Japanese Philanthropist Takiko Yoshida’s 115th Birth Anniversary today

The 115th Birth Anniversary of Japanese Philanthropist Takiko Yoshida, who contributed to uplift children’s education in Sri Lanka, will be commemorated at the Sapugaskanda Yoshida Shokanji International School (YSIS) today.

The Japanese Philanthropist’s close association with Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera led to the establishment of the Sapugaskanda Yoshida Shokanji International School and more than 20 pre-school education institutions in Sri Lanka.

The Japanese philanthropist along with like-minded people in Japan helped establish the Yoshida Educational and Social Service Foundation in Sri Lanka. Founded by Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera with the patronage of Takiko Yoshida, it was established in Sapugaskanda, Gonawala, in Sri Lanka. The school now has more than 1,200 pupils from Nursery to Advanced Level, learning both the National Curriculum and the Cambridge Curriculum. The YSIS is a unique educational establishment fostering Buddhist ethos and tradition while encouraging a multi-religious, multi-ethnic environment.

In recognition of her great service to our country, the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa presented Takiko Yoshida with the Sri Lanka Ranjana Honorary Title in 1991. This is the first time a foreigner has been awarded the title.

Yoshida passed away in 2000. In 2008, the Government of Sri Lanka issued a stamp in her name and a first day cover. This is the first time Sri Lanka issued a stamp and First Day cover for a Japanese national.

The road from Sapugaskanda to the Biyagama Free Trade Zone was renamed Takiko Yoshida Mawatha as a mark of gratitude for her great service to Sri Lanka.

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