“It is unfortunate that the people of our country which is so rich and culturally and in physical resources are suffering from poverty.Though free education gave a satisfactory answer to this problem, an unhealthy competition in the educational sector has prevented reaping the benefits. Education has become a burden to parents who are economically not well off. The scholarship programme of the Sri Lanka Agonshu Friendship Foundation (SLAFF) offers valuable assistance to such parents” he said.“The friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka is centuries old based on common spiritual heritage that goes beyond diplomatic relations. The friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka based on Buddhism has strengthened later through political ties,” he added.