On 24 June, at the invitation of Ananda College, Colombo, the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya conducted a Dragon Boat Festival cultural exchange program with the participation of Chinese Director Guan Pin and two Chinese language teachers. The program aimed to promote understanding of traditional Chinese culture and strengthen educational and cultural exchange among students.
The event was organized and coordinated by the students of the Ananda College Chinese Language Association and attracted the participation of more than one hundred students. Through a series of interactive and educational activities, participants were introduced to the cultural significance and traditional practices associated with the Dragon Boat Festival.
The program commenced with a Zongzi (traditional Chinese rice dumpling) making session. An instructional video was first presented to introduce the preparation process, ingredients, and traditional wrapping methods. Students subsequently participated in a practical demonstration and hands-on experience under the guidance of the teachers.
For many participants, this was their first opportunity to experience the preparation of Zongzi. Students actively engaged in the activity by learning traditional wrapping techniques and exploring the cultural meanings associated with this important festival tradition. The session provided an immersive platform for experiential learning and cultural appreciation.
During the cooking process, the Chinese language teachers conducted a thematic cultural lecture on the Dragon Boat Festival. The presentation introduced the historical background and cultural significance of the festival and highlighted traditional customs including dragon boat racing, hanging mug wort, carrying scented sachets, and the practice of eating Zongzi.
Interactive discussions and cultural quizzes were incorporated into the session to encourage active student participation and facilitate meaningful cultural engagement. Students demonstrated strong interest and enthusiasm throughout the program, contributing to a dynamic and productive learning environment.
The cultural activities continued with a paper-cutting workshop based on the Dragon Boat Festival theme. Under the guidance of the teachers, students created Zongzi-themed paper-cut artworks, providing an additional opportunity to engage with elements of Chinese traditional arts and crafts.
The program concluded with a Zongzi tasting session, allowing participants to experience first-hand a traditional Chinese festive food and further appreciate its cultural significance.
This cultural exchange program reflects the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya’s continued commitment to promoting Chinese language and culture through educational outreach and innovative intercultural engagement. By facilitating opportunities for direct cultural experience and dialogue, the Institute continues to contribute to strengthening educational and cultural relations between Sri Lanka and China.
The active participation and effective coordination demonstrated by Ananda College, Colombo and its student community further contributed to the success of the program and highlighted the value of collaborative cultural exchange initiatives.
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