Japan confers “The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays” on Janak Bandaranayake

Janak Jeevantha Bandaranayake, who served at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka over a span of three decades has been conferred “The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays.” The ceremony was held on Nov 4 at the official residence of Ambassador SUGIYAMA Akira.

During his tenure at the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, Mr. Bandaranayake contributed to deepening cultural ties between the two countries.

He was instrumental in inaugurating Sri Lanka’s national television network, Rupavahini through a Japanese grant aid in the early 1980s, which telecasted a globally renowned Japanese TV drama “Oshin” in 1998.

Bandaranayake’s fruits of labour particularly culminated in the successful celebrations of the 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries of Japan-Sri Lanka Diplomatic Relations where he dedicated whole-heartedly to marking the milestones with various cultural events.

His efforts to strengthen and further cement Japan-Sri Lanka relations began prior to his appointment at the Embassy when Mr. Bandaranayake served as a chief interpreter for the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the Tsukuba Expo held in Japan in 1985 and as a main organiser of cultural events for youth from various countries arriving in Sri Lanka onboard “Nippon Maru” as part of “Ship for World Youth” organised by the Government of Japan.

“The Order of the Sacred Treasure” is conferred by the Government of Japan, in the name of His Majesty the Emperor, on individuals who have made long-standing and dedicated noteworthy contributions to the overseas establishment of Japan through their activities.