President and the First Lady also attended the Banquet hosted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mrs. Akie Abe in honour of invited guests to the enthronement ceremony, on 23 October at New Otani Hotel. Former Emperor Akihito abdicated the Throne on 30 April 2019 and Crown Prince Naruhito, the eldest son acceded to the Throne on 01 May 2019. The Ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies organised by the Japanese Government. The previous enthronement ceremony was held in 1990 to enthrone Emperor Akihitho, the father of the new emperor.
During the visit, President Sirisena also had a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. At this meeting the former Prime Minister explained his road map in strengthening and expanding the Japan- Sri Lanka Association which was established in 1951. President Sirisena assured his support for the Association.Ambassador Prof. Dammika Ganganath Disanayake accompanied the President to the ceremonies of Enthronement.