On June 5, the closing ceremony of the Spring Language and Cultural Program 2026 for students from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, was held at our university, marking the successful conclusion of a study and exchange program lasting more than ten days. From May 29 to June 9, 49 teachers and students from Sri Lanka took part in the immersive program featuring Chinese language learning, traditional Chinese culture, local industries and urban exploration. Through mutual learning and exchange, the program helped build a bridge of friendship between young people from the two countries.

During the program, the university arranged Chinese language classes in different groups, supported by student teaching assistants, to help participants strengthen their language foundation. The teachers and students also visited Geely Auto’s Qiantang Base, alumni enterprises in Yiwu and the Yiwu International Trade Market, gaining first-hand insights into the development of China’s real economy, trade and commerce. They toured the West Lake and the Hangzhou Urban Planning Exhibition Center, where they experienced Hangzhou’s rich history and its achievements in modern urban development. A series of traditional cultural activities, including tea culture experience, Yue Opera appreciation and rice dumpling (zongzi) making, allowed the participants to experience the charm of China’s intangible cultural heritage and folk traditions. Special courses on cross-border e-commerce livestreaming, drone-assisted farming, AI-enabled smart campus applications and short video production showcased the development vitality empowered by technology. Outside the classroom, visits to the Binjiang light show, Liangzhu Museum and the Grand Canal Museum enabled the Sri Lankan teachers and students to gain a deeper appreciation of the natural beauty of Jiangnan and China’s long-standing historical civilization.

At the closing ceremony, the university presented completion certificates to all participants. In his remarks, Vice President Ye Shiping expressed his hope that the two universities would continue to deepen cooperation and expand exchanges in areas such as faculty and student visits and academic collaboration. The faculty representative from Sri Lanka encouraged young people from both countries to maintain communication and strengthen their friendship. Student representatives shared what they had learned and the unforgettable moments they experienced during the program. Our university’s volunteers also spoke about their feelings and experiences gained through companionship and communication.

The program not only enhanced the Sri Lankan teachers’ and students’ understanding of the Chinese language, culture, and economic and social development, but also provided a platform for communication and interaction among young people from both countries. Looking ahead, our university will continue to promote international exchange and cooperation, carry out youth exchange programs between China and other countries, and help the flower of friendship continue to blossom.