CI - News

Recently, award ceremonies were organized to recognize the service and outstanding achievements of staff members who have significantly advanced the discipline in various ways. The Faculty of Humanities hosted the Excellence in Humanities Awards 2024, marking its second consecutive year of honoring exceptional contributions to the field of humanities, on December 20th 2024, at the K14 Auditorium, while the Vice-Chancellor's Awards were held on January 1st 2025, at the Dharmaloka Hall, recognizing and valuing the services of the university staff for their dedication and significant contributions to the institution’s success.

Dr. Jani Samarakoon, Co-Director for the Sri Lankan side at the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya (UOK), was one of the distinguished awardees at both ceremonies. At the Excellence in Humanities Awards 2024, Dr. Jani Samarakoon received four accolades: The Service Excellence in Humanities Award 2024, the Coordination Excellence in Humanities Award 2024, the Foreign Relations Excellence in Humanities Award 2024, and the Coordinating Excellence in Humanities Award 2024. At the Vice-Chancellor's Awards, she was honored with two awards: Successful Director of a Centre/Unit at the University 2024 and Third Place for the Unit/Centre with the Best Website at the University 2024.

Prior to examining the specifics of the awards, she received, let us take a moment to explore Dr. Jani Samarakoon’s background and the significant contributions she has made to the field.

Dr. Jani Samarakoon, Co-Director for the Sri Lankan side at the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, also serves as a senior lecturer in Chinese language at the Department of Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya. She is a highly accomplished academic with a distinguished background in linguistics and Chinese language studies. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (in Chinese Language), earned in 2017 from Central China Normal University in Wuhan, China. She also completed a Master of Arts in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics (in Chinese Language) in 2010 from the same institution, along with another Master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, in 2006. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, completed in 2001, with a focus on Chinese Language, Japanese Language, and Linguistics.

Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Jani Samarakoon has been the recipient of several esteemed awards. She was honored with the Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award for her exceptional doctoral dissertation at Central China Normal University in 2017. In recognition of her excellence in postgraduate studies, she was awarded the Chinese Government Scholarship for her studies from 2006 to 2010 and from 2014 to 2017. Furthermore, her Master's dissertation earned her the Excellent Student of the Language Research Institution Award in 2010.

She has made significant contributions to Applied Linguistics, particularly in comparative studies between Sinhala and Chinese languages, as well as in teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Her talents extend beyond the classroom, as she was awarded the First Prize in the Hubei Province Essay Competition, organized by the News Office of the People’s Government of Hubei Province, China, in 2009.

Dr. Jani Samarakoon has a distinguished array of professional qualifications and has contributed significantly to the academic community throughout her career. Since 2021, she has served as the Co-Director (Sri Lanka) of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya. She also has held multiple key positions at the University of Kelaniya, including Student Counsellor in the Faculty of Humanities (2012-2014, and again since 2017 to present), Academic Warden (since 2020 to present), and Student Counsellor at Kalana Mithuru Sewana, University of Kelaniya (since 2020 to present). She has also actively participated in several professional training programs, including the Counseling Skills Development Training at the University of Kelaniya in 2019 and the Chinese Education and Teacher Certificate Program at Central China Normal University in 2016. Dr. Samarakoon has been an integral member of various academic committees, such as the Abstract Review Committee for the "1st International Research Symposium on Understanding Chinese Language and Culture" at the University of Colombo in 2020, and has contributed as the Webmaster for both the Confucius Institute and the Department of Modern Languages since 2020 and 2017, respectively. Her commitment to advancing Chinese language education is reflected in her involvement with Chinese workshops for overseas teachers, serving the Department of Examinations in Sri Lanka, and participating in several international training programs in China.

