The awarding ceremony of ‘The Award of the Order of the Rising Sun’ to Senior Professor Sampath Amarathunge, the chairman of the University Grant Commission and the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura by the Japanese Government was held on 22nd January 2022 at Sri Dharmavijayaloka Temple, Rukmale from 4.30 onwards.
The event was graced by the presence of his excellency, the president of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr.Gotabaya Rajapaksa, H.E.Mizukoshi Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Sudantha Liyanage, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Mr. W.K.H. Wegapitiya, Chairman of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Alumni Association and other distinguished guests. Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne delivered the keynote address.
The chief prelate of Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagi Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of Siyam Maha Nikaya, the chief incumbent of Sri Dharmavijayaloka Temple, Rukmale, and the Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Maha Nayake Maha Thera, and the members of Maha Sangarathna showered their blessings on Senior. Prof. Sampath Amarathunge.
A memento was presented to Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki by Ven. Ittapana Dhammalankara Thero. W.K.H. Wegapitiya and Prof. Sudantha Liyanage presented a memento to the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
