CI - News

On 24 June, at the invitation of Ananda College, Colombo, the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya conducted a Dragon Boat Festival cultural exchange program with the participation of Chinese Director Guan Pin and two Chinese language teachers. The program aimed to promote understanding of traditional Chinese culture and strengthen educational and cultural exchange among students.

The event was organized and coordinated by the students of the Ananda College Chinese Language Association and attracted the participation of more than one hundred students. Through a series of interactive and educational activities, participants were introduced to the cultural significance and traditional practices associated with the Dragon Boat Festival.

The program commenced with a Zongzi (traditional Chinese rice dumpling) making session. An instructional video was first presented to introduce the preparation process, ingredients, and traditional wrapping methods. Students subsequently participated in a practical demonstration and hands-on experience under the guidance of the teachers.

For many participants, this was their first opportunity to experience the preparation of Zongzi. Students actively engaged in the activity by learning traditional wrapping techniques and exploring the cultural meanings associated with this important festival tradition. The session provided an immersive platform for experiential learning and cultural appreciation.

During the cooking process, the Chinese language teachers conducted a thematic cultural lecture on the Dragon Boat Festival. The presentation introduced the historical background and cultural significance of the festival and highlighted traditional customs including dragon boat racing, hanging mug wort, carrying scented sachets, and the practice of eating Zongzi.

Interactive discussions and cultural quizzes were incorporated into the session to encourage active student participation and facilitate meaningful cultural engagement. Students demonstrated strong interest and enthusiasm throughout the program, contributing to a dynamic and productive learning environment.

The cultural activities continued with a paper-cutting workshop based on the Dragon Boat Festival theme. Under the guidance of the teachers, students created Zongzi-themed paper-cut artworks, providing an additional opportunity to engage with elements of Chinese traditional arts and crafts.

The program concluded with a Zongzi tasting session, allowing participants to experience first-hand a traditional Chinese festive food and further appreciate its cultural significance.

This cultural exchange program reflects the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya’s continued commitment to promoting Chinese language and culture through educational outreach and innovative intercultural engagement. By facilitating opportunities for direct cultural experience and dialogue, the Institute continues to contribute to strengthening educational and cultural relations between Sri Lanka and China.

The active participation and effective coordination demonstrated by Ananda College, Colombo and its student community further contributed to the success of the program and highlighted the value of collaborative cultural exchange initiatives.

On 25 June 2026, the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya conducted a Chinese Cultural Experience Programme for students of Musaeus College at the invitation of the school. The programme was led by the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, Mr. Guan Pin, together with four International Chinese Language teachers from the Institute. Through engaging sessions on Chinese calligraphy, paper-cutting, and Dragon Boat Festival traditions, students had the opportunity to explore the richness and diversity of Chinese culture through interactive, hands-on activities.

The calligraphy session introduced students to the history and evolution of Chinese characters, highlighting their unique structure and cultural significance. Teachers also explained the origins and uses of the traditional "Four Treasures of the Study" the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Under the guidance of the instructors, students practiced basic brush strokes and experienced writing Chinese characters, gaining a deeper appreciation of the beauty and artistry of Chinese calligraphy.

To celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, the programme also featured a hands-on zongzi craft activity. Teachers introduced the origins and customs of the festival before guiding students in creating traditional zongzi-themed crafts, allowing them to experience the cultural significance of one of China's most celebrated traditional festivals through interactive learning. The paper-cutting session was equally engaging and lively. Teachers introduced the history, symbolism, and artistic value of Chinese paper-cutting, showcasing a variety of traditional designs before guiding students through the process of folding, cutting, and shaping their own creations. With enthusiasm and creativity, the students completed beautiful paper-cut artworks while experiencing the elegance and craftsmanship of this traditional folk art. The programme concluded in a warm and joyful atmosphere. The teachers and students of Musaeus College presented the Confucius Institute team with thoughtfully prepared gifts as a token of appreciation for the cultural sessions. The students also performed a Chinese song, expressing their enthusiasm for the Chinese language and culture and bringing the event to a memorable close.

Through this immersive cultural experience, the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya further strengthened cultural understanding and appreciation among Sri Lankan students. The Institute remains committed to bringing Chinese language and culture to local schools through a wide range of outreach programmes, fostering deeper cultural exchange and friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and China.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya successfully organized a Dragon Boat Festival cultural celebration under the theme “Dragon Boat Festival: Shared Traditions, Shared Friendship” on 18 June 2026, bringing together distinguished guests, academics, students, and members of the Chinese and Sri Lankan communities to celebrate one of China's most significant traditional festivals..

