The KAKE Educational Institution consists of three major universities namely OKAYAMA University of Science, KURASHIKI University of Science and the Arts and the CHIBA Institute of Science. KAKE is recognized as the largest educational network in Western Japan. SPUTNIK Japanese Campus in addition to its service offering Japanese Language courses, it also introduces students to the KAKE University Network for higher educational opportunities.
The 14th KAKE Challenge Cup Japanese Speech Regional Contest 2024 was held by the Sputnik International Education Centre in Kurunegala in collaboration with the KAKE University Network in Japan under the patronage of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka. A student of Mahamaya Girls’ College – Kandy, Rathsara Ishadhi Wickramasinghe won the 1st place and will represent Sri Lanka at the Grand Finale to be held on an online platform. The 1st runner-up was Eranga Lakmini Gunasinghe of the University of Kelaniya and the 2nd runner- up was S.W.W.G. Gayali Mithara of Sabaragamuwa University.
H. Nethaya Vibhashi Peiris, Sanuth Senija Jayasinghe, Umedya Thesarani Saruwa Bandara, B.D. Bhawasanthi Aishcharya, M. G. Shevon Sandeev Wijesinghe, S. C. Navodya Senevirathne, Hiruni Upeksha Dharmapala, Pankaji Prabasari Mendis Deerarathna, Viduni Nimrada Perera, M. K. Upeksha Kavindi were among the final contestants. The final round of the competition to select the Sri Lankan champion was held via Zoom on the 4th of October 2024.
Inoue Kenji (First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka), Wife of the Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka Mariko Mizukoshi (Japanese English Conference Interpreter), Prof. Patrick Ratnayake (the former dean of the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Kelaniya), Nimesha Dayarathne (Japanese Language Lecturer of the University of Rajarata) and Konishi Yumi (Japanese Lecturer of the Kake Educational Institution) represented the panel of judges.
Rathsara Ishadhi Wickramasinghe who won the 1st place at the finals was awarded a cash prize of 30,000 Yen and a one year scholarship to Japan to study in one of the prestigious universities affiliated to the Kake Educational Institution.
Regional Champions from over 11 countries will participate in the Grand Finale via online, where Rathsara Ishadhi of Mahamaya Girls’ College – Kandy, will represent Sri Lanka.
The 1st and 2nd runners up of the speech competition, Eranga Lakmini Gunasinghe and Gayali Mithara were awarded cash prizes of 20,000 Yen and 10,000 Yen. They were awarded a 6 month scholarship to any university affiliated to the Kake Educational Institution.
