"I hasten to clarify certain issues referred to in the News item published on the first page of "Sunday Island" of June 21, 2009 under the heading "Shadow boxing at Lanka-Japan Friendship Association".

"I was directly involved as an Executive Committee Member in moving both resolutions referred to in the news item which had the advanced approval of the Executive Committee of the Society consisting 34 members.

The voting in respect of the Educational Fund resolution was 17 for and 24 against which shows that even all the Executive Committee Members had not voted for the resolution though it was their collective responsibility to do so, whilst only 41 of the 174 members who attended the Annual General Meeting voted for or against the resolution (amendment to the Constitution). It will thus be seen that it was no proper disapproval though it has to be decided as disapproved on the basis of votes exercised.

"The resolution was to establish a fund to provide financial assistance to deserving students studying the Japanese Language in Institutions operating at the Sasakawa Memorial Cultural Centre, the students being selected by the Institutions concerned. This was in keeping with one of the main objectives of the Society directed towards cementing closer ties between Sri Lanka and Japan and a Project the Society had failed to launch for the past 52 years. Any right thinking person will concede that those who opposed the resolution did, so not in the interest of the Society or in the interest of promoting good Sri Lanka-Japan relations.

"Mr. Daya Weththasinghe, who held the post of President of the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society for 6 years (two terms) volunteered a Rs. 100,000/- donation to start the fund. His devotion towards improving relations between the people of Sri Lanka and Japan is well known and his attachment to the cause of the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society is impeccable. If others too follow his example without opposing the progress of the Society it will be good for the Society and the country. I hope that others too will volunteer to contribute towards the fund, without being cussed and adopting the proverbial "dog in the manger" attitude.

The second resolution was to increase the number of Vice Patrons from 3 to 4. There was an amendment to increase the number to 5. That too did not have the approval with only a small number exercising their vote. Perhaps, the same group which earlier had brought disgrace to the Society over foreign trips, handling foreign funds and electioneering, feared that the only suitable candidate will fill the slot. Shame. Is it not?

"Then again, Mrs. Lalitha Rajapakse did not serve two terms as President as mentioned in the news item but only one term of three years.

"Mr. Deepal Gunaratne, did not beat Sumana Liyanage at the election for the post of Vice President as pointed out in the news items. There was a contest for the 4 posts of Vice Presidents and Deepal Gunaratne and Sumana Liyanage were both elected along with two others.

"There were 4 posts of Vice-Presidents on offer and both Deepal Gunaratne and Sumana Liyanage were elected vice-presidents with two others.

The newly elected Secretary, in his vote of thanks, likened Elizabeth Taylor to one of our members as reported in the news item. I have a fear that our Secretary may face a defamation case filed by the Film Star", ‘I pray not’.