On 13 June 2026, the 2026 Dragon Boat Cultural Festival – China–Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Race, jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Sri Lanka and the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, was successfully held at Port City Colombo. The Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka, Mr. Qi Zhenhong, together with representatives from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Sri Lanka, attended the event and presented awards to the winning teams.
The event attracted participants from various sectors of both China and Sri Lanka. The Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya was invited to participate in several activities including the dragon boat race, cultural exhibitions, and cultural performances. Through active involvement, the Institute contributed to promoting cultural exchange and strengthening friendship between China and Sri Lanka.
A total of 19 teams, including four Chinese representative teams, took part in the competition. The Chinese Director and volunteer teachers of the Confucius Institute joined the race and competed enthusiastically. As the sound of drums marked the beginning of the event, teams paddled forward with coordination and determination. Through teamwork and strong effort, the team represented by the Confucius Institute achieved excellent results and won the championship title of the China–Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Race 2026.
This achievement reflected the teachers’ commitment, teamwork, and the spirit represented through dragon boat culture—unity, cooperation, and striving forward together.
In addition participating in the competition, members of the Confucius Institute actively supported the organizing of the event. During the preparation period, Chinese language teachers and volunteer teachers contributed to venue arrangements, logistics coordination, cultural exhibition management, and audience guidance, helping ensure the successful implementation of the festival.
At the Chinese Cultural Experience Area, teachers welcomed visitors from different sectors of Sri Lankan society and introduced the history of the Dragon Boat Festival, dragon boat traditions, and Chinese cultural customs. These activities provided local participants with an opportunity to experience and understand the traditional Chinese culture.
During the evening cultural performance, students of the Confucius Institute presented performances that brought energy and cultural richness to the audience. Through confident performances and their use of the Chinese language, students demonstrated their learning achievements and expressed their appreciation for Chinese culture and their wishes for continued friendship between China and Sri Lanka.
From athletes competing on the water to volunteers supporting behind the scenes, from teachers promoting culture to students performing on stage, the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya participated throughout the Dragon Boat Cultural Festival with strong commitment and enthusiasm.
The event not only introduced more Sri Lankan people to the traditions and values of the Dragon Boat Festival but also further strengthened mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and Sri Lanka.
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