The Prime Minister stated the above attending the ceremony of awarding the Great Sasana Ratna Award and the presenting of the Sannaspathra to the Most Ven. Ohtani Chohjun Thero of Honganji
Foundation & Temple of Japan at the Parliamentary Complex (18) morning.

The Honganji Foundation Cultural Promotion Foundation of Japan consisting of a long history, has contributed immensely to the improvement of the socio-economic and cultural ties of the Buddhist community worldwide. Whilst emphasizing that Japan and Sri Lanka have stood by each other during difficult times, President Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked The Honganji Foundation for opening a Japanese Gallery at the New International Buddhist Museum in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also added that the most Ven. Ohtani Chohjun is the cousin brother of his Majesty the previous Emperor of Japan, and is an elite academic of the University of Tokyo and the University of Sorbonne in France and is a well-known lecturer at Nagoya State University. The most Ven. Ohtani Chohjun was also recognized for his contributions in developing interconnections between Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism.

This occasion was graced by the participation of the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hon. Ananda Kumarasiri, Leader of the House, Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Chief Government Whip Hon Johnston Fernando, State Minister Hon. Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Hon. Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Hon. Nimal Lanza, Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma, Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala and MP’s Hon. Ashu Marasinghe, Hon. Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Hon. Palitha Range Bandara, Hon. A. H. M. Fowzie, Hon. Mayantha Dissanayake, Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna, Hon. Sumedha G. Jayasena as well as Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka Akira Sugiyama and the Scecretary General of Parliament Mr. Dhammika Dassanayke along with parliament Staff and many invitees.