On August 25, 2025, Professor Hirofumi Takada visited the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he had a cordial meeting with Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, a graduate of our university who currently serves as a Secretary to Sri Lanka’s president.

Dr. Kumanayake graduated from GRIPS with a Master of Public Finance in 2008, and again with a Ph.D. in Development Economics from the Policy Analysis program in 2011. He studied with the support of a scholarship from the World Customs Organization (WCO).

The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. During the conversation, the Secretary fondly recalled their time studying at our university and expressed sincere appreciation for the professors and faculty members who supported them during their stay in Japan. They also shared how the knowledge and experiences gained at our university have contributed to their current role in public service.

This meeting highlighted the continuing impact of international academic exchange and the value of long-standing educational ties between our university and its global alumni.

Our university remains committed to fostering international talent and strengthening global networks through education and research.