The Government of Japan on yesterday announced that Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, as recognition for his significant contribution in promoting bilateral relations between Japan and Sri Lanka is to be awarded "The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun".

This is the first time that this distinguish honor is being awarded to a Sri Lankan.

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Fumio Kishida sent a congratulatory message upon the announcement stating "Please accept my sincerest congratulations on the conferment of 'The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun', in recognition of your outstanding contribution, and my best wishes for your continued good health and happiness."

One of the most veteran politicians in Sri Lanka, before entering to politics in 1996, served in private sector for 32 years.

As the Speaker of Parliament and a patron of the Sri Lanka-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association, is keen to further promote exchanges between the Parliaments as well as Members of Parliaments of the two countries.