State Minister of Educational Reforms Susil Premajayantha who was the Chief Guest at the launch of the project, ‘Learning for Empathy: A teacher exchange and support programme’ at the Ministry of Education in “Isurupaya”, Battaramulla expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the Government of Japan and the positive impact of the project on principals, teachers and students.
The State Minister graced the occasion on the invitation of Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO Secretary General Dr. P.N. Meegaswatte. The Guest of Honour was Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akira Sugiyama.
The project was launched with the generous contribution of the Government of Japan, the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the UNESCO New Delhi Cluster Office and supported by the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok.
Dr. P. N. Meegaswatte spoke about the importance of learning empathy for the promotion of peace, understanding and prevention of violence and solicited support from the stakeholders including the Ministry of Education in taking the project forward on a national level.
Japanese Ambassador Akira Sugiyama expressed his thanks to the Sri Lankan National Commission for organising the event.
Reflecting on the success of the teacher exchange programme so far, he reiterated that if not for the unfortunate circumstances caused due to COVID-19, Japan hopes to invite teachers and students selected from all four countries under this project including from Sri Lanka early next year for a study visit to Japan to ascertain how it is being implemented and practised in Japan and to exchange views.
State Minister for Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation Dr. Seetha Arambepola, Education Ministry Secretary and Vice-Chairperson of Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO Prof. Kapila Perera were present.
