PM congratulates Japanese Emperor

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday penned a congratulatory message to Japanese Emperor Naruhito. Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akira Sugiyama was also present at the occasion. After 30 years on the Chrysanthemum Throne, Emperor Akihito of Japan abdicated on 30 April, being the first Japanese Emperor to do so since 1817. This marked the end of the Heisei era and the inception of the Reiwa era, and precipitated numerous festivities leading up to the accession of his son and successor, Emperor Naruhito. The Enthronement Ceremony is likely to happen on 22 October.