President to join Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement ceremony

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – President Maithripala Sirisena, who is currently in Japan on an official tour, is set to attend the enthronement ceremony marking the ascension of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito today.

Emperor Naruhito, the head of state, 59, officially began his reign in May, but his ascension will only be formalised after he completes a series of rituals.

His ascension comes as Japan is still reeling from the effects of Typhoon Hagibis, which left almost 80 dead.

A parade celebration has been postponed out of respect for the victims and their families.

More than half a million people convicted of petty crimes will also be pardoned to mark the enthronement.

On an invitation extended by the Japanese Government, the President will join several world leaders for the ceremony today at State Hall of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

The Prince of Wales Charles and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad Bin Salman and several other dignitaries have also been invited for the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, the new Emperor will host a banquet for the Heads of State, the Secretary General of the United Nations, representatives of the European Union, Heads of each Foreign Mission in Tokyo and several other invitees.

The visiting dignitaries will join a banquet hosted by the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe tomorrow.

President Maithripala Sirisena left for Japan yesterday, with a 21-member delegation including members of his family.

The tour to Japan is set to be the last official tour during President Sirisena’s term as the Head of State.