Japan and Sri Lanka are close friends countries that have reached the 69th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations

【GREETING】

     Sri Lanka is often said to be "a country famous for Ceylon tea!", But ...

Sri Lanka means the glittering island of "Lanka" of "Sri", as a silk road on the sea since ancient times, and also

    Known as the Ratna Deepa (jewel pond), it is known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

About 80% of Hokkaido is not a vast island, but since the 16th century it has been a

"spices trading port".

    Along with prosperity, it prospered as an economic and cultural relay point connecting Asia and Europe, and from European countries at sea.  It has been the focus of attention as a trading hub.

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    The history of Sri Lanka began in 483 BC when the Kingdom of Sinhalese was built, and in 250 BC.  Since welcoming the introduction of Buddhism from India, it has been extremely prosperous as a Buddhist kingdom. In the meantime, succession to the throne

    Due to conflicts and other immigrants from South India, the capital moved to "Polonnaruwa" via "Anuradhapura" and "Sigiriya", and further south to "Candy" located in the central part of the mainland. I am. (Eight world heritage sites are registered, including each of these four cities.)

    Then, with the arrival of the colonial era, Portugal fell in the 16th century, the Netherlands from the beginning of the 17th century, and the United Kingdom in 1815, the last fort of the Sinhalese kingdom, "Candy," which continued for more than 300 years. The ancient city, where the Sinhalese culture was in full bloom, has come to an end.

    The entire island was under British rule, but in 1972 (Showa 47), it became completely independent of Ceylon, the autonomous territory of the Commonwealth of Nations, and became the current country name "Sri Lanka Democratic Socialist Republic".

    After independence, a long-term civil war of 26 years continued, but it ended completely in 2009 (Heisei 21).  Today, in addition to the energy of high-developing economic miracle common to emerging countries, the enormous breath of reconstruction brought about by peace is strongly felt in fields such as shipping, aviation, commerce, knowledge, energy, and tourism. ..

In addition, Sri Lanka has the key to the stability and prosperity of the geographically important "Free and Open Indian Ocean", "India-centered region (8 countries)" and "High potential to leap forward as a growing continent". Surrounded by "powerful African nations," it is also a promising country, and has a valuable role as a base for maritime trade.

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    Based on this background, our association has different history, culture, religion, lifestyle, etc. between Japan and Sri Lanka, and as part of the "international cooperation activities", the two countries are involved in the gas industry. Based on the experience and technology cultivated so far, 2017 (2017) with the aim of conducting information provision activities through academic and technical exchanges in this related field, and a wide range of activities aimed at popularizing and expanding the gas industry. It was established on June 13, 2017).

    In carrying out this activity, we have a strong sense of mission to promote "international cooperation activities" based on "bonds" as a close friend country that shares the gas industry, without aiming for the benefit of a specific company. We would like to ask for your continued support and encouragement.