On May 9, 2025, Mr. Zhu Yanwei, Deputy Chief of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, along with a delegation of young diplomats, visited the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya. It is important to note that the University of Kelaniya was selected for the visit, standing out among all the other universities in Sri Lanka. The delegation first visited the Library Museum at the University, where they learned many facts about the history and the development of the University of Kelaniya over the years.
Following the visit to the museum, the delegation gathered in the Meeting Room for a discussion. Joining the conversation along with the delegation were Venerable Senior Professor Nadalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Head of the Department of Modern Languages; Dr. Sudath Senerath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; and Dr. Wu Hongyuan, Co-Director (Chinese side) of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya. The conversation focused on the longstanding friendship between China and Sri Lanka, as well as the teaching of the Chinese language at the University of Kelaniya. The delegates expressed their appreciation for the efforts taken by the university to promote and uplift Chinese language education. They also assured their continuous support and expressed their commitment to providing more opportunities to students, particularly through scholarships. During the meeting, the delegation was also treated to traditional Sri Lankan food, offering them a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage and hospitality.
In the evening, Chinese language undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya, along with Dr. Jani Samarakoon, the Co-Director for the Sri Lankan side of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, and Dr. Wu Hongyuan, the Co-Director for the Chinese side of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, participated in a program organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, titled "Bridging Generations, Inspiring Futures – Youth Dialogue for China–Sri Lanka Friendship." Five secondary school students, along with their teacher from Bandaranayake College, Gampaha, also took part in this event.
The program provided an open and engaging platform for dialogue between officers from the Chinese Embassy and the participants. Embassy representatives shared a wealth of information about China, Chinese universities, and available scholarship opportunities. In addition, several undergraduates from the University of Kelaniya were given the opportunity to deliver speeches and express their thoughts and experiences.
The event concluded with the screening of several video clips highlighting China’s development and future aspirations. Finally, all participants were treated to a variety of delicious refreshments, reflecting warm hospitality and cultural appreciation.
This visit and program emphasized the importance of building stronger ties between China and Sri Lanka, particularly in the area of education and cultural exchange. By providing opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, the event not only strengthened the relationship between the two nations but also opened doors for Sri Lankan students to explore new academic and cultural prospects.
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