The SAARC observer state of Japan invited the Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre Ms. Renuka Ekanayake to the reception held in honour of the birthday of Hi Majesty the Emperor of Japan. This was held at the official residence of the Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Mizukoshi Hideaki at No. 12, Maitland Crescent, Colombo 07. Prisons and Constitutional Reforms Minister Hon. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was the Chief Guest at this event. Hon. M.U.M. Ali Sabry Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Douglas Devananda Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Sajith Premadasa leader of the opposition, Hon. G.L. Peiris Member of Parliament, Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma Member of Parliament, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Sri Lanka General Shavendra Silva, Heads of Missions and Diplomats in Sri Lanka, etc., also graced this event.