Mr. HUNG Chiu Wah Derek, the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Hong Kong and Macao and Chairman of the Confucius Clansman Association of Hong Kong, paid a courtesy visit to Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on the 5^th of March 2025. 

The discussion, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, centered on potential honorary degree programs that the university may confer, opportunities for student exchange scholarships between universities in Hong Kong, Macau, and Sri Lanka, and the role of the Confucius Institute in fostering cultural and academic ties. 

Mr. Derek was accompanied by Venerable Sumiththa Thero, the founder of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Cultural Centre in Hong Kong (SLBCCHK), Mrs. Harini Perera, Secretary of SLBCCHK, and Mrs. Hung. 

Representing the University of Kelaniya were Dr. Samanthi Jayawardena, Deputy Director for International Affairs, Dr. Jani Alwis Samarakoon, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute, and Dr. Hashi Peiris, an alumnus of Hong Kong Baptist University. 

The meeting highlighted the university’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations, particularly with academic institutions in Hong Kong and Macau, and further enhancing the role of the Confucius Institute in Sri Lanka.