She has been appointed as the Co-Director (for Sri Lanka) of the Confucius Institute (CI) at the University of Kelaniya since 2021. During this period, she organized many programs to enhance the relationship between China and Sri Lanka. These efforts have contributed to improving Chinese language knowledge among students in Sri Lanka. She has organized, cultural events, teacher training programs for Chinese language school teachers, Chinese language proficiency exams (HSK/HSKK), etc. During her HSK and HSKK Examination organization period, 10 Chinese testing centers in China and 66 foreign countries testing centers worldwide were awarded the title of "Excellent Testing Center for the Chinese Exam in 2021". It is a matter of pleasure and pride that the Confucius Institute of the University of Kelaniya has won this honor in Asia.

She organizes the Chinese Bridge competition, which is held every year for undergraduates studying Chinese language overseas. Under her organization, the University of Kelaniya undergraduates who study the Chinese language have won the overall championship every year. Scholarship programs are organized under her guidance for undergraduates and outsiders studying the Chinese language at the University of Kelaniya. As the Co-Director (for Sri Lanka) of the CI at the University of Kelaniya, she coordinates the Certificate Course in Chinese Language, the Intermediate Certificate Course in Chinese Language, and the Advanced Certificate Course in Chinese Language. These courses are available not only to undergraduates from the University of Kelaniya but also to outsiders who are willing to study the Chinese language and culture.

As stated above, Dr. Jani Samarakoon has made significant contributions to the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya as the Co-Director for Sri Lanka, while also playing a key role as a senior lecturer in Chinese language at the Department of Modern Languages, further enhancing the university's academic programs. Due to her remarkable achievements, she was honored with a total of six awards at the Excellence in Humanities Awards 2024 and Vice-Chancellor's Awards 2024. The four honorary awards Dr. Jani Samarakoon received at the Excellence in Humanities Awards 2024, organized by the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Kelaniya, are:

  1. Service Excellence in Humanities Award 2024 – Co-Director (for Sri Lanka) of Confucius Institute, Academic Warden, and Student Counsellor award for Service Excellence in Humanities in recognition of distinguished service and valuable contributions to the University of Kelaniya, reflecting an unwavering commitment to institutional growth.
  2. Coordination Excellence in Humanities Award 2024 – Co-Director (for Sri Lanka) of Confucius Institute in recognition of outstanding leadership and the successful execution of faculty initiatives and goals.
  3. Coordinating Excellence in Humanities Award 2024 – Awarded under her course coordinator leadership for the Certificate Course in Chinese Language, which has attracted local students and generated revenue, contributing to the enrichment of humanities education.
  4. Foreign Relations Excellence in Humanities Award 2024 – Awarded under her directorship for fostering international collaborations and advancing the humanities globally.

Additionally, Dr. Jani Samarakoon was honored with two awards at the Vice-Chancellor's Awards 2024:

  1. Successful Director of a Centre/Unit at the University 2024
  2. Third Place for the Unit/Centre with the Best Website at the University 2024

As Dr. Jani Samarakoon continues to make invaluable contributions to both the Confucius Institute and the field of humanities, her dedication and leadership serve as an inspiration to her colleagues and students alike. Her achievements, both locally and internationally, highlight the profound impact she has had on fostering cultural exchange and advancing academic excellence. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Samarakoon for her well-deserved recognition at both the Excellence in Humanities Awards 2024 and the Vice-Chancellor's Awards 2024, and we wish her continued success in her future endeavors. May her passion for education and commitment to bridging cultures inspire many more achievements in the years to come.

Ever wondered what the Chinese Bridge Competition is all about? It’s an exciting global event that has been bringing together students from all over the world since 2002. The competition aims to inspire non-native speakers to learn Chinese and immerse themselves in Chinese culture. Organized by the Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban), the event features several rounds, testing participants on their Chinese speaking, cultural knowledge, and talent performances.

Before making it to this global stage, Sithara Maduwanthi Herath, a third-year student from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, majoring in Business and Academic Chinese, had already proven her skills in two local competitions in Sri Lanka. Her journey began when she won the Undergraduates' Talent Competition, organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, which was held among the university's undergraduates. Her impressive performance earned her a spot in the 23rd “Chinese Bridge” Competition for Foreign University Students – Sri Lanka, an inter-university competition's Final Round in 2024, organized by the University of Colombo. There, Sithara continued to shine, securing 2nd place in the Speech Contest, 3rd place in the Talent Competition, 2nd place in the Written Test, and ultimately winning 1st place in the overall competition. This remarkable success paved the way for her to represent Sri Lanka in the 23rd “Chinese Bridge” World Championship, where she showcased her skills on the global stage.

