'Experience nature's best'

showcases Sri Lanka's potential in Tokyo

by Prasad Abu Bakr

The Yoyogi Park came alive with excitement and colour recently when Sri Lanka's Embassy in Japan organised The Sri Lanka Festival for the fourth consecutive year in Japan.

Held under the theme 'Experience nature's best' this year reflecting the many

 aspects of our country ranging from products to natural resources that can be utilised by any body who wish to visit this country any time of the year.

The many investment opportunities that are open to interested high powered business enterprises and the trade benefits that can be shared by both Sri Lanka and Japan in the process was high point indicator during the two day exercise which attracted over 100,000 visitors amongst which were a large part of the Japanese business community.

The two day festival comprised of over 100 trade stalls displaying and selling various products manufactured and distributed by over 85 companies operating from within Japan and also based in Sri Lanka.

Amongst the spicy and succulent Sri Lankan food fare that was sold around the clock throughout the two days t.3hat the fair was held, one of the most popular stalls that was well patronised was the one that displayed some of the country's creative products under the banner of The National Craft Council.

Chairman of The National Craft Council Buddhi Keerthisena who participated at the fair in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer Magazine said the interest shown by the vast number of visitors to the stall proved that even in a country like Japan where crafts are produced on a large scale our creative work by many rural craftsmen managed to stir interest amongst them.

Nishantha Jayalath, an Assistant Director of the National Crafts Council

 who also participated said that there were many trade inquiries and 90% of the products that were put on show were sold out, the major exposure that was afforded to the local crafts produced by our rural creative folk was the good aspect of the entire exercise, the chairman to the council further explained

The National Crafts Council displayed and demonstrated on both days showing visitors the many ways in which our craftsman create their products out of rush and reed, brass, silver, leather, fabric (Hand painted and batik) and items such as stationery, handmade paper products utilising elephant dung and the large range of gift items and wooden products including carvings and relief work out of wood were all brought to the forefront.

The Minister of Rural Development and Self Employment Promotion S.B.Nawinna's special effort to be present at the event was totally appreciated by everybody present.

While the event was declared open by Madame Akie Abe, wife of the Japanese Prime Minister, Parliamentarian and former Chief Cabinet Secretary and President of the Japan-Sri Lanka Association Yasuo Fukuda and Madame Fukuda; Representative of the Japanese Government on Peace Building and Rehabilitation and Re-construction in Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi were honoured guests at the opening ceremony.

Amongst the many companies and organisations which extended their support at making this annual event a success were Sri Lanka tea Board, Sri Lanka Tourist Board, National Gem and Jewellery Authority, Sri Lankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Business Council of Japan and Sri Lanka Association in Japan.

While The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA), Japan Bank

 for International Corporation, Japan External Trade Organisation, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Shibuya Ward Office were co-sponsors of the event.

A grand Cultural Pageant stole the show with many local dancers and musicians displaying their talents to the large audience present while crowds were seen queuing on both days to taste the variety of foods that were served at the food stalls.

This year's Sri Lanka Festival in Tokyo was another step to prove the vast economic and cultural ties that have developed between the two countries over the years and also the further strengthening of such bonds owing to events such as this.