CI - News

The dream of studying overseas moved a step closer to reality for 21 exceptional undergraduate and graduate students of the University of Kelaniya. On 29th of August 2025 they were formally presented with valuable scholarships to continue their studies in China and immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture. The university community came together in celebration honoring these promising individuals who are now set to become global connectors and cultural pathfinders.

The Scholarship Awarding Ceremony, held with warmth and pride at the university premises, was made even more special by the presence of Senior and Chair Prof. Nilanthi De Silva Vice-Chancellor of University of Kelaniya, alongside Dr. Wu Hongyuan Co-director China, Confucius Institute, Senior lecturer D.M.A.Sulochana Rathnayake, Co- director Sri Lanka Confucius Institute ,Mrs.Zhu Lin , Ms.Chen Hongli and Ms. Huangqin who were the responsible teachers for the scholarship programs in this year and the staff of the Confucius institute at university of Kelaniya. Their unwavering guidance and collaboration have played a vital role in strengthening the educational and cultural bridges between the University of Kelaniya and leading institutions in China.

The event marked not just a formal recognition of achievement, but also a meaningful milestone in the academic journeys of the selected students. As the Vice Chancellor noted in her address, “This is more than a scholarship,this is a bridge between nations, built on language, understanding, and shared knowledge. The moment carried immense value, symbolizing years of dedication, discipline, and a genuine passion for language learning. The ceremony served as a reminder that education is a powerful tool to connect cultures, and that the University of Kelaniya continues to stand at the forefront of global academic exchange.

This year, 21 students from the University of Kelaniya have been awarded scholarships to pursue one-semester, one-academic-year, and master's degree programs at renowned universities across China. More than just financial support, these awards represent personal milestones and a gateway to academic and cultural immersion in one of the world’s a country rich in history, innovation, and global influence.The selected students will soon begin their studies at some of China's top universities , including Chongqing Normal University (CNU), Southwest University, Yunnan Normal University and Beijing Foreign Studies University. Each of these universities offers a rich and diverse academic environment, known for excellence in teaching, global engagement, and student-centered learning.

As the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, we are truly proud of what these students have accomplished. This journey to China is more than just studying abroad, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections across cultures. These scholarship opportunities not only advance individual knowledge but also strengthen the bonds of collaboration between both countries. We wish all the scholarship winners as they begin this exciting new chapter. May this experience open new doors, broaden their horizons, and inspire them to keep reaching higher.

The Final Examination for the 26th Batch of Weekend Certificate Courses in Chinese Language, organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, was successfully held on August 16th and 17th, 2025. The examinations took place from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the University’s K2 - 212 Confucius Classroom and the K16 - 002 Chinese Language Laboratory.

The examinations were conducted across three levels:

  • Certificate Course in Chinese Language
  • Intermediate Certificate Course in Chinese Language
  • Advanced Certificate Course in Chinese Language

The Final Examination for the Certificate Course in Chinese Language was held on August 16th, while the Intermediate and Advanced Certificate Courses were held on August 17th. The program was organized under the guidance of former Course Coordinator Dr. Jani Samarakoon and new Course Coordinator Mrs. Sulochana Rathnayake, with the support of a dedicated team of both local and native Chinese lecturers. Their passion for teaching fostered a highly motivating and engaging learning environment for students.

There is a consistently high demand for the Weekend Certificate Courses in Chinese Language, attracting participants from a wide range of professional backgrounds. The courses are known for their practical approach and real-world application. Students frequently praise the enthusiastic teaching methods and the well-structured lessons, which make learning Chinese both effective and enjoyable.

The Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Certificate Courses were conducted over a period of five months, and student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We extend our best wishes to all students and hope they achieve outstanding results in their final assessments.

The invitation letter was sent to the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya to join the "Summer Camp - 2025" program, organized by Chongqing Normal University. Dr. Wu Hongyuan, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, along with 19 undergraduates from the Chinese Language Unit of the Department of Modern Languages, took part in this summer camp. The camp was held from June 12 to 26, 2025.

On the morning of June 13, the 2025 Chinese Bridge Summer Camp, hosted by Chongqing Normal University in China, officially began. The opening ceremony was led by Professor Mou Yingxue, Dean of the School of International Chinese Language and Culture at Chongqing Normal University. Professor Zhang Yan, Secretary of the Party Committee at Chongqing Normal University, attended and delivered a speech, welcoming the participants and encouraging them to cherish their time, learn as much as possible about Chinese culture, and actively serve as ambassadors to promote cultural exchange between China and Sri Lanka.

