JaGAAS: Japanese Graduate’s Alumni Association of Sri Lanka

Japanese Graduate’s Alumni Association of Sri Lanka

The Japanese Graduates Alumni Association of Sri Lanka was originally formed 12 years ago as “Monbusho Alumni Association of Sri Lanka” comprising the Monbusho Scholars who returned to Sri Lanka after completing their studies in Japan. However in order to embrace the other scholars and graduates who had obtained graduation and post graduate degrees from Universities of Japan, the name of the Association was changed to “Japanese Graduates Alumni Association of Sri Lanka “.

The main objectives of JAGAAS

To provide a forum and to promote a spirit of fellowship among members.
To promote and foster cultural and educational ties between the two Countries.
To assist members to gain knowledge by maintaining contacts with relevant Institutions in Japan and Sri Lanka.

The total membership of the Association as at today is around 100.

MESSAGE FROM H.E. MR. KUNIO TAKAHASHI, AMBASSADOR OF JAPAN
	My warmest greetings to the members of the Japanese Graduates Alumni Association of Sri Lanka (JAGAAS) and all visitors to the Home Page of JAGAAS. The Government of Japan has been inviting foreign students to study in Japanese Universities and Colleges since 1954 with the primary objective of promoting international relations and goodwill among the nations by promoting an exchange of cultural and educational values. Many Sri Lankan students have also benefited from this programme in the past and will continue to do so in the future as well.
The members of JAGAAS are those who have graduated from Japanese universities under the Japanese Government Scholarship programme, as well as through private admission on their own initiative and funding. Since they have lived in Japan for several years, they are quite familiar with Japanese life style and culture. As such, they are a vital link between the people of Sri Lanka and Japan as they can serve as goodwill ambassadors to further promote our friendly and cooperative relations. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience in many fields and also have resource persons who are capable of making significant contributions to society as well as Japan-Sri Lanka friendly relations. I am happy and proud to know that these Japanese graduates are very successful in Sri Lanka and are holding very prominent posts in their respective fields. The various activities organized by JAGAAS in the past, such as Japanese Cultural Exhibitions, seminars and workshops to disseminate knowledge about Japanese education, business management and culture including the Bon Odori Summer Festival have contributed immensely towards realizing their objective of building bridges between Japan and Sri Lanka and networking with other global alumni of Japanese Institutions. The launch of this Home Page will further enhance their effectiveness in fulfilling their stated mission. I wish the President and members of JAGAAS success in all their future endeavours and assure them of the cooperation of this Embassy in their activities.
Kunio Takahashi Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka

MESSAGE FROM MR. MERRICK GOONERATNE, PRESIDENT OFJaGAAS
	Japanese Graduate’s Alumni Association of Sri Lanka (JaGAAS) is the Apex Body which brings Sri Lanka scholars who have studied in Japanese Universities under the Japanese Government Scholarship Program. JaGAAS provides an opportunity for continuous interaction among its Alumni while promoting interest in Japanese Studies, Culture and Business Practices. Our Alumni have achieved excellence in Academic Studies, Profession and Business contributing to the Country’s development and enhancing linkages between Sri Lanka and Japan.
The launch of our website is a landmark event which will further strengthen our activities and improve our performance in achieving our objectives and goals. We wish to place on record our appreciation of the continuous support of the Embassy of Japan since launch of JaGAAS in 1994 in all our activities. In conclusion we thank our past Presidents and Secretaries for their commitment towards our success.
Merrick Gooneratne President, JaGAAS

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of Japan Sri lanka Diplomatic Relations.JAGAAS will celebrate this landmark event

By organising the following events:

Seminar on Kabuki and Noh on 26th February at the Kelaniya University commencing 9.00am

Seminar on Lean Enterprise—The Japanese Way to Profits on 06th March 2012 at The Grand Oriental Hotel Colombo Fort

Publication of a 60th Anniversary Commemoration Volume

All three events have received accreditation from the Embassy of Japan and permission to use the official Logo.

JAGAAS will hold its AGM on 30th March 2012 at the Sasakawa Hall.The Ambassador for Japan in Sri Lanka His

Excellency Nobuhito Hobo will be the Chief Guest at the AGM.

JAGAAS invites all those who have completed their Graduate and Post Graduate studies in Japan to join the AGM and Fellowship

On 30th March.For detaiis contact The Hony Secy Prof H.D.Karunaratne tel 0777895390 or 0777751851.