Former Navy Commander is Sri Lanka's new Ambassador to Japan

Former Commander of Navy during the war, Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda has taken up a diplomatic role as the Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to Japan.

Karannagoda, assumed duties in Tokyo on Friday, 25th March 2011, paying special emphasis on the strong bilateral relations between Japan and Sri Lanka, a External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

Assuming duties at the Embassy, Karannagoda has said that long standing friendship between the two countries has created a firm foundation for the confidence shown in each other.

"Especially at a time when continuous events of a catastrophic nature have taken place in Japan, Sri Lanka will continue to support and stand by Japan," the new envoy has asserted.

The External Affairs Ministry said the government will be sending three million tea bags to the people affected by the tsunami and earthquake in Japan. In addition, a donation of one million USD will be given to the Japanese Government and a self-sufficient Sri Lankan search and rescue team is ready to provide assistance at any given time, it added.

Japan is the single largest donor to Sri Lanka providing about two-thirds of the total donor contribution.