About the Author
Rihaab Mowlana is an award-winning journalist specializing in feature writing. With a commitment to authenticity and a genuine love for her craft, she brings stories to life by delving deep into captivating subjects and offering unique perspectives. Beyond journalism, Rihaab is a content creator, entrepreneur, and educator.
Interviewed by Rihaab Mowlana
In a world increasingly interconnected through globalization and technology, fostering international friendships and cultivating cultural understanding has become paramount. Few individuals embody this commitment to cross-cultural exchange. Pamudini Abeysekera, a passionate educator and advocate for intercultural dialogue, emerges as a cultural ambassador bridging the gap between Sri Lanka and China. With a background deeply rooted in language and a unique connection to China through her father’s involvement with the ASLCSCC (Asia Society for Learning Chinese as a Second/Foreign Language and Chinese Cultural Center), Pamudini’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of cross-cultural experiences. Her recent participation in the “Northeast Asia Youth Camp on Sustainable Development 2023” in Shandong, China, has further enriched her perspective and deepened her commitment to fostering global friendships and cultural understanding. In this interview, Pamudini shares her unique journey and experiences, highlighting her role in fostering cultural connections between Sri Lanka and China.
1.Can you tell us about your background and upbringing?
Since childhood, I have preferred to learn and work in areas related to arts and languages. No one pushed me to choose a particular academic or professional path, therefore, I was free to explore any area of my choice. I wasn’t raised in a family that spoke English in our household. My mother motivated me to choose English as my study medium from an early age, which led me to most of my eventual academic and career achievements and interests.
I graduated from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura where I studied English and French language and literature while obtaining the DELF and DALF diplomas at Alliance française. I am reading for my Master’s degree at the University of Colombo at the moment. Professionally, at present, I am happily employed as a French language teacher!
2.How did your father’s involvement with the ASLCSCC influence your interest in China?
He has been involved in the association as long as I can remember and he has accompanied me to China for brief visits. I have seen the hospitality of the Chinese people through these visits as well as their pride and enthusiasm to talk about their culture which comes naturally to them. I have made several friends across the country thanks to my father’s relationships and work with the Chinese community. I have also been impressed with the productive and charitable work they do for our community in Sri Lanka in several domains.
3.What motivated you to participate in the 5-day youth camp in Shandong, titled ‘Northeast Asia Youth Camp on Sustainable Development 2023,’ and how did this experience impact your understanding of sustainable development and cultural exchange?
I received the opportunity to attend a 5-day youth camp in Shandong, titled “Northeast Asia Youth Camp on Sustainable Development 2023” themed “A Better Me for a Better World”. I attended this camp with another student representing Sri Lanka.
The event was hosted by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and SK Group. It was collectively organized by the Training and Exchange Center, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, Shandong People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Dongying People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the National Base for International Youth Exchange (Qufu Normal University).
The camp activities focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and we had back-to-back activities and events arranged to give us optimal exposure to the culture, development and community of the Shandong province and China in general. It was a diversified and rich programme fit into 5 days, therefore I believe the organization and the outcome were both exceptional for all participants, especially giving the chance to discover the Yellow River and the Confucian culture.
4.What were your first impressions of China when you arrived?
We were received with great hospitality. This is something that I always appreciate. Sri Lanka is known to be a very hospitable nation and I can say that China is the same. The country is full of technological advancements and vast but nature is also well preserved. Wherever I have travelled in China, there’s a lot of greenery which is well cared for. I always preferred to observe the surroundings to absorb the beauty of the scenery of places we visited. These would be some of the first impressions for me.
5.How have your experiences in China differed from what you expected?
I assumed it was difficult to find food that would please my palate. That is one of the very first questions anyone would ask if there’s a mention of visiting China! I was wrong as there are so many food and beverage options to choose from (also at affordable price points). There is absolutely no lack of choice when considering the diversity of food and drink in China. You are sure to find what you are looking for and more.
As I have mentioned before, the well-preserved greenery in cities is beautiful and impressive. I was expecting a lively and engaging environment that focussed mainly on the youth but I was amazed at the free-of-charge outdoor leisure and fitness activities placed at many accessible public spots for senior citizens as well.
6.What personal connections have you made in China that have had a significant impact through your visits?
Friends of all ages! They share their culture and activities with me which helps me see the world at large. If I ever need to go back, I know I am never alone and a vibrant culture and friends await me!
7.As an educator, which aspects of the Chinese education system have left the strongest impression on you, and how do you envision incorporating these insights into your teaching approach back in Sri Lanka?
I have connected my students and fellow teachers with the representatives of schools and universities in China to share their knowledge. As a result, they are more open to learning about different cultures, and strategies related to education and international relations used by the Chinese people.
In doing so, they have made friends in the international community as their confidence to interact boldly with the outside world improves. We have a growing number of students who are interested in foreign languages, Chinese being a prominent language among them. Exposure to educational exchange opportunities can be made more fruitful if you are equipped with their respective language and I hope I have the capability to learn more and share about these opportunities.
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8.What cultural aspects of China have you found most intriguing?
Cuisine, preservation of traditional crafts and celebration of traditional festivals and customs. They keep them alive and you will see them talk about their traditions and customs with great pride.
9.Are there any cultural activities you’ve participated in and enjoyed?
Yes. We did a few interesting activities and my favorite was the Chinese block-printing. It is a traditional folk art in China with a long history in its practice. Different pictures and texts are printed from carved wood blocks and we used a uniquely styled brush to ink the carved blocks to obtain the image and texts that are later transferred onto paper. This artistic practice holds a cultural value in Chinese society. It requires focus and precision otherwise you won’t obtain a clear print.
Although I didn’t participate in this activity myself, I witnessed the making of a cloth tiger which is a traditional handicraft, decoration and also a toy for children. We were told that it is most popular during the Dragon Boat Festival. A common method of making a cloth tiger is to sew cotton and silk into the shape of a tiger and fill it with saw-dust, chaff, cotton or spice, and then to draw, embroider, cut or paste the face of the tiger.
We also got the opportunity to make dumplings and traditional mooncakes which are widely popular at the National base for international youth exchanges in Qufu.
10.What advice would you give to other young individuals aspiring to make a meaningful impact in fostering global friendships and cultural understanding?
Be respectful of your own culture and identity and extend the same respect to other cultures and experiences. Never make fun of or disregard another culture. Be it language, food, attire and beyond, you’ll only understand and nurture global connections with a fresh and respectful view.
Your behaviour and first impressions will have the biggest impact on how they view your country and your identity as a person. Research a little about where you are going and their community. It is a sign of respect and genuine interest that will serve you well.