On May 21, the 2026 “Tea for Harmony” Yaji Gathering and Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition was grandly held at the Prime Minister’s Office of Sri Lanka. The event was guided by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, jointly organized by the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka and the Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism of Zhejiang Province, and hosted by the Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center. The Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya was invited to assist in the event and actively contributed to various aspects of preparation and on-site coordination, demonstrating its commitment to promoting outstanding traditional Chinese culture overseas. Confucius institute Chinese Director Mr. Guan Pin and Sri Lankan Director Mrs. D.M.S.P.Rathnayake attended the event as invited guests.
During the preparation stage, the leadership of the Confucius Institute attached great importance to the event and coordinated related work on multiple occasions. Throughout the event, Chinese teachers and volunteers worked closely together and participated wholeheartedly in venue arrangement, guest reception, cultural exhibition assistance, and performance support. Their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork fully reflected the positive spirit and strong sense of responsibility of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya.
The event gathered more than 200 distinguished guests, including Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament Wickramaratne, several Sri Lankan ministers, foreign diplomats stationed in Sri Lanka, members of the Chinese community, and local friends from various sectors. Together, they witnessed this remarkable occasion of cultural exchange between China and Sri Lanka.
The stage performances were rich and diverse, featuring traditional Chinese artistic performances such as the pipa, guqin, and flute, all of which vividly showcased the charm of Chinese culture. Intangible cultural heritage demonstrations, including puppet shows and face-changing performances, received enthusiastic applause from the audience. Interactive cultural experience areas featuring tea art, woodblock printing, and rice dough sculpture also attracted many visitors eager to participate and learn more.
One of the highlights of the event was the interactive robot performance, which creatively combined traditional culture with modern technology. This unique presentation not only demonstrated the profound heritage of Chinese civilization but also further enhanced local audiences’ understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.
Following the event, Cultural Counsellor Ji Lili from the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and Director Ni Lisheng of the China Cultural Center highly praised the work of the Confucius Institute team, recognizing their active participation, professionalism, and strong sense of responsibility.
Looking ahead, the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya will continue to leverage its platform advantages, actively support and organize various cultural exchange activities, and explore innovative ways to promote Chinese culture. The Institute remains committed to telling China’s story well and contributing further to mutual understanding and cultural exchange between China and Sri Lanka.
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