“Bon Odori”
To commemorate the 71st Anniversary of Japan-Sri Lanka Diplomatic Relations, the Japan-Sri Lanka Cultural & Sports Collaboration Festival, “Bon Odori”, organized by the Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs, the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, and the National Youth Services Council was held yesterday(11/11/2023) at 6.30 p.m. onwards at the National Youth Services Council premises. This grand event was successfully held with the patronage of Hon.Roshan Ranasinghe, the Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, and His Excellency. Misukoshi Hideki, the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka on the invitation of Mr. Pasindu Gunaratne, the Director General of Youth Services/Chairman of the National Youth Services Council.
The Japanese people celebrate this festival for more than 500 years to welcome the spirits of their deceased ancestors. This festival consisted of Japanese Fun Games, a Food Festival with Japanese and Sri Lankan Food and beverages, Japan- Sri Lanka Drum Display, and a Cultural Event. More than 2000 Sri Lankan youths have gathered at this premise to experience this event. To mark this event, Mr. Manula Chamal Perera (Director-Administration & Human Resources Management), Mr.Rashitha Delapola (Director-Training), and the Staff of the National Youth Services Council have also participated.