Bosom Friends: Ningbo & Colombo – Stories of Life, Culture, and Connection (Pics)

A colourful cultural event was held in Colombo over the weekend, weaving more threads that further connected Sri Lanka’s port city of Colombo and China’s port city of Ningbo.

The event, titled as “Bosom Friends: Ningbo & Colombo – Stories of Life, Culture, and Connection” was held on July 04 at the Colombo Port City as as part of the “Encounter & Enlighten” initiative for cultural exchange and mutual learning between civilizations, the event.

Held under the theme  “Cultural Development in Port Cities,” the event brought together a group of high profile gathering from both countries. Distinguished invitees included : Deputy Head of Central Office of Cultural and Ethical Progress of the publicity department of CPC – Mr.Hu Kaihong, Executive Director-General of the Party Work Department of the Party Committee, China Communications Construction Group –  Mr Zha Changmiao, Deputy Director-General of Cultural and Ethical Advancement Bureau of the publicity department of CPC – Mr. Mei Feng, Deputy Chief of the Chinese Embassy – Mr. Zhu Yanwei, Western Provincial Council Secretary – Mr. Harsha Wijewardena, Director of China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka- Mr. Ni Lisheng, Ningbo officials, members of the overseas Chinese community and Sri Lankans. 

The event opened with the lively rhythms of traditional Sri Lankan instrumental music, followed by a joint performance of the classic Chinese song “The Moon Represents My Heart” by Ms. Zhang Dan and Mr. S.M. Tharusha Imalka. The item paid a musical tribute to the close ties between the two peoples.

In addition, a performance of the traditional Kandyan ‘Wes’ Dance, also captivated the audience.

“Tales of Two Cities”

During the “Tales of Two Cities” session, five speakers from diverse fields offered personal insights that vividly illustrated the friendship and mutual learning between China and Sri Lanka.

Founding Director of BRI Lanka – Mr. Yasiru Ranaraja,  delivered a talk entitled “Ports Bridging China and Sri Lanka,” tracing the thousand-year maritime journey from the voyages of Faxian the 4th-century Buddhist monk and Zheng He the 14th-century explorer to the modern-day shipping routes between Ningbo Zhoushan Port and the Port of Colombo. He emphasized that ports have always served as a steadfast link for trade and cultural exchange between the two nations.

Ms. Cheng Cuiqin, Vice President of the Federation of Overseas Chinese in Sri Lanka, drew on her decade-long experience in Sri Lanka to illustrate how products made in Ningbo and in China have been deeply integrated into local livelihoods and industrial development, embodying a philosophy of harmony and inclusiveness.

Ms. Tania Bandini Jayasena, a Sri Lankan gem trader who has lived in Ningbo for 14 years, shared her personal journey from an international student in China to becoming “50% Ningbo local”, describing how new friendships have been forged over gems, tea, seafood, and even rice cakes, transcending borders and cultures.

Professor Yu Yuanyuan, author of Oral History of Chinese Diasprora in SriLanka, presented case studies from her research, documenting the century-long migration, survival, and perseverance of the overseas Chinesecommunity in Sri Lanka. She highlighted how they have integrated into local society while preserving their cultural heritage, serving as a bridge for China-Sri Lanka people-to-people friendship.

Sri Lankan architect Mr. Ashain De Silva, whose fascination with Chinese culture began in childhood through the TV series Water Margin, recounted how a youthful dream inspired by Chinese martial arts eventually led him to settle in Ningbo, where he now blends Chinese and Sri Lankan aesthetics in his architectural designs—a compelling example of cultural exchange and mutual learning between the younger generations of the two countries.

“Hi Craft” Cultural Hub

 This was followed by the inauguration ceremony of the “Hi Craft” Cultural Hub, a new platform that will serve as an important window for the people of Sri Lanka to experience Chinese culture up close.

From their ancient connections between China and Sri Lanka along the Maritime Silk Road, to the two-way flow of trade, industry, and culture in the present day, the port cities of Ningbo and Colombo continue to write new chapters in their shared journey, injecting fresh vitality into the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, organisers point out.

(Pics : Kelum Shivantha)

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