The University of Kelaniya’s gymnasium was alive with excitement and applause as the 2025 Wushu Masters Invitational Tournament took place on September 24th. This event, sponsored by the University’s Confucius Institute, celebrated the art and spirit of traditional Chinese martial arts while promoting cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and China.

The tournament commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Wu Hongyuan, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, and Senior Lecturer D.M.A.S.P.Rathnayake, the Sri Lankan Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya. Their speeches emphasized the importance of martial arts as a bridge for cultural understanding and mutual respect. Following the speeches, the University of Kelaniya wushu team and the Sri Lanka Navy wushu team delivered an impressive performance, showcasing classic routines including Changquan, Tai Chi, and weapon forms such as the long spear and broadsword. Each demonstration reflected the deep philosophy of “inner and outer cultivation” inherent in Chinese martial arts.

The tournament saw enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of teams, including the University of Kelaniya Wushu Team, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Lilan Sports Academy, All Ceylon Chinese Wushu Training Institute, and Ceylon Martial Arts Academy. In addition, talented students from Isipathana College, Hanwella Rajasinghe Central College, Mahanama College, and Gurukula College also took part, adding to the competitive spirit and excitement of the event.

Throughout the tournament, competitors displayed high energy and sportsmanship, embodying the principle of “making friends through martial arts.” While the matches were competitive, everyone remained friendly and respectful, creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all athletes.

This year’s competition was upgraded with the participation of distinguished Sri Lankan martial arts judges. Mr.L.R. Darmapriya, chairman of the Sri Lanka Wushu Selection Committee, Mr.Osanda Saman Bandara, the Wushu Police Coach and Mr.Ruchira Bodinagoda Wushu coach at University of Kelaniya brought their expert insights to ensure the tournament was judged fairly and professionally.

Certificates and medals were proudly presented to the winners by a distinguished group of officials and coaches. Senior Professor S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Chairman of the Sports Advisory Board at the University of Kelaniya, and Mr.G. G. U. S. Kumara, Director of the Department of Physical Education, led the ceremony. They were joined by Mr.Leel Roshan Darmapriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Wushu Selection Committee Mr. Osanda Saman Bandara, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Wushu Technical Committee and Wushu Police Coach and Mr. Ruchira Bodinagoda, Wushu Coach at the University of Kelaniya. Additionally, Senior Lecturer Sulochana Rathnayake, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute and Dr. Jani Samarakoon, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Modern Language also honored the athletes with awards, marking a celebratory conclusion to a day of exceptional martial arts achievements.

This expanded and enhanced invitational tournament not only highlighted the remarkable skills and cultural richness of traditional Chinese martial arts but also strengthened the platform for inter-university and cross-sector martial arts exchanges. The event successfully injected fresh momentum into the ongoing cultural collaboration between China and Sri Lanka.

The University of Kelaniya Confucius Institute’s continued support of martial arts initiatives underscores its commitment to deepening cultural ties and promoting the shared values of discipline, respect, and harmony through Wushu.