The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests including Ms. Ji Lili, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy, the People's Republic of China in Sri Lanka; Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor the University of Kelaniya; Mr. Ni Lisheng, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka; and several representatives from academia, the media, and the Chinese community in Sri Lanka..

The programme commenced with a lecture on the history, customs, and cultural significance of the Dragon Boat Festival, followed by an interactive paper-folding workshop where participants created traditional zongzi (rice dumpling) models and gained hands-on experience of Chinese folk traditions.Delivering the welcome remarks, the Chinese and Sri Lankan Directors of the Confucius Institute expressed their appreciation to all guests and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to promoting Chinese language education and cultural exchange..

Addressing the gathering, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva commended the Confucius Institute’s contributions to Chinese language education and intercultural understanding, highlighting the importance of educational cooperation between Sri Lanka and China. She also expressed her gratitude to Chongqing Normal University for its continuous support and contribution to the development of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya for more than 15 years, while Ms. Ji Lili highlighted the cultural significance of the Dragon Boat Festival and its enduring values, praising the Confucius Institute for its continued efforts in promoting Chinese language education and fostering cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and China..

The celebration also featured a vibrant cultural performance showcasing the talents of University students. The programme included choral singing, traditional dance, martial arts, Taiji sword demonstrations, and a Huangmei Opera excerpt, reflecting the students’ enthusiasm for Chinese language and culture.Following the performances, Ms. Ji Lili visited the Confucius Institute, its teaching facilities, and the main library of the University, where she was briefed on the Institute’s academic and cultural initiatives..

The event provided a valuable platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding, further strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.

Students from the University of Kelaniya achieved remarkable success at the 25th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students – Sri Lanka Finals, held at Colombo Port City on June 1, 2026.The competition was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and jointly hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Colombo and China Harbour Colombo Port City, with support from the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya and the Sabaragamuwa Confucius Classroom.

The event was conducted over two days. A written examination on Chinese language, Chinese culture, and general knowledge was held on May 31, followed by themed speeches and talent performances on June 1. Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka, the Chinese Association in Sri Lanka, and Xinhua News Agency Colombo Bureau attended the event as guests and judges.

A total of 30 contestants from six universities across Sri Lanka participated in the competition. The University of Kelaniya was represented by 13 outstanding contestants, who demonstrated excellent Chinese language proficiency, cultural understanding, and artistic talent, earning multiple prestigious awards.

The written examination tested the contestants’ knowledge of the Chinese language, Chinese culture, and contemporary China.Among the University of Kelaniya participants, Nithmi Srinayaka achieved full score and jointly ranking first place while Methara Wanigasinghe secured third place with an impressive score in the written examination. During the speech competition, contestants shared personal experiences and observations related to Chinese language learning and China–Sri Lanka friendship under the theme “One World One Family”. Pabasara Bandara from the University of Kelaniya secured second place in the speech competition, showcasing remarkable public speaking skills and a strong command of the Chinese language.

The talent competition became one of the highlights in the event. University of Kelaniya contestants showcased a diverse range of Chinese cultural arts, including sand painting, Tai Chi sword performance, Huangmei Opera, paper-cutting, traditional Chinese painting, and Chinese ethnic dance.

The University of Kelaniya achieved outstanding success in the talent category, securing the top awards. Methara Wanigasinghe won the Champion title with her captivating sand painting performance depicting the historical Maritime Silk Road connection between China and Sri Lanka. Sayuni Aberathna was awarded Joint First Runner-up for her graceful and skillful Tai Chi sword performance, while Himanshi Gunarathna also secured Joint First Runner-up for her skillful performance of an excerpt from the Huangmei Opera the female prince consort (Nü Fuma), showcasing the beauty and charm of traditional Chinese performing arts.

The University of Kelaniya achieved remarkable success in the overall competition, earning several top awards. Methara Wanigasinghe and Vihini Samarasekara were awarded Second Prize, while Sayuni Aberathna, Himanshi Gunarathna, and Pabasara Bandara received Third Prize. In addition the remaining University of Kelaniya contestants were recognized with Outstanding Performance Awards for their excellent participation and impressive achievements throughout the competition.In recognition of the University’s exceptional achievements, five native Chinese lecturers and volunteers from the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya were honored with the Outstanding Instructor Award.

The outstanding achievements of the University of Kelaniya contestants reflect the dedication of both students and teachers, as well as the strong support provided by the Confucius Institute. The competition served as an important platform for showcasing Chinese language proficiency and cultural understanding while strengthening educational and cultural exchanges between Sri Lanka and China. The Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya remains committed to promoting Chinese language education and fostering lasting friendship between the two countries.