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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.

A delegation from Chongqing Normal University, China, visited the University of Kelaniya on May 26, 2025. The delegation gathered in the University Senate Room to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Kelaniya and Chongqing Normal University, aimed at strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries, with a particular focus on advancing Chinese language higher education in Sri Lanka.

The visiting delegates included Professor Zhou Xuexin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Chongqing Normal University; Professor Mou Yingxue, Dean of the School of International Chinese Language and Culture, Chongqing Normal University; Associate Professor Mei Qiang, Faculty Member of the School of International Chinese Language and Culture, Chongqing Normal University; and Ms. Yang Chang, Lecturer, Director of the Training and Cultivation Section, School of International Chinese Language and Culture, Chongqing Normal University.

The participants from the University of Kelaniya included Senior and Chair Professor Nilanthi de Silva, the Vice-Chancellor; Venerable Senior Professor Nadalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Head of the Department of Modern Languages; Dr. Sudath Senerath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Dr. Jani Samarakoon, Co-Director for the Sri Lankan side at the Confucius Institute at UOK; Dr. Wu Hongyuan, Co-Director for the Chinese side at the Confucius Institute at UOK; and Ms. D.M.A. Sulochana Rathnayake, Senior Lecturer, Department of Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya.

The Chinese delegates were warmly welcomed by the University of Kelaniya Fine Arts Department with a performance by a traditional Sri Lankan Kandyan dance group. The delegates were deeply impressed by the vibrant cultural display and thoroughly enjoyed the performance, which showcased the rich heritage of Sri Lankan traditional dance.

The delegation was further welcomed with a traditional dance, followed by the lighting of the oil lamp ceremony. The meeting began with the Co-Directors of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya introducing the distinguished guests from both universities. Dr. Wu Hongyuan, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute from the Chinese side, presented a progress report on the Institute’s work. Subsequently, the two universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on the development of the 2+2 International Chinese Undergraduate Education Program. Following the signing, gifts were exchanged, and a group photo was taken, marking the conclusion of the meeting.

Then delegation visited the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya to meet the government-sponsored Chinese lecturers and volunteers. Professor Zhou Xuexin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Chongqing Normal University, and Professor Mou Yingxue, Dean of the School of International Chinese Language and Culture, delivered speeches expressing their sincere gratitude to the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya for its dedicated efforts in promoting Chinese language and culture. They also conveyed their willingness to strengthen cooperation and continue working closely together in the future.

Following this, Dr. Jani Samarakoon, Co-Director (Sri Lankan side) of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, Ms. Zhulin, Chinese Lecturer, and Ms. Cheng Hongli, Volunteer Chinese Lecturer at the Confucius Institute, each delivered speeches. The meeting then concluded on a positive note, marking a continued commitment to collaboration and cultural exchange.

This important visit helped strengthen the partnership between Chongqing Normal University and the University of Kelaniya. Both universities showed their commitment to working together to promote Chinese language education and cultural exchange. The signing of the agreement and the friendly meetings during the visit show the strong friendship and shared goals between China and Sri Lanka.

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.

The preliminary round of the 24th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign University Students, organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, was held on April 4th, 2025, at the Dharmaloka Hall, University of Kelaniya. Around fifty students currently studying Chinese at the university participated in the competition. The contestants competed in both speech and talent categories to win the competition. The judging panel consisted of Ms. Yan Xinyu, a teacher at Elizabeth Moir School; Ms. Wang Fei, Director of the Lumbini Confucius Classroom; Dr. Wu Hongyuan, Co-Director for China at the Confucius Institute, University of Kelaniya, Dr. Kumari Priyanka Jayasooriya, Senior Lecturer in the Chinese Unit, Department of Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya; Assoc. Prof. Sun Cuibi, Chinese Lecturer at the Confucius Institute, University of Kelaniya; and Ms. Zhu Lin, Chinese Lecturer at the Confucius Institute, University of Kelaniya.

The competition consisted of two parts: the Speech and Talent Competitions. The Speech Competition took place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM under the theme "One Sky, One Family," with contestants delivering meaningful and insightful speeches. After a one-hour lunch break, the Talent Competition was held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, featuring performances such as traditional Chinese dance, singing, Wushu, painting, and paper cutting.

