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| Sunday, 12 March 2006 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Cultural exchange programme Royal College, Colombo recently became the country's first educational institution to invite a large contingent of Japanese expatriate children (30 girls and 18 boys) to the school, under its newly initiated cultural exchange programme. The first session of the three-hour programme took place at the College Hall, Nawarangahala, under the patronage of the Royal College Principal, Upali Gunasekara and Principal of the Japanese School in Colombo, Noritho Sasaki. Seven female and six male teachers from the Japanese school were also present, on this occasion. The objective of holding such an event was to introduce new friends of different ethnic groups to each other, and also exchange social ideas and cultural values pertaining to both countries. Children of both schools visited strategic places in the Royal College compound. They attended classes together, and turned out traditional handicraft, using natural leaves and other raw material. The Lankan children used coconut and jak leaves, coconut fronds, as well as coconut shells to make the traditional handicraft. The Japanese children too had brought various traditional items from their country. The children also took part in indoor and outdoor games. The visitors also had a rare chance of partaking in traditional sweets of Sri Lanka. Addressing the audience, Principal, Royal College, Gunasekara said he was happy to note that nearly 3000 students of Royal College presently study the Japanese language. It will be helpful for them, to study the latest Japanese technology too in future, he said. Principal, Japanese School in Colombo, Sasaki said more technological programmes from Japan will be introduced for Sri Lankan children in future. Master-in-charge of Japanese Language at Royal College, Nimal Senaratne, who interpreted the speech made by the Japanese Principal into Sinhala, said, selected children from Royal College will be sent to Japanese homes under a home-stay programme, which will be implemented shortly. Children from Japan will also be entertained with Lankan families. He added that 53 students from Royal College enjoyed a day's programme at the Japan School in Colombo last year, under the cultural exchange programme. The Principals of the two schools distributed their respective traditional handicraft as souvenirs, among the members of the other team. - Ananda Kannangara |
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