A high-profile delegation from the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China, visited the University of Kelaniya for the first time on the 29th of November 2024. The delegation gathered in the University Senate Room, aiming to strengthen the educational and cultural ties between China and Sri Lanka, with a particular focus on advancing Chinese language higher education in Sri Lanka.
The visited delegates for this event included Deputy Director General Hu Zhiping, Director of the Division of Asian and African Affairs Wang Huichang, Program Coordinator of the Division of Asian and African Affairs Li Chan, Program Coordinator of the Division of Teaching Resources Ma Jianan, Program Officer of the Division of General Affairs Li Guoxiu and Chinese Director of the Lumbini Confucius Classroom Wang Fei, who also served as the interpreter for the CLEC delegation. The participants from the University of Kelaniya included Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, the Vice-Chancellor; Venerable Senior Professor Nadalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Head, Department of Modern Languages; Dr. Sudath Senerath, the Dean, Faculty of Humanities; Dr. Jani Samarakoon, the Co-Director for the Sri Lankan side at the Confucius Institute at the UOK; and Dr. Wu Hongyuan, the Co-Director for the Chinese side at the Confucius Institute at the UOK.
The Chinese delegates were warmly welcomed by the University of Kelaniya Fine Arts Department with a performance by a Sri Lankan traditional Kandiyan dancing group. The delegates were deeply impressed by the vibrant cultural display and thoroughly enjoyed the performance, which showcased the rich heritage of Sri Lankan traditional dance.
After the welcome dance, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Kelaniya, delivered the welcome speech. Following this, Deputy Director General Hu Zhiping expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and mentioned that this was his first visit to Sri Lanka. The co-directors of the Confucius Institute then introduced the honored guests from both sides who were attending the meeting. After that, Dr. Wu Hongyuan, the Co-Director for the Chinese side of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya, spoke about the history of the Confucius institute University of Kelaniya and its contributions to the expansion of the Chinese language. Following this speech, Deputy Director General Hu Zhiping expressed his appreciation to the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya for its efforts in promoting the Chinese language and conveyed his gratitude for their valuable contributions.
Then, Venerable Senior Professor Nadalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Head, Department of Modern Languages, explained on the history of teaching Chinese in Sri Lanka and at the University of Kelaniya. During his speech, he specifically highlighted that the establishment of the Confucius Institute has been a remarkable support in enhancing students' knowledge of the Chinese language.
Then, the discussion moved to its main objective, which was the introduction of new degree programs, master's degree programs, and postgraduate degree programs. It was also emphasized that the number of scholarships for Sri Lankan students could be increased. We hope to make this a reality soon with everyone's support.
After the meeting ended, gifts were exchanged by both sides, and a group photo was taken. This visit marked an important step in the growing cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, and the University of Kelaniya was excited to play a key role in this exchange of education and culture. The university looks forward to the positive outcomes of the visit, hoping it has led to long-lasting partnerships that will benefit both Sri Lanka’s academic community and strengthen relations between the two countries.
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