The Nippon Maru, is carrying a contingent of over 243 youth of various nationalities including Sri Lankan, as part of the 'Ship for World Youth' (SWY) program, arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday (14) after three years.

The 120 youth from Japan and 120 from Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and UAE are part of the program. A group of 12 youth represents Sri Lanka at the 28th edition of the program.

The purpose of the program, which is run by the government of Japan is to broaden the global view of Japanese youth to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japanese and foreign youth, as well as to cultivate the spirit of international cooperation.

The ship will be in Sri Lanka for four days.

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Kenichi Suganuma, and Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe accompanied the President.