around the 5th century BC the son of a northern Indian king was expelled from his royal family and came with 500 followers to Sri Lanka. These people were the Sinhalese who today form 74% of the Sri Lankan population. Next are the Tamils, consisting of those brought by the British from India in large numbers to work on the tea plantations and also Sri Lankan Tamils. Seventy percent of the population are Buddhists, followed by Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

In addition to the renowned Ceylon tea, the island boasts plentiful fruits and agricultural products and also produces many various gemstones. The country has been divided and ruled by various kingdoms starting with Kandy. In the early16th century, Portuguese rule began, followed by the Dutch in the 17th century. At the end of the 18th century the British occupied the whole island, and in 1815 the kingdom of Kandy finally fell. In 1948 the country became a self-governing dominion of the British Commonwealth, becoming fully independent in 1972 and changing its name from Ceylon to the Republic of Sri Lanka.

In 1978, along with becoming a Democratic Socialist Republic, economic liberalization gradually occurred with the result that rapid growth was achieved but around this time ethnic conflict broke out. The minority Tamils armed themselves and created LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) to demand their independence. They still refuse to accept peace and the bloodshed continues.

Japan, Norway and others are working as peace facilitators to achieve a solution in which Japanese Government Representative Yasushi Akashi, who also happens to be ESUJ Deputy Chairman, has a principal role. Prime Minister Fukuda has been Chairman of the Japan-Sri Lanka Society for quite awhile. The country has good relations with Japan, and Japan is the biggest donor of foreign aid to Sri Lanka.

During his talk, Ambassador Uyangoda showed pictures of various scenes including World Heritage Sites and beautiful scenery of tea and rubber plantations as well as the annual large-scale Sri Lankan Festival that takes place in Yoyogi, with its famous troupe of dancers. Q&A included an enquiry about Sri Lankan cosmetics, providing yet another fascinating topic at the end of this enjoyable, informative evening.

English Club a Big Success

On February 19 (Tues.), this month's guest speaker was Dr. Bernd Fischer, Minister at the German Embassy. For the second time the meeting was held at Nikkei Notio in Marunouchi Oazo, with an audience of more than 70 people, including ESUJ members as well as members of the public chosen by lottery.

Also attending were Brian Cooke and Chris Newton, ESU England members visiting Japan. The Minister compared Japan and Germany from cultural, political, economic and other perspectives, with photographs interspersed. Both countries have recovered from defeat in the last war. Germany has passed through a historic and symbolic era of German reunification and European integration, both of which are conducive to close relationships with its neighboring countries.

He also spoke about tradition and revolution in the automotive industry, Germany's key industry, as well as advances in wind power generation. Regarding Japan-German friendship, culture plays a big role, with Japan-Germany societies existing in 45 regions of Japan. Dr. Fischer also mentioned the German trait of appreciation for beautiful scenery and good housekeeping, finishing exactly on time his most informative and delightful talk and with the audience feeling very content.

Future Activities

English Club 18:30-20:00 Nikkei Notio (Marunouchi Oazo)
April 15 (Tuesday) Sign up by : April 3 (Thursday)

Guest Speaker: Dr. Enrico Martini
Director for Japan, Asia & Oceania, Italian State Tourist Board
"AN INVITATION TO ITALY'S TREASURES"
Italy, a country renowned for its culture and history, is a favorite destination for people from all around the world. Dr. Enrico Martini, has portrayed the charms of Italy as the ‘face' of the Italian government for many years in both Europe as well as Japan. He will regale us with descriptions of the various treasures which are Italy's pride, including World Heritage sites.

PLEASE NOTE:Members must notify their attendance by the Sign-Up Date via Nikkei Notio's Web Site (at ESUJ web site) or E-mail the ESUJ Office. (For members, please add "ESUJ" before your name in case of application.)

March 18 (Tues.) English Club :Applications have closed.
The Fight Against Global Warming : Role of Carbon Credits Speaker: Mr. Matthew Setterfield, Mitsubishi UFJ Securities Co.

Spring Outing: Cherry Blossom Time in Kamakura (Full)
(Visit to a Traditional Japanese Farmhouse) March 29 (Sat.) 10:00-12:00

May Evening Gala 2008 Tuesday, May 27