Following her impressive local victories, Sithara earned the opportunity to compete in the 23rd "Chinese Bridge" World Championship. On September 2, 2024, this global event brought together talented students from around the world—147 contestants from 133 countries and territories—covering various aspects of Chinese culture, history, language, and talent in a variety of forms. In this competition, Sithara competed with great passion and skill, proudly representing Sri Lanka. Her deep language abilities and cultural knowledge impressed everyone at this esteemed global event, cementing her place as a standout contestant.

Now, if we move on to the global competition, it is not only a competition; but also, an opportunity for participants to experience and enjoy Chinese culture and visit famous landmarks in China. The competition process took place alongside sightseeing, allowing contestants to immerse themselves in the beauty of China while showcasing their skills.

Day 1: Exploring the Forbidden City and Fun Activities

On the first day, Sithara started her adventure by visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing, one of China’s most famous landmarks. As she explored the ancient city, she admired the history and stunning architecture that showcased China’s rich culture. She also joined in fun activities with other contestants, taking part in traditional Chinese cultural practice

Day 2: The Great Wall, Olympic Stadiums, and Cultural Heritage

The second day was equally exciting, as Sithara had the opportunity to visit the Great Wall of China, a symbol of China's historical strength. She also explored the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium and the Beijing National Aquatics Center, iconic structures from the 2008 Summer Olympics. These visits allowed her to experience China's modern achievements alongside its ancient landmarks. In the afternoon, she visited the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, where she participated in fun activities such as painting and trying on traditional Chinese clothing, further deepening her appreciation for Chinese culture.

Day 3: Immersing in Chinese Tea Culture in Fuzhou

On the third day, Sithara traveled from Beijing to Fuzhou in Fujian Province, where she explored the marvelous world of Chinese tea. She visited a local tea factory, learning about the tea-making process, the varieties of tea, and how tea plays a central role in Chinese culture. After this immersive experience, she took part in an MCQ examination as part of the competition, testing her knowledge of the Chinese language and culture.

Day 4: Performance Day and Cultural Activities

 This day was performance day, where Sithara took center stage to showcase a traditional Sri Lankan dance on the global stage. Her performance captivated the audience and highlighted her cultural diversity. Afterward, she participated in Chinese paper-cutting activities, tried various traditional Chinese foods, and enjoyed the soothing sounds of Chinese traditional music, all of which added to her enriching cultural experience.

Day 5: Written Exam, Kung Fu, and Reality Show

After her cultural performances, Sithara took the written exam, an important part of the competition. Later in the day, she watched impressive kung-fu performances and even tried out a few kung-fu moves, which helped her connect more with Chinese traditions. The excitement continued as she participated in a reality show to select the top 50 finalists from 150 contestants.

Final Day: Recognition and Farewell

After the final reality show, Sithara's hard work and dedication were rewarded with a certificate of honor for her outstanding performance in the competition. She was also awarded a scholarship to study in China for one semester, a recognition of her excellence in both language and cultural knowledge. The journey concluded with a visit to the beach in Pingtan, where all the contestants bid each other a heartfelt goodbye, having formed lasting friendships and cherished memories during their time in China.

Sithara's success is a result of the strong Chinese language skills she developed at the University of Kelaniya. She has become a role model for other students at the university who dream of going to China. The Chinese Bridge Competition was not just a language contest but also a vibrant journey filled with "happiness." It provided Sithara with the unique opportunity to connect with competitors from across the globe, exchange cultures, and forge deep, lasting friendships. As she proudly represented the University of Kelaniya, we are extremely proud of her remarkable achievements.

Dr. Wu Hongyuan, Chinese Co-Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, and Chinese honors degree third-year seven undergraduates from the Chinese Unit in the Department of Modern Languages participated in the 8th ‘Silk Road Cup’ Chinese Language and Culture competition, organized by the Confucius Institute at Mahasarakham University and the Confucius Institute at Khon Kaen University in Thailand. The undergraduates are Nishahansi Dewanmini (HS/2019/0229), the team leader; Dilani Chathumali (HS/2019/1087), Nimanthi Chamika (HS/2019/0030), Hansi Muthukumari (HS/2019/0144), Vishaka Dewsara (HS/2019/0682), Kavindaya Lakshani (HS/2019/1080), and Amila Madhushan (HS/2019/0914).

It is worth mentioning that this is the first time in the history of Chinese language teaching at the University of Kelaniya that the institution has participated in an international competition. As such, this is an unforgettable event for both the Chinese Language Unit of our university and the Confucius Institute, which organizes such events.

The competition took place from November 21 to November 23, 2024. The group of undergraduates, including Dr. Wu Hongyuan, representing the University of Kelaniya, departed for Thailand on November 20, they were warmly welcomed by volunteers from the Confucius Institute at Mahasarakham University.

On November 21st in the morning, the Director of the Confucius Institute at Mahasarakham University organized a small meeting for the University of Kelaniya team and the University of Tanjungpura, Indonesia team. Following the meeting, they were taken to the competition venue, where they had the opportunity to practice. In the evening, the inauguration ceremony was held at Mahasarakham University, with participation from 10 universities. Of these universities, eight are in Thailand. They are the University of Suan Dusit, University of Mahasarakham, University of Roi Et Rajabhat, University of Udon Thani Rajabhat, University of Rajabhat Mahasarakham, University of Kalasin, University of Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat, and University of Loei Rajabhat, among others. The two foreign university teams that participated in this competition were the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, and the University of Tanjungpura; Indonesia. The ceremony also featured a performance of traditional Thai dances.

The 8th "Silk Road Cup" Chinese Language and Culture Competition began on the morning of November 22, 2024, at Mahasarakham University. The competition consisted of three categories, starting with a quiz competition in which four contestants from the University of Kelaniya team participated. Next was the reading-aloud competition, in which all seven contestants from the University of Kelaniya participated. The final event was the talent competition, in which Vishaka Dewsara and Hansi Muthukumari presented a performance based on martial arts. The award ceremony took place in the evening, during which our university team received the Excellent Award and the Best Organizational Unit Award. This was followed by a dance performance showcasing Sri Lankan culture. After the ceremony, all the contestants were treated to dinner, where they had the opportunity to enjoy a Chinese hotpot.

On November 23rd in the morning, the Director of the Confucius Institute at Mahasarakham University took the University of Kelaniya team to visit the ROI ET Tower in Thailand. The invited guests, along with our university team and the Indonesian team, participated in the visit. That evening, the Director of Mahasarakham University and the lecturers hosted a dinner at the university, which was attended by all.

On November 24th, the University of Kelaniya team had the opportunity to go shopping in Thailand. They said they had a lot of fun that day. On November 25, the University of Kelaniya team visited the Confucius Institute at Mahasarakham University, where they met with its director and staff and expressed their gratitude for the warm hospitality. They then visited the Pramahatat Kaen Nakorn Buddhist Temple in Thailand. Following this, the team visited the Confucius Institute at Khon Kaen University and spoke with its director and staff. The University of Kelaniya team later arrived at Katunayake International Airport from Bangkok International Airport at midnight that same day.

A high-profile delegation from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China, visited the University of Kelaniya for the first time on the 29th of November 2024. The delegation gathered in the University Senate Room, aiming to strengthen the educational and cultural ties between China and Sri Lanka, with a particular focus on advancing Chinese language higher education in Sri Lanka.

The visited delegates for this event included Deputy Director General Hu Zhiping, Director of the Division of Asian and African Affairs Wang Huichang, Program Coordinator of the Division of Asian and African Affairs Li Chan, Program Coordinator of the Division of Teaching Resources Ma Jianan, Program Officer of the Division of General Affairs Li Guoxiu and Chinese Director of the Lumbini Confucius Classroom Wang Fei, who also served as the interpreter for the CLEC delegation. The participants from the University of Kelaniya included Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, the Vice-Chancellor; Venerable Senior Professor Nadalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Head, Department of Modern Languages; Dr. Sudath Senerath, the Dean, Faculty of Humanities; Dr. Jani Samarakoon, the Co-Director for the Sri Lankan side at the Confucius Institute at the UOK; and Dr. Wu Hongyuan, the Co-Director for the Chinese side at the Confucius Institute at the UOK.

The Chinese delegates were warmly welcomed by the University of Kelaniya Fine Arts Department with a performance by a Sri Lankan traditional Kandiyan dancing 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.

After the welcome dance, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Kelaniya, delivered the welcome speech. Following this, Deputy Director General Hu Zhiping expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and mentioned that this was his first visit to Sri Lanka. The co-directors of the Confucius Institute then introduced the honored guests from both sides who were attending the meeting. After that, Dr. Wu Hongyuan, the Co-Director for the Chinese side of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, spoke about the history of the Confucius institute University of Kelaniya and its contributions to the expansion of the Chinese language. Following this speech, Deputy Director General Hu Zhiping expressed his appreciation to the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya for its efforts in promoting the Chinese language and conveyed his gratitude for their valuable contributions.

Then, Venerable Senior Professor Nadalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Head, Department of Modern Languages, explained on the history of teaching Chinese in Sri Lanka and at the University of Kelaniya. During his speech, he specifically highlighted that the establishment of the Confucius Institute has been a remarkable support in enhancing students' knowledge of the Chinese language.

Then, the discussion moved to its main objective, which was the introduction of new degree programs, master's degree programs, and postgraduate degree programs. It was also emphasized that the number of scholarships for Sri Lankan students could be increased. We hope to make this a reality soon with everyone's support.

After the meeting ended, gifts were exchanged by both sides, and a group photo was taken. This visit marked an important step in the growing cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, and the University of Kelaniya was excited to play a key role in this exchange of education and culture. The university looks forward to the positive outcomes of the visit, hoping it has led to long-lasting partnerships that will benefit both Sri Lanka’s academic community and strengthen relations between the two countries.

The Chinese Cultural Center of Sri Lanka hosted the “Chinese Food Carnival” on December 4, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Ruwan Ranasinghe, the Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, A.M.P.M.B. Athapattu, as well as heads of major Chinese business institutions in Sri Lanka and renowned businessmen associated with Chinese cuisine.

The event, themed around promoting culture and tourism, invited around 200 guests, including individuals from all walks of life in Sri Lanka, diplomatic mission representatives, and Chinese business representatives, to participate in this grand occasion.

The Confucius Institute of the University of Kelaniya was invited to participate in the event. Dr. Wu Hongyuan, the Chinese Co-Director of the Confucius Institute, and Dr. Jani Samarakoon, the Sri Lankan Co-Director, along with the Chinese lecturers and staff of the Confucius Institute, participated in the event. Additionally, Teachers and students from the Lumbini Confucius Classroom, the Confucius Institute of the University of Colombo, and several Colombo district schools also participated.

The “Chinese Food Carnival” was held to promote culture and tourism. As part of the event, a painting exhibition featuring works by Chinese and Sri Lankan children was also organized. Additionally, the students who participated in the event showcased their talents. Notably, two third-year Chinese honors degree undergraduates from the University of Kelaniya presented two stunning dances that depicted Chinese culture.

The cultural experiences and interactive handicraft workshops were engaging and rich in cultural significance. There was also a pitch-pot activity and a demonstration of the art of Chinese Calligraphy. The audience showed great enthusiasm for these activities. There were many different Chinese food stalls here. All of them were created to showcase Chinese culture. A large number of people gathered at these stalls and it was a great opportunity for us at the Confucius Institute of the University of Kelaniya to also participate in this.
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