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Sri Lankans learn about reconstruction and development of Hiroshima

by Junji Akechi, Staff Writer

Five people from the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka, regions which are going through a reconstruction process in the aftermath of civil war, visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and listened to a testimony offered by an atomic bomb survivor on March 8.

The group consisting of journalists and civil servants has been visiting Japan through the invitation of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Spending about an hour inside the museum, they listened attentively to the explanation given by a volunteer guide in front of a charred tricycle.

Selvaratnam Atputharaj, 29, a journalist, commented, "I would like to convey the experience of Hiroshima, which has recovered from its devastation, to the Sri Lankan people who lost everything in the civil war." Kanapathipillai Karunaharan, 47, deputy chief secretary of the Eastern Province, remarked, "Hiroshima has taught me that forgiveness is the key to reconstruction and development."

(Originally published on March 9, 2010)


U.S. veterans visit Hiroshima on occasion of Iwo Jima memorial ceremony

by Yumi Kanazaki, Staff Writer

Eleven U.S. veterans and others visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and listened to the A-bomb experience related by a survivor on March 8. Prior to coming to Hiroshima, they visited the island of Iwo Jima (now, part of Tokyo) and Okinawa, both of which became fierce battlefields during World War II.

Their visit to Hiroshima was organized by a U.S. foundation, which supports the activities of veterans such as conveying their experiences to future generations, in conjunction with the U.S.-Japan joint memorial ceremony held on Iwo Jima on March 3.

The delegation of about thirty people listened quietly to Koji Hosokawa, 82, a volunteer guide in Hiroshima, speak of his pain at losing his younger sister in the burnt-out city. Mr. Hosokawa urged them to remember the story of Hiroshima and communicate it to many people.

Bruce Heilman, 83, commented, "I am deeply moved by the fact that the United States and Japan have become good friends by overcoming the cruel interactions of the attack of Pearl Harbor and the atomic bombings."

(Originally published on March 9, 2010)

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