Following the competition, the scores were calculated, and the awards were presented to the winners from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the same venue. Dr. Sudath Senarath, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, attended the award ceremony as the Chief Guest. During the ceremony, the best dance and singing performances were showcased again, and Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, who participated as the Chief Guest, expressed his admiration for the contestants' talent and dedication.

Finally, the winners were announced: two First Prizes, four First Runners-Up, six Second Runners-Up, and eighteen Merit Award winners were selected by the judging panel. Visaka Dewsara Kuruneru and K. M. G. Hansi Muthukumari from the Chinese Special third year won the First Place. Alagiyawadu Himashi Kaushalya, Madusha Prathibhani Vidyawansha and L. N. G. Dileesha Thisarangi, from Chinese Special third year, and Methara Mandini Wanigasinghe from the Chinese Special first year won Second Place. B. G. Minoli Madhushani Gamage, A. G. Sharmila Lasanthi, and R. M. M. Amila Madhushan from the Chinese Special third year, Asini Jayathma Amandhi and W. M. Pabasara Sewwandi Bandara from the Chinese Special second year and W. Thulani Monilka Alwis from the Chinese Special first year won Third Place.

T. M. Dinithi Sewwandi, W. G. Nipuni Nisansala Sandamali, W. D. Sachee Yasasi Wanniarachchi, H. K. S. U. Gunasekara, K. M. Desika Dilrukshi, D. S. Navodhya Dharmadasa, M. K. Gihansa Nimsadini Wasula, P. K. Amandi Samindya Rasanjalee, W. W. M. Ushani Imalsha, U. G. Chathumi Priyashani, R. M. Hasini Gayathri Rajapaksha, D. Nethmi Tharushika Sathsarani, W. M. Rukshani Roshel Fernando, S. D. Madhara Malharee Samarage, S. N. Hirushi Dias, K. Kaushalya Nethmini, M. Himanshi Kavidya Gunarathna, and M. A. Sachitha Sankalpana won Merit Awards.

We sincerely congratulate all of them for their outstanding achievements.

On March 26, the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya was invited to participate in the “Dragon’s Path: Chinese Sports Challenge”, hosted by Bandaranayake School in Gampaha, Sri Lanka. The school's Chinese language teacher, Ms. Lakni Kariyawasam, is a graduate of the University of Kelaniya. Two lecturers at the Confucius Institute, Assoc. Prof. Sun Cuibi and Ms. Wang Lin participated in the event. Ms. Lakni stated that the purpose of this event was to celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the Chinese Language Association at Bandaranayake College in Gampaha. It was considered an important opportunity to honor the growth and dedication of the Association. More than just a commemoration, it served as a platform to actively promote the richness of the Chinese language and culture. By incorporating engaging activities such as traditional Chinese sports and games, the event aimed to strengthen the club, develop skills, and provide a fun and memorable experience for all participants.

The challenge included various events, such as shuttlecock kicking, badminton, peanut picking with chopsticks, water polo passing, and other ball games. Teacher Lakni Kariyawasam mentioned that all the competition events were designed to enhance students' understanding and interest in Chinese culture.

Shuttlecock kicking is a Chinese cultural activity loved by both teachers and students. Teachers Sun Cuibi and Wang Lin took full advantage of this unique Chinese scene; one demonstrated shuttlecock kicking while the other provided on-the-spot Chinese instruction, leading the students in counting in Chinese, which sparked their enthusiastic participation. The peanut-picking competition with chopsticks was particularly exciting. The two teachers from the Confucius Institute patiently and carefully explained to the students how to use chopsticks. The participating students focused intently, with some of them mastering the use of chopsticks quite well.

The entire challenge was infused with Chinese elements and Sri Lankan sentiment, creating a lively atmosphere with strong interactivity, which significantly boosted the students' enthusiasm for learning Chinese and Chinese culture.

After the event, we observed that more students gained an understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture through direct exposure to traditional sports and activities. Students had the opportunity to practice their Chinese language skills in a practical setting while interacting with Chinese teachers. Our members developed better teamwork skills and learned new techniques in traditional Chinese sports.
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