Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation 2018 Award for Deepal

Japan Ambassador Akira Sugiyama congratulates Deepal Gunaratne after presenting the award

The Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation was awarded to Deepal Sumanthri Gunaratne by Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Akira Sugiyama, at a special ceremony held on 24 January at the Ambassador’s residence in Colombo.

Gunaratne became a member of the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society in 1984, which was established in 1956 in order to convey the authentic Japanese culture to the people of Sri Lanka.  Ever since he was appointed to the President of the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society in July 2012, Gunaratne organised various cultural activities related to Japan. Based on his distinguished leadership, Gunaratne made a great contribution as one of the Executive Committee members to the series of events, e.g. a reception with more than 200 invitees, conducted in 2012 to celebrate the 60 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.  Until his retirement in 2014, his leadership and contribution as the President have enabled the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society to maintain and develop its reputation as the most active cultural organisation related to Japan in Sri Lanka.  The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups for their outstanding achievements in the international field to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and foreign countries.