Akio Isomata Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka

Newly appointed Ambassador of Japan Mr. Akio Isomata talks to Lanka Woman on topics that tie Sri Lanka and Japan together as nations and the close friendship that has been prevailing since the era of President J R Jayawardene and his famous quote from the Dhammapada at the 1951 San Francisco Peace Conference; “Hatred Ceases Not By Hatred, But By Love”. 
Ambassador Isomata comes as a veteran in the field of diplomacy with experience as a diplomat spanning over 40 years. He has previously served in Europe, North America and Asia, including India to name a few. In this interview Mr. Isomata speaks on Cultural aspects, Investments, Education, Job opportunities in Japan, Japanese grants to Sri Lanka and most importantly stresses on the point that it is the People to People Exchange and interaction that is the most important aspect between the two nations. He also gives great importance to the OSAKA EXPO 2025 that is happening from April to October in Osaka, Kansai Japan and hopes and urges the Sri Lanka Pavilion to make good use of this golden opportunity, to uphold Sri Lanka’s attraction to investors and promote Sri Lanka to the world, by showcasing the advantages and conducive environment available in this central location to businesses, just as The Ceylan Pavilion displayed the largest Blue Sapphire in the 1970 Osaka Expo which was the first expo ever held in asia and attracted huge crowds to the Ceylan Pavilion.

Words - Indika Madapatha Sellahewa
Photos - Jagath Dharmakeerthi

Your Excellency, as the ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, can we know a little bit more about yourself and your diplomatic background?

I entered the Foreign Ministry of Japan in 1985. So, I have been on the foreign service for about 40 years now. I am very glad to be able to come to Sri Lanka towards the end of my diplomatic career. This is such a beautiful country with a lot of greenery. I have been posted in many different countries, including East Asia, Europe, North America and South Asia. As I was posted in India from 2014 to 2016, this is my second posting in South Asia. I see a lot of similarities between our two nations and our two peoples, starting from Buddhism. I feel so comfortable being here in Sri Lanka. Maybe, people and their emotional aspects are so close to each other. Sri Lankan people are generally soft-spoken, and sometimes a little bit reserved. As a Japanese, I feel we can easily communicate with Sri Lankan people. 

Excited to read more? Get Lanka Woman in Magzter for our latest Digital Issue!
www.magzter.com/.../Lanka.../Women's-Interest/530905
www.lw.lk