President Shammi Silva and Acting Secretary Chryshantha Kapuwatte of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) embarked on a significant journey to fortify SLC’s longstanding relationship with the Japan Cricket Association. Responding to an invitation from the Japan Cricket Association, the duo engaged with key stakeholders and cricket enthusiasts in Japan during their visit. At the heart of their discussions was the commitment to elevate the status of cricket in Japan, a nation traditionally captivated by baseball.
Meetings were held with the CEO of the Japan Cricket Association, Naoki Alex Miyaji, where assurances were made regarding Sri Lanka’s steadfast support in promoting and enriching cricket within Japan. The venue for these discussions was the Sano International Cricket Grounds in Tochigi, where the Mayor of Sano City, Yutaka Kaneko, expressed gratitude towards SLC for their dedication to Japanese cricket.
Further strengthening ties, President Shammi Silva and Acting Secretary Chryshantha Kapuwatte engaged with the Parliamentarian League for Cricket Promotion of Japan in Tokyo. Notable figures such as Secretary General Motegi Toshimitsu, MP Kajiyama Hiroshi, and MP Inoue Shinji were part of these discussions, emphasizing Sri Lanka's role as a Test Nation and active member country of the ICC, committed to supporting and nurturing cricket globally.
In recent developments, Uganda's National team visited Sri Lanka for a T-20 series, showcasing SLC's commitment to fostering relationships and providing assistance to Associate countries. President Shammi Silva reiterated SLC’s dedication to supporting not only cricket but also other sports and countries, highlighting their broader commitment to global sporting development.
The presence of Deputy Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka, Katsuki Kotaro, and Goodwill Ambassador of the Japan Cricket Association, Priyantha Kariyapperuma, underscored the significance of the meetings, signaling a promising future of collaboration between Sri Lanka and Japan in the realm of cricket.
In conclusion, the visit of President Shammi Silva and Acting Secretary Chryshantha Kapuwatte of Sri Lanka Cricket to Japan marks a pivotal moment in the strengthening of ties between the two cricketing nations. Their engagements with key stakeholders, including the Japan Cricket Association and the Parliamentarian League for Cricket Promotion of Japan, signify a shared commitment to elevating the status of cricket in Japan and fostering global sporting solidarity.
With assurances of Sri Lanka's ongoing support and collaboration, coupled with recent initiatives such as hosting Uganda's National team, SLC's dedication to promoting cricket beyond its borders is evident. As Deputy Ambassador Katsuki Kotaro and Goodwill Ambassador Priyantha Kariyapperuma bear witness to these efforts, the future holds promising prospects for enhanced cooperation and development in the realm of cricket between Sri Lanka and Japan.