The Closing Ceremony of the JICA CHAIR Programme 2023

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The Closing Ceremony of the Japan’s Modernization Studies – JICA CHAIR Programme of the year 2023 was held in full splendor on the 12th of February 2024 from 11am onwards at the Oak Ray Regency, Kandy.  The JICA CHAIR is an approximately six-month Certificate Course hosted by the Sri Lanka-Japan Study Center of the University of Peradeniya, and offered and sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

Over 1000 candidates from all over Sri Lanka and across various study disciplines registered for the programme which commenced in October 2023.  The programme was open to any interested person living in Sri Lanka, and was not restricted to undergraduate or postgraduate students from the University of Peradeniya.  The programme consisted of eight lectures on Japan’s journey from rags to riches delivered by eminent Professors and Professionals from Japanese Universities and Institutes.  These lectures were complemented by Sri Lankan Professors who are currently working in Japanese Universities benevolently offering their views on Japan’s modernization process.  The talks were moderated and coordinated by Lecturers from the University of Peradeniya who have completed their postgraduate degrees in Japan. 

Lectures were held in the hybrid mode allowing students plenty of flexibility to attend lectures from wherever convenient location while creating the perfect opportunity, especially for candidates from other areas/ Universities to visit the Garden University of Sri Lanka, meet new people, and learn the secrets of Japan’s modernization.     

Nearly 500 candidates had successfully completed the programme and qualified to receive the certificate of completion, and certificates were symbolically awarded to ten students.  The SLJSC also organized an essay competition for participants of the JICA Chair programme.  More than 150 entries were received from enthusiastic participants and after careful perusal, five winners were selected to be awarded certificates at the Closing Ceremony.    

The ceremony was graced by the Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Mr. Katsuki Kotaro, the Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office, Mr. Tetsuya Yamada and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Prof. M.D. Lamawansa.  Several other Officials from the Embassy of Japan and the JICA-Sri Lanka Office also joined the ceremony.