China's Chongqing Normal University and Sri Lanka's Kelaniya University have maintained a long-term relationship. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Chongqing Normal University, the Vice Chancellor of Kelaniya University, Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, along with Dr. Sudath Senarath, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and the co-directors of the Confucius Institute of Kelaniya University, Dr. Wu Hongyuan and Dr. Jani Samarakoon, participated in the celebrations.
Chongqing Normal University organized various programs to celebrate its 70th anniversary from October 17 to 21, 2024. On October 17, the delegation from Kelaniya University flew from Colombo to Kunming and then from Kunming to Chongqing. By that time, the representatives from Chongqing Normal University had already arrived Chongqing Airport, where the delegations from the University of Kelaniya warmly welcomed them.
On October 18, a discussion was held with the Dean of the International Education Office. Proposals were discussed regarding the contribution of Chongqing Normal University to improve the knowledge of the Chinese language and culture of students studying Chinese at the University of Kelaniya. That evening, an exhibition featuring international students was held, where students from various countries studying at Chongqing Normal University showcased their cultures. Among the participants, eight students from the University of Kelaniya, who had gone to study at Chongqing Normal University in September this year, set up a stall representing Sri Lanka. The stall featured displays of Sri Lankan culture. The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor and the delegation from our university to meet with Sri Lankan students.
On October 19, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya and the delegation attended the International Chinese Education Cooperation Mechanism Conference. Chongqing Normal University has signed agreements with several other countries in addition to Sri Lanka. These countries are Rwanda, the United Kingdom, and Papua New Guinea. The Chancellors and Confucius Directors of these countries were present on this day. The Chancellors of each country spoke on behalf of the university. At this, our Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya,
Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, delivered a speech. She said that this meeting was another reason for us to further improve and maintain the relationship between the two universities. After the speeches of the Chancellors representing the universities of all countries, a special gift exchange took place between Chongqing Normal University and these universities.
On that day, a meeting was held at the International Education Office with eight University of Kelaniya undergraduates currently studying at Chongqing Normal University, as well as five undergraduates from Kelaniya University studying at Xinan University near Chongqing. The undergraduates shared their experiences with the vice-chancellor and the delegation from their respective universities. They also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to study abroad.
On the evening of October 19, a special cultural performance was held at the Alumni Hall to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Chongqing Normal University. A delegation from the University of Kelaniya attended the event. During the celebration, those who played key roles in the establishment of Chongqing Normal University were honored. Many of them attended in person, while others participated in the cultural performance on Zoom. Notably, a 101-year-old professor, who has been with the university since its founding, attended. Dr. Jani Samarakoon from the University of Kelaniya had the opportunity to speak with him warmly.
All the alumni, current students, and professors of Chongqing Normal University participated in this cultural performance. Chongqing Normal University runs a preschool and primary school, and their students also participated in this performance. In particular, a feature of the undergraduates of the University of Kelaniya was also included in this performance. It was a very colorful and exciting night, remembering all those who gave fame to Chongqing Normal University and those who are no longer alive.
On October 20, a discussion between the universities was held at the Basketball Hall of Chongqing Normal University, initiated by Professor Zhang Yan, Secretary of the University Party Committee. During this meeting, discussions were held on how to improve relations between the two universities, scholarships, master's degrees, and the relationship between Kelaniya University students studying Chinese and Chinese students studying Sinhala.
On October 21st, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya and her delegation returned to Sri Lanka after completing their visit. We hope that the discussions during this visit will be implemented promptly to further strengthen the relationship between Chongqing Normal University and the University of Kelaniya.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |