Special commendation for Japanese cuisine expert

Nobuhito Hobo, Ambassador of Japan, accorded a special Commendation to Richard Balasuriya, the owner and founder of "Ginza on the Edge", Japanese Restaurant, in recognition of his dedication to promote fine Japanese cuisine in Sri Lanka, at a ceremony held at the Ambassador's residence on 16th January 2015.

'Ginza on the Edge', currently located at the Waters Edge, Battaramulla was formerly known as "Ginza Hohsen" at the Hilton Colombo since its inception in September 1987, owned by the Top Company Ltd. of Japan, and was the first Japanese restaurant in a five star hotel in Sri Lanka, serving authentic Japanese cuisine of perfection with a touch of creativity.

Balasuriya is a JICA scholar, conversant in the Japanese language and served as a senior government officer in the Ministry of Agriculture.

He also served as a National Tourist Guide Lecturer promoting Sri Lankan tourism for Japanese. Having resigned from the government service in 1984, he made his way to Japan on an invitation by the Top Company Ltd of Japan and operated a popular Sri Lankan restaurant in Giza district, Tokyo.

Returning to Sri Lanka in 1987, he opened the Ginza Hohsen at the Hilton, Colombo, and he has contributed to popularizing Japanese food in Sri Lanka since then. His Japanese cuisine has played an important role in the good relationship between two countries for the past 28 years.