A cultural exchange program to unite Japanese and Sri Lankan students, organized by the UNSDGs Human Resources Development Organization in collaboration with the University of Kelaniya, was held from the 6^th of August to the 14^th of August 2024. In relation to this program, a special session was held on the 8^th of August 2024, at the Board Room of the Faculty of Humanities (K14-001), University of Kelaniya.

The objective of this program is to improve undergraduate students' knowledge of the language and cultural understanding.

The program included participation from 7 students from Japan, 4 members of the UNSDGs organization, 5 undergraduates from the Japanese Unit of the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Kelaniya, and 5 high school students  from Sri Lanka.

The Japanese team was warmly welcomed at the Granbell Hotel in Colombo by students from the University of Kelaniya and high school students studying the Japanese language.

During their visit to the University of Kelaniya, the delegation was warmly received by Professor Dilrukshi Rathnayake of the Department of Modern Languages. H. E. Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki, the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, who honoured the event as the Chief Guest, delivered a special lecture. The event also featured insightful lectures by Ms. Ide, Deputy Director of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Ms. Kubota, Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A highlight of the day was a 90-minute panel discussion titled "Working Overseas," featuring Ms. Anna Suzuki from the Embassy of Japan, Sri Lanka; Ms. Ide, Deputy Director of JICA; and Ms. Mizuki Yamamoto, Hotel Manager of the Granbell Hotel.

Throughout their stay, the students engaged in a variety of activities, including attending a meeting at the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), visiting Royal College in Colombo, touring the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and exploring the Presidential Secretariat. Their cultural immersion continued with a safari in Minneriya and visits to the New Giragama Tea Factory, the University of Peradeniya, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The group also enjoyed a delightful stay at the Aliya Resort and Spa in Sigiriya and a memorable visit to the Heritance Kandalama Resort in Dambulla.

As the exchange program focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the students from both countries delivered final presentations on related topics. The program concluded with the awarding of participation certificates and a vibrant farewell party, celebrating the rich cultural exchange between Japan and Sri Lanka.

The event was graced by the participation of the Honourable Guests, including Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Ven. Prof. Nedalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Head of the Department of Modern Languages; the President of JICA; and other Japanese guests.