Ceylonese Talk by Shiyuan Yang
KURUNEGALA, Sri Lanka, Oct 6 – Sri Lanka’s North Western Province Governor Tissa Kumarasiri Warnasuriya said he aims to build sister-city ties with Chinese cities and attract more Chinese and international tourists to the region, highlighting cultural and tourism cooperation as key to local development.
“Our province has five ancient kingdoms, about 1,500 temples, and beautiful lakes and landscapes,” Governor Warnasuriya told the author in an interview. “We warmly welcome Chinese visitors to climb our mountains, visit temples, and enjoy cultural performances.”
The governor made the remarks following a cultural event titled “Joining Hearts and hands – A China-Sri Lanka Cultural Performance” held on Sept. 26 in Kurunegala, the provincial capital. This gala was jointly organized by the North Western Provincial Council, the Chinese Cultural Center in Sri Lanka, and the Culture and Tourism Department of China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, with performances by the Shigatse Ethnic Art Troupe.
The event drew large local crowds and received strong reactions. The folk dances and music introduced new elements of Chinese culture to Sri Lankan audiences, sparking curiosity and appreciation. “Every performance was excellent, with strong cultural and historical value,” Governor Warnasuriya said. “The stage design matched the performances beautifully.”
Governor Warnasuriya, who has visited China twice, said China’s efficiency and organization left a deep impression. In 2000, he joined a UN ESCAP tourism event in China as Director General of the tourism department, “The theme covered social improvement, economic development, and environmental protection. I also gave a speech at the meeting. We strived to integrate the concept of sustainability into the tourism industry and promote the in-depth involvement of people from all provinces in tourism”.
And in 2004 he attended the Asia Cooperation Dialogue meeting in Qingdao, with the then minister, and the current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The governor said North Western Province has about 1,500 temples, nearly 1,000 of which are cave temples, and five ancient kingdom sites. “Our people are proud and culturally rich,” he said. “Spiritual and cultural wealth has great potential to be converted into material wealth too.”
Currently, the province receives only around 3% of Sri Lanka’s total tourist arrivals. Governor Warnasuriya attributed this to limited promotion and infrastructure, but said the province’s diverse attractions, activities, and warm hospitality give it strong potential for growth.
“We aim to improve facilities, involve local communities, and attract private investment,” he said. “Tourism can help lift people out of poverty by using our natural, cultural and heritage assets.”
After the recent China-Sri Lanka Cultural Performanc gala, Chinese community representatives donated 800,000 rupees (about $2,700) to the Na Uyana Forest Monastery, showing the Bhuddism bonds and the deep affection they have developed for North Western Pronvince.
Governor Warnasuriya also proposed twinning the province’s five ancient cities with Chinese counterparts. “China’s cultural heritage, like the Great Wall and Ming-era sites, shows how tourism can combine cultural meaning with economic value,” he said. “We hope to form a joint committee to advance cooperation, allowing local governments on both sides to share experiences.”
“I truly wish to visit China again,” When the author asked this question, he said. “But for now, I will focus on developing tourism and local exchanges before launching the sister-city program.”
“We have a strong foundation with China and complementary strengths,” he said. “Through collaboration, we can blend globalization with local development.”
He concluded with an open invitation: “Our province shares cultural similarities with China yet retains its own unique charm. We welcome Chinese visitors to experience it for themselves.”
About Kurunegala and the North Western Province
Nestled among scenic rock formations and lush paddy fields, Kurunegala is the capital of Sri Lanka’s North Western Province, a region known for its quiet charm and cultural depth. Once an ancient royal capital, the city still echoes with history — from its timeworn temples and Buddha statues carved into hillsides to colonial-era streets lined with tamarind trees.
The North Western Province, which includes Kurunegala and Puttalam, offers travelers a glimpse of authentic Sri Lankan life beyond the bustling coastal cities. Visitors can explore serene forest monasteries, hidden reservoirs, and wildlife sanctuaries, or trace the province’s deep Buddhist traditions that blend gracefully with its rural landscapes. With its growing connections to international cultural initiatives, the region is emerging as one of Sri Lanka’s most promising new destinations for both local and foreign visitors.