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From November 28 to early December 2025, large-scale flooding and landslides occurred in Sri Lanka due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. The disaster caused severe damage, reportedly among the worst in the past 20 years, with more than 410 fatalities, approximately 2.2 million people affected, and over 100,000 homes either fully or partially destroyed.
In response to this situation, Arai Shoji Co., Ltd. donated a total of 3,000,000 yen to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan as part of its support activities for those affected by the Sri Lanka heavy rain disaster. A donation presentation ceremony was also held at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan on January 28, 2026.
Regarding this donation, Ryozo Arai, President and Representative Director of Arai Shoji Co., Ltd., commented as follows:
"Among our Arai Auction members, people of Sri Lankan nationality account for approximately 10 to 20 percent of our foreign members and are important business partners to us. The number of Sri Lankan residents in Japan has reached approximately 73,000, and many live near our business locations. For this reason, we felt that this disaster was not unrelated to us and decided to make this donation.
For us, not only customers in Japan but also people from overseas are important customers and partners. Although our support may be modest, we will continue to provide assistance where we can."
His Excellency Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to Japan, also expressed his gratitude for the support from Japan, stating:
"This disaster caused extensive damage to railways, infrastructure, schools, small and medium-sized enterprises, and many other areas, resulting in an enormous total amount of damage. Despite the geographical distance from Sri Lanka, Japan was among the first to provide swift support, including the dispatch of medical teams. We feel a deep bond, like brotherly affection."
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the Sri Lanka heavy rain disaster and their families. We sincerely pray for the earliest possible recovery of the affected areas.
