A Chinese delegation, led by Dr. Jinglong Yao, Deputy Director of the China-Sri Lanka Joint Centre for Education and Research (CSL-CER), visited the University of Kelaniya on the 9th of December 2024. They met with Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office.

This visit followed a prior delegation from the University of Kelaniya to the CSL-CER in April 2024, aimed at strengthening and initiating potential collaborations.

The main objective of this visit was to enhance ties between the two institutions, fostering opportunities for future scientific research.

In addition to Dr. Jinglong Yao, the delegation included Dr. Yuyang Zhang, Dr. Gang Pan, and Dr. Chengyue Liu from the CSL-CER. Senior Professor S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Professor V. P. A. Weerasinghe from the Department of Zoology and Environmental Management also participated in the discussions.

A significant outcome of these discussions was the organization of a workshop on Marine Spatial Mapping, held on December 16 and 17, 2024. The workshop, organized by the Research Services Centre of the Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, took place at the 102 Computer Lab of the A8 Building, Faculty of Science.

The main objective of the workshop was to disseminate knowledge and practical skills related to marine spatial planning to academic staff, postgraduate students, and professionals in Sri Lanka.

Resource persons for the workshop included Prof. DanLing Tang from the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou); Dr. Wei Zhou from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Dr. Jinglong Yao, Deputy Director of the China-Sri Lanka Joint Centre for Education and Research; and Dr. Wenxiu Zhong from Sun Yat-sen Uninversity.

Participation was limited to 30 attendees, comprising academic staff, postgraduate students, and professionals from relevant institutions. The event was graced by Senior Professor S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Professor Anupama Daranagama, Director of the Research Services Centre, Faculty of Science.

On the 17th of December 2024, the delegation met again with Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Joining the discussions were Senior Professor S. R. D. Kalingamudali, Professor Anupama Daranagama, and Professor V. P. A. Weerasinghe. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for future collaborations between the two institutions.