Colombo, 07 September 2026 – A special send-off ceremony for Team Sri Lanka, ahead of the country’s participation at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, was held at the Embassy of Japan in Colombo on 3 September.

 

The ceremony was hosted by His Excellency Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and was attended by Mr. Asanga Seneviratne, President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC SL), Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, along with athletes and officials of Team Sri Lanka.

 

The occasion provided an opportunity to wish the Sri Lankan delegation success as they prepare to represent the country at the Asian Games, which will be held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026.

 

Addressing the gathering, NOC SL President Mr. Asanga Seneviratne highlighted the longstanding friendship and close relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan, noting the strong ties that have been maintained between the two countries over many years. President Seneviratne also acknowledged Japan’s position as a leading global power and its significant contribution to international development, while emphasising the importance of the relationship between the two countries. He expressed his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Akio Isomata and the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka for organising the send-off ceremony and for the continued support extended to Sri Lanka.

 

The 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will bring together athletes from across the Asian continent for one of the largest multi-sport events in the region. The Games will be centred in Nagoya and other cities in Aichi Prefecture, while selected competitions will also be held in Tokyo, Shizuoka, Gifu and Osaka.With athletes from across Asia coming together to compete, the Games will provide an important platform for promoting friendship, mutual understanding and cultural exchange through sport. The spirit of the Games is reflected in its theme, “Imagine One Asia.”

 

The Embassy of Japan conveyed its best wishes to Team Sri Lanka for a successful participation at the Games and expressed the hope that Sri Lanka’s presence at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 would contribute towards further strengthening the longstanding friendship and close relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.

 

Team Sri Lanka will now look ahead to the 20th Asian Games with the objective of representing Sri Lanka with distinction and giving their best on the Asian sporting stage.

 

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