53 Golden Years of Sri Lanka and Japan Friendship

by Nilma Dole

Sri Lanka's friendship with Japan has been warm, close and beneficial to both. Ever since former Sri Lankan Premier late J. R. Jayawardene forgave the Japanese for their sins of war, Sri Lanka has embraced and accepted Japan as a true friend and an ally.

Many distinguished Sri Lankan heads of State have visited the Land of the Rising Sun and likewise, much of the Japanese Royalty and Japanese leaders have witnessed the beauty of Ceylon.

The Reverend Shaku Kohen of the Shigon Sect was the first official Japanese national to set afoot on the shores of Serendib, according to historic documents at the Tokyo University. The Venerable Buddhist monk was reported to have landed in 1886 with financial assistance from the then Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Tadasu. The Reverend Shaku Kohen read Pali and Sanskrit at a Galle temple and attained greater knowledge in the Malwatte Temple in Kandy whilst going under the name of Konen Gunarathne. Thereafter, fraternal greetings were exchanged between the Reverend and Anagarika Dharmapala who had a yearning to visit Japan.

After the Buddhists of Japan learnt of Colonel Henry Olcott's impressive services to the Ceylon Dharma, the friendly people of Japan extended an invitation to him in 1888. Nevertheless, the arrival of the Japanese emissary Senshiro Noguchi saw him quickly befriending the amiable Dharmapala and also invited him to join in the journey to Japan.

On January 10, 1889, Colonel Olcott, Dharmapala and Noguchi left on board the French liner 'Dheninah' to Kobe, Japan amid much blessings of the Buddhist devas and the Triple Gem. A historically significant letter was handed to Colonel Olcott before departure by Ven. Sumangala Nayaka Maha Thera to the Chief Priest of Japan which is the first official communication between the two Buddhist dignitaries of the two Buddhist countries. The letter's content expressed hope that the Buddhists of Asia would unite for the good of the Eastern world.

'Welcome to Dai Nippon' welcomed the Sri Lankan guests to Kobe with leading newspapers reporting of the important event. However, Dharmapala couldn't go as planned with him being sick with rheumatic fever but he did witness the welcome celebrations as well as the promulgation of the New Japanese constitution (Dai Nihon Tekoku Kempo). A convention of chief high priests was also held in the Jodo Sect temple where Colonel Olcott made a mission speech. Even though Dharmapala was admitted to the Kyoto Government Hospital for treatment, he was enlightened about Buddhist culture with a flock of renowned Japanese intellectuals who spoke to him by his bedside. A farewell celebration was held in their honour with everyone from students to the military academy participating with zeal and enthusiasm.

An official reply to the Sri Lankan Buddhist reverend's letter was given by the chief high priest of the Japanese Buddhist Sects which expressed hope that the two nations can forge an intimate bond with each other. A vote of thanks was delivered by Colonel Olcott, with an emotional Anagarika Dharmapala, a great admirer of Japan and its people, standing beside him.

Diplomatic relations were strengthened between Sri Lanka and Japan in 1952 and the Sri Lankan embassy in Japan was established in May 1953. Japan has been maintaining cordial ties economically and technically with Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka was made the largest per capita recipient of Japanese bilateral aid which constitutes for 40% of Sri Lanka's bilateral aid packages. Growth exports have reached a record high of US$ 256.4 million in 1996 and exports to Japan which has increased over the last 20 years. Japan also accounts for a substantial value in loans invested in Sri Lanka which is estimated to be around a third of the total Sri Lanka foreign lending.

Japan remains a true friend of Sri Lanka, celebrating 53 years of harmonious, diplomatic and religious ties that will continue to make the two nations grow and prosper.

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