ジュニウス・リチャード・ジャヤワルダナ
（1906年9月17日 – 1996年11月1日）
初代スリランカ大統領

1951年、サンフランシスコ講和条約会議にて、第二次世界大戦以来の戦争状態を終結させるための平和条約の調印が行われた。日本が敗戦国としてどのような戦後賠償を行うか、分割統治の可能性も孕む中、当時まだ44歳の若き政治家だったセイロン（現スリランカ）代表のジュニウス・リチャード・ジャヤワルダナは、日本の真の自由と独立の支持を訴える名演説を行い、対日賠償請求権を放棄することを宣言。さらに各国の賛同を得、日本が国際社会に復帰できる道筋を作った。

彼はスピーチの中で仏陀のことばを用い、日本に対する寛容と愛情を説いた。

「Hatred ceases not by hatred but by love – 憎悪は憎悪によって消え去るものではなく、人はただ愛によってのみ憎しみを越えられる」

これこそが彼が生涯一貫して訴え続けたメッセージである。当時日本はこの演説に大いに助けられ、勇気づけられ、戦後復興の第一歩を踏み出した。

大変な親日家であった彼は、その後も幾度となく日本を訪れ両国の交流を深めただけでなく、死後、その両目の角膜をスリランカと日本に提供し、両国への絆の深さを示したと言われる。

戦後70年。私たちは今も真の平和とは何かを考えさせられる局面にいる。

そして今のこの混沌とした世界を、犠牲になった多くの魂が見守っていることを忘れてはならない。

ジャヤワルダナ氏の説いた寛容と愛情へ敬意を表して、この花を捧げる。

Junius Richard Jayawardene
(17.09.1906 – 1.11.1996)
The First Prime minister of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

In 1951, the Allied powers met with Japan in San Francisco, to assess the situation post Japan’s defeat in World War 2 and to facilitate the signing of what was referred to as the Peace Treaty with Japan. The treaty served not only to allocate Japan’s compensation to the victims of the war but also to discuss the possibility of partitioning the governance of post-war Japan, and while discussions were underway, a young politician from the Ceylon (currently known as Sri Lanka) delegation, J.R. Jayawardene, who was just 44 years old at the time, made a speech in support of the freedom and self-governance of Japan. In his memorable sermon, he declared that all nations should relinquish the claims of reparations from Japan. Moreover, in securing each country’s endorsement of his declaration, he paved the way for Japan’s reinstatement into international society as an independent nation.

In his speech, he advocated that the Buddhist principles of tolerance, generosity and love should be applied towards Japan. “Hatred ceases not by hatred but by love,” he said. Hatred cannot be negated by more hatred. Rather, it is only human love that can overcome and surpass hatred. That was a message he consistently appealed for throughout his lifetime.

On that day, Japan was greatly saved by his speech and the nation began to take its first steps towards post-war renaissance with courage.

A great admirer of Japan, who later became a first president of Sri Lanka with political authority, Mr. Jayawardene visited the nation on several occasions afterwards and deepened the relationship between the two countries. Even after death, he exemplified the deep bond that exists between the two nations by donating each of his corneas, one to Sri Lankan and another to Japanese.

It has been 70 years since the war. Even now, we are still contemplating the true meaning of peace. And in today’s chaotic and uncertain world, we cannot forget that the souls of the many victims still watch over us.

We dedicate these flowers as a tribute in honor of Mr. J.R. Jayawardena’s plea for tolerance and love.