Chairman of the University Grants Commission Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge was conferred “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” by Japanese Ambassador Sugiyama Akira at a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s official residence on October 14.
Chairman of the University Grants Commission Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge was conferred “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” by the Government of Japan at a ceremony held at the official residence of Ambassador Sugiyama Akira on October 14.
Snr. Prof. Amaratunge, who completed higher education in Japan and is proficient in Japanese, is a renowned scholar working closely with Japan for many decades, while his commitment, persistence and dedication have promoted academic exchanges between the two countries to a new height.
For example, during his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Snr. Prof. Amaratunge founded the Faculty of Technology, which, through close collaborations with numerous universities in Japan, has contributed to advancing technological and scientific studies at the said university. The partnership with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science in Japan, which was carefully cultivated by Snr. Prof. Amaratunge, has also promoted the university’s technical competencies in the relevant areas. Further, Snr. Professor Amaratunge, as Chairman of the University Grants Commission, established Sri Lanka’s first City University modelled on the Japanese higher education system. This innovative concept has enabled aspirant students to gain access to higher studies and pursue their dreams, while effectively consolidating the foundation of the educational system in Sri Lanka. Snr. Professor Amaratunge envisages to expand the concept of City University across the island in the coming days.
As an active member of the Bunka Awards Committee of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Cultural Fund, Snr. Professor Amaratunge has been contributing to promoting cultural activities in Sri Lanka, thus strengthening friendly ties between Japan and Sri Lanka.
“The Order of the Rising Sun” is the highest order conferred by the Government of Japan, in the name of His Majesty the Emperor, on individuals who have made distinguished achievements in the international relations, promotion of Japanese culture, among others.
