On August 7, 2026, Saga University welcomed Mr. Sampath Amaratunge, a distinguished alumnus and a leading figure in Sri Lanka’s higher education administration, for a courtesy visit and discussion with President Koichi Node.

Mr. Amaratunge has held key leadership positions, including Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Chair of the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka. In recognition of his longstanding contributions to academic exchange and educational development between Japan and Sri Lanka, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan in 2021.

The meeting was attended by President Koichi Node; Shigehisa Aoki, Executive Director for Research & Community Cooperation and International Affairs; Hiroshi Haneishi, Dean of the Faculty of Economics; Professor Saliya De Silva in the Faculty of Economics, a Sri Lankan alumnus who plays an active role in education and research at Saga University; and Hiromi Yada, Head of the International Planning Office.

Welcoming Mr. Amaratunge, President Node expressed his respect for his achievements and stated:

“It is a great source of pride for Saga University that our alumni are playing leading roles in higher education in their home countries and serving as bridges between their nations and Japan. Mr. Amaratunge truly embodies the ideals set forth in our Vision 2040, namely fostering ‘Wisdom in Action’ to address global challenges through local and practical knowledge, and cultivating ‘Global Citizens’ who connect diverse values.”

In response, Mr. Amaratunge reflected on his time as an international student and, speaking fluent Japanese, expressed his enduring gratitude to Saga:

“My studies in Saga, supported by warm-hearted professors and members of the local community, are the very source of the passion I have devoted to educational reform in my home country.”

During the discussion, participants exchanged views on building a sustainable network for nurturing the next generation of “Global Citizens.” They also discussed plans for the establishment of the Sri Lanka Alumni Association and the Overseas Homecoming Day scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka next year. Mr. Amaratunge expressed his willingness to provide his full support as Honorary Chairperson.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Node presented Mr. Amaratunge with an Arita-ware clock showcasing Saga’s traditional craftsmanship and a one-of-a-kind ballpoint pen featuring Saga Nishiki, a traditional woven textile of Saga Prefecture. The visit concluded in a warm and friendly atmosphere with a commemorative photograph.

Saga University will continue to strengthen its ties with alumni around the world and promote international collaboration under its Vision 2040, contributing to the development of global human resources and sustainable partnerships across borders.

【Contact】
　　 Office for International Planning, Saga University
　　　　TEL: 0952-28-8166 　　　　
　　　　 Email:  kokusai@mail.admin.saga-u.ac.jp