The campers visited the Experimental Primary School affiliated with Chongqing Normal University and the University Town Kindergarten, engaging in face-to-face conversations with Chinese students and gaining a deeper understanding of China's basic education. At the primary school, they enjoyed children's piano and cello performances and toured classroom artworks; at the kindergarten, they participated in interactive activities such as painting, games, and order teaching, experiencing the growth environment and educational methods of Chinese children.

In addition to classroom activities, the summer camp organized visits to the WorldSkills China Training Base, Chongqing Rail Transit Alliance Training Center, College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base, and other institutions to learn about China's scientific and technological innovation and vocational education development. They also experienced intangible cultural heritage projects like lacquer fan making, paper cutting, and calligraphy, experiencing the unique charm of traditional crafts through hands-on activities.

The campers explored landmarks such as Chongqing Zoo, Chongqing Science and Technology Museum, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Hongyadong, and other sites, gaining a deep understanding of the regional features of Bayu culture. On the closing day of the camp, they enjoyed the night view of Chongqing from the city under the night sky, experiencing the unique urban charm of the "mountain city." The hot pot dinner became a memorable cultural experience, relished by the campers, reflecting the passion and openness of Chinese food culture.

On June 25, the summer camp's closing ceremony was successfully held. The students received certificates of completion and expressed heartfelt gratitude to their Chinese teachers. Following the ceremony, teachers and students took a group photo. As they bid farewell, the campers shared that this summer camp not only improved their language skills but also deepened their understanding of Chinese culture. It was an unforgettable youth memory.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, in collaboration with the English and Foreign Languages Branch of the Ministry of Education, successfully organized a three-day capacity development program targeting Chinese language teachers from 50 schools across Sri Lanka. These schools offer Chinese as a subject for the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level). The program aimed to enhance the teaching skills and methodologies of participating educators, thereby strengthening Chinese language instruction at the school level.

Held on May 26, 27, and 28, 2025, the training sessions took place at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Sri Lanka. The participating teachers, 99% of whom are graduates of the University of Kelaniya, represented various districts of the country.

A significant contribution to the success of this program came from a team of five esteemed professors and lecturers from Chongqing Normal University, China. These included:

  •  Professor Zhou Xuexin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Chongqing Normal University
  •  Professor Mou Yingxue, Dean of the International College of Chinese and Culture
  •  Associate Professor Mei Qiang, Faculty Member, School of International Chinese Language and Culture
  •  Mr. Yu Bo, Lecturer, School of International Chinese Language and Culture
  •  Ms. Yang Chang, Lecturer and Director of the Training and Cultivation Section, School of International Chinese Language and Culture

Their academic expertise and generous financial support played a vital role in the program’s success.

The program was also supported throughout by Dr. Jani Samarakoon and Dr. Wu Hongyuan from the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, as well as Mr. Dharshana Wijesinghe, Assistant Director of Education at the National Institute of Education (NIE) of Sri Lanka. An opening ceremony was held on the first day, where the professors from Chongqing Normal University were warmly welcomed.

The training covered the following topics:

Day 1: Grammar teaching methods and classroom management in Chinese language teaching

Day 2: Classroom questioning techniques and phonetics teaching methods

Day 3: Literature teaching methods and strategies for teaching Chinese characters

Ven. Senior Prof. Nadalagamuwe Dhammadinna of the Chinese Language Unit, Department of Modern Languages, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, also contributed to the lectures. Interpretation for all sessions was handled by Dr. Jani Samarakoon, ensuring effective communication throughout.

The program received highly positive feedback from all participating teachers. At the closing ceremony, the school teachers presented tokens of appreciation to the professors from Chongqing Normal University, expressing their gratitude.

This program not only enhanced the professional competencies of local Chinese language teachers but also significantly strengthened the academic partnership between Chongqing Normal University and the University of Kelaniya. Furthermore, it contributed to the broader relationship between China and Sri Lanka across education, economy, and diplomacy.

