A delegation from Chongqing Normal University, China, visited the University of Kelaniya on May 26, 2025. The delegation gathered in the University Senate Room to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Kelaniya and Chongqing Normal University.

The MoU was aimed at strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two countries, with a particular focus on advancing Chinese language higher education in Sri Lanka.

The visiting delegates included Professor Zhou Xuexin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Chongqing Normal University; Professor Mou Yingxue, Dean of the School of International Chinese Language and Culture, Chongqing Normal University; Associate Professor Mei Qiang, Faculty Member of the School of International Chinese Language and Culture, Chongqing Normal University; and Ms. Yang Chang, Lecturer, Director of the Training and Cultivation Section, School of International Chinese Language and Culture, Chongqing Normal University

The participants from the University of Kelaniya included Senior and Chair Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Dr. Sudath Senerath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Venerable Senior Professor Nadalagamuwe Dhammadinna Thero, Head of the Department of Modern Languages; Dr. Jani Samarakoon, Co-Director for the Sri Lankan side at the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya; Dr. Wu Hongyuan, Co-Director for the Chinese side at the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya; and Ms. D. M. A. Sulochana Rathnayake, Senior Lecturer, Department of Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya.

The Chinese delegates were warmly welcomed by the University of Kelaniya Fine Arts Department with a performance by a traditional Sri Lankan Kandyan dance 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.

The meeting began with the Co-Directors of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya introducing the distinguished guests from both universities. Dr. Wu Hongyuan, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute from the Chinese side, presented a progress report on the Institute’s work. Subsequently, the two universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on the development of the 2+2 International Chinese Undergraduate Education Program.

Then delegation visited the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya to meet the government-sponsored Chinese lecturers and volunteers. Professor Zhou Xuexin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Chongqing Normal University, and Professor Mou Yingxue, Dean of the School of International Chinese Language and Culture, delivered speeches expressing their sincere gratitude to the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya for its dedicated efforts in promoting Chinese language and culture. They also conveyed their willingness to strengthen cooperation and continue working closely together in the future.

Following this, Dr. Jani Samarakoon, Co-Director (Sri Lankan side) of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya; Ms. Zhulin, Chinese Lecturer; and Ms. Cheng Hongli, Volunteer Chinese Lecturer at the Confucius Institute, delivered speeches. The meeting then concluded on a positive note, marking a continued commitment to collaboration and cultural exchange.

This important visit helped strengthen the partnership between Chongqing Normal University and the University of Kelaniya. Both universities showed their commitment to working together to promote Chinese language education and cultural exchange. The signing of the agreement and the friendly meetings during the visit show the strong friendship and shared goals between China and Sri Lanka.