Local News from Sri Lanka: President Maithripala Sirisena says Sri Lanka’s faithful and trusted friend is strong peace-maker Yasushi Akashi. He said this when yesterday’s President’s Office (July 20) called for President Sirisena by the Japanese peace envoy Akashi.
Mr Akashi was presented with Sri Lanka Rathna, the first-ever highest domestic honor given to non-nationals recognition of his distinguished and outstanding service to the country at yesterday’s “National Honors 2019” investiture ceremony at BMICH.
The President thanked Mr Akashi for his many efforts to restore peace and harmony in Sri Lanka and wished him a long life to continue his outstanding service to the globe as a whole and to foster friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan.
Mr Akashi thanked the Sri Lankan president and individuals for giving him this excellent honor. He said that there are many things in common between Japan and Sri Lanka, and Buddhism binds the two countries ‘ special friendship.
He said other nations could learn from Sri Lanka how to create constant attempts to reinforce community peace and harmony while fighting against extremism effectively.