The 24th Chinese Bridge” Competition for Foreign College Students-Sri Lanka Final Round 2025 was organized by the University of Kelaniya and was held for two consecutive days, on the 2nd of June and 3rd of June at the University of Kelaniya and Colombo port city sales gallery accordingly. Under the theme of “One World – One Family “the Overall Competition consisted of a Written Test that measures the Chinese Language and Cultural Knowledge, the Speech Contest, and finally the Talent Contest. The Written Test was held on the 2nd of June and the Speech Contest, Talent Contest and the Awarding Ceremony were held on the 3rd of June 2025.

There were seven members on the judging panel of the Speech Contest. They were: Dr. D.A.N.S. Y. Dassanayake, Senior Lecturer, Confucius Classroom, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka; Ms. Zhu Lin, Chinese Lecturer, Confucius Institute, University of Kelaniya; Professor Lei Ming Zhen, Director, Confucius Institute, University of Colombo; Ms. Wang Fei, Director, Lumbini Confucius Classroom; Associate Professor Zhang Min, Lecturer, Bandaranaike International Research Center; Mr. Che Hongliang, Xinhua News Agency, Colombo Bureau; and Mr. Zhao Qing, Port City Colombo.

There were also seven members on the judging panel of the Talent Competition. They were: Associate Professor Zhu Song, Director, Confucius Classroom, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka; Ms. Wang Fei, Director, Lumbini Confucius Classroom; Associate Professor Sun Cuibi, Chinese Lecturer, Confucius Institute, University of Kelaniya; Dr. Shashinie Thenabadu, Director, Confucius Institute, University of Colombo; Associate Professor Zhang Min, Lecturer, Bandaranaike International Research Center; Mr. Che Hongliang, Xinhua News Agency, Colombo Bureau; and Mr. Zhao Qing, Port City Colombo.

After a very intense and tough competition, the first, second, and third-place winners of the Written Test, Speech, and Talent Contest were chosen according to the higher marks. As well as the second runner-up, first runner-up, and the championship of overall rounds were selected after considering the higher points given by the judge board.

The Awarding Ceremony was held on the 3rd of June 2025 at the Portcity Sales Gallery from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. Ms. Ji Lili, the Counsellor of the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka and the Vice-Chancellor, Senior chair Professor Nilanthi de Silva of the University of Kelaniya were the Chief Guest of this ceremony.

Madhavi Kumari Weerasekara from the University of Peradeniya, Sathya Jinali Pilapitiya from the University of Colombo, and Alagiyawadu Himashi Kaushalya from the University of Kelaniya won first, second, and third places in written contest respectively. Madhavi Kumari Weerasekara from the University of Peradeniya, Sathya Jinali Pilapitiya from the University of Colombo and H.D.E Wijesuriya from University of Jayewardenepura won first, second, and third places in speech contest respectively. Methara Mandini Wanigasinghe from university of kelaniay, Madusha Prathibhani Vidyawansha from university of Kelaniya and Madhavi Kumari Weerasekara from University of Peradeniya won first, second, and third places in talent contest respectively.

There were six third-place winners in the overall competition. They are K. M. G. Hansi Muthukumari from the University of Kelaniya, Uththara Thisari Ranasinghe from the University of Colombo, K. M. Parami Kulathunge from the University of Colombo, Asini Jayathma Amandhi from the University of Kelaniya, Madusha Prathibhani Vidyawansha from the University of Kelaniya, and B. G. Minoli Madhushani Gamage from the University of Kelaniya. There were four second-place winners in the overall competition. They are: Visaka Dewsara Kuruneru from the University of Kelaniya, Methara Mandini Wanigasinghe from the University of Kelaniya, Alagiyawadu Himashi Kaushalya from the University of Kelaniya, and L. N. G. Dileesha Thisarangi from the University of Kelaniya. There were two first-place winners in the overall competition. They are Madhavi Kumari Weerasekara from the University of Peradeniya, and P. Sathya Jinali Pilapitiya from the University of Colombo. All the other 20 contestants received Merit Awards.

Madhavi Kumari Weerasekara, who won the Championship in the 24th Chinese Bridge Competition, is supposed to visit China to participate in the 24th ‘Chinese Bridge’ World Championship which will be held soon. P. Sathya Jinali Pilapitiya, who won Second Place in the Chinese Bridge competition, is supposed to embark on China to watch the 24th ‘Chinese Bridge’ World Championship Competition and join a Cultural Tour as well.
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