Ceylonese Talk
The “Second Chinese Food Carnival & China-Sri Lanka Talent Show,”hosted by the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka, opened on 20th-21st. The opening ceremony was attended and addressed Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs; Member of Parliament Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy; and Zhu Yanwei, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka. Over 300 attendees included representatives from Sri Lankan government agencies, cultural and art groups, primary and secondary schools, universities, friendship associations, Chinese enterprises in Sri Lanka, and members of the Sri Lankan public.
In his welcome speech, Mr.Ni Lisheng, Director of China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka, stated that cultural exchange serves as a bridge connecting people and promoting mutual understanding, while events like the Food Carnival and Talent Show allow Sri Lankans to experience the richness of Chinese culture up close. He said the Cultural Center will continue to innovate, expand areas of cooperation, and build more exchange platforms to let the voice of China-Sri Lanka friendship travel further and the melody of civilizational dialogue resonate more sweetly.
Deputy Minister Hon. Gamagedara Dissanayake said in his address that Chinese cuisine carries the historical wisdom of millennia, showcasing not only exquisite culinary skills but also embodying the unique concepts and essence of Chinese culture. He emphasized the significant role such cultural exchanges play in enhancing people-to-people bonds between Sri Lanka and China and deepening cooperation in education and tourism. He expressed his hope for continued expansion of exchanges across various fields to build stronger bonds of friendship.
MP Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy emphasized that the event highlights the long-standing friendship and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and China. He pointed out that Chinese food, with its profound philosophical underpinnings, is a universal language transcending national borders, capable of fostering understanding and unity. By integrating food, art, and performance, the event demonstrates the power of people-to-people exchanges and solidifies the foundation for lasting bilateral cooperation. He called for cherishing cultural heritage, continuously building bridges, and promoting dialogue to create a prosperous future, especially amidst global divisions.
Minister-Counselor Zhu Yanwei stated that Chinese culinary culture, with its long history and rich connotations, is an important component of Chinese civilization. He noted the profound traditional friendship between Sri Lanka and China and the long history of exchanges between their peoples. Cultural exchange activities, he said, not only bring people closer through interaction but also provide new impetus for cooperation in education, tourism, culture, and other fields.
The cultural performance segment was jointly presented by Chinese and Sri Lankan teams. Sri Lankan folk dances and traditional Kandyan dances showcased local cultural charm. Performances from the Lumbini Confucius Classroom included the clapper talk “Voice of Chinese and Culture as a Bridge” and the solo song “Your Answer.” Chinese martial arts demonstrations and a piano solo of “Big Fish” by MCC Lanka added to the diverse display of Chinese culture. The variety of acts and highlights created a lively atmosphere, fully embodying the vitality and appeal of cultural exchange.
The food experience was a major highlight of the Carnival. Over ten stalls featured specialty dishes from Fujian, Sichuan, Northeast, and Northwest China, prepared on-site with enticing aromas. The Lanzhou hand-pulled noodle master’s skilled technique attracted many guests, while Sichuan-style “Gong Bao Chicