The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s major traditional festivals. To commemorate this occasion, an event organized by the Confucius Institute of the University of Kelaniya was held on the 2^nd of October 2024 at Dharmaloka Hall, University of Kelaniya.

The Mid-Autumn Festival provides a valuable platform for students to demonstrate their skills and deepen their connection with Chinese culture. The event offers all participants a unique and enriching experience, fostering their learning and appreciation for Chinese traditions.

First, Dr. Jani Samarakoon, Co-Director (for Sri Lanka) of the Confucius Institute of the University of Kelaniya, representing Sri Lanka, and Dr. Wu Hongyuan, Co-Director (for China), representing China, delivered the welcome speeches. Following those, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, delivered her speech, highlighting that the Confucius Institute of the university is highly active and plays a significant role in strengthening the relationship between Sri Lanka and China. Next, Ms. Liu Xin and Ms. Buddhima Patali introduced the Mid-Autumn Festival. They explained the history of the festival in China, how people celebrated it in the past, and how it is celebrated today.

During the event, the participants were also given the experience of mooncake-making. Ms. Yang Biying demonstrated how to make mooncakes, while Dr. Jani Samarakoon explained the process to the audience. Students who participated from schools had the opportunity to make mooncakes and enjoy the hands-on experience. They also got to taste the mooncakes afterward.

Finally, enjoying the Chinese cultural programs, which was the most entertaining part of the event, commenced. Students studying Chinese at schools and Chinese undergraduates from universities delivered exciting performances that captivated the audience.

During the event, 150 undergraduates from the University of Kelaniya performed, while approximately 25 students from other universities contributed two performances to the event. In addition, 300 students from 30 schools participated, contributing three performances to the event. Altogether, 50 outsiders performed in the event, contributing five performances. Overall, there were 500 students and teachers in the audience for this event. This was a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their enthusiasm for Chinese culture. 

Finally, group photos were taken, with each school and university posing for pictures together with the staff of the Confucius Institute of the University of Kelaniya.