On 25th of February, the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya successfully hosted the 2026 preliminary round of the 25th “Chinese Bridge” World University Student Competition alongside the Chinese New Year Talent Competition.
The event featured two main segments: Chinese language speeches and Chinese cultural talent showcases, attracting nearly 100 enthusiastic participants along with their family and friends. In the speech segment, contestants presented on the theme “One World, One Family.” Some spoke with passion and expressiveness, while others delivered their talks with careful precision; some shared personal experiences and reflections on learning Chinese, while others discussed the vision of a harmonious world through the Chinese language. Regardless of style or fluency, every participant demonstrated a genuine love for the Chinese language. In the Talent segment, contestants showcased their deep understanding and personal interpretations of Chinese culture through melodious Chinese songs and elegant, dynamic Chinese-style dances. Performances included graceful peacock dances, the flowing movements of Tai Chi sword routines, and powerful martial arts demonstrations, each earning enthusiastic applause and energizing the audience.
In the paper-cutting segment, contestants worked against the clock, displaying exquisite skills to produce intricate artworks within the allotted time. Meanwhile, students in the painting segment used brush and ink to depict the serene landscapes of China, capturing the subtle elegance and spirit of the East and adding a rich artistic dimension to the competition.
After a full day of intense performances, the judges awarded one first prize, two second prizes, three third prizes, and fifteen excellence awards, with the award ceremony held later that afternoon.
During the ceremony, Dr. Wu Hongyuan, Chinese Director and Mrs. Sulochana Rathnayake, Sri Lankan Director of the Confucius Institute, , emphasized that learning Chinese requires consistent effort and long-term dedication. They also expressed sincere gratitude to all participants and staff whose hard work made the competition possible, as well as to the university administration and the Faculty of Humanities for their continued support of the Confucius Institute’s activities. Following this, Dr. Sudath Senerath, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, highlighted the significance of the competition in promoting Chinese language learning and deepening understanding of Chinese culture among Kelaniya University students. He also acknowledged Dr. Wu Hongyuan’s years of dedicated service, which have enriched university culture and strengthened China–Sri Lanka cultural exchange.
The overall winners were then announced. First place was awarded to first-year Chinese major student Vihini Methdini. Second place won by first-year Chinese major student Sayui Dahamna and Himanshi Kavindya. Third place was shared by first-year Chinese major student Hansani Sathsarani and Nipuni Rasangi, as well as third-year Chinese major student Pabasara Sewwandi. The competition concluded successfully, and the Confucius Institute extends its heartfelt wishes for a prosperous Year of the Horse to all participants and students, encouraging them to achieve even greater success in their Chinese language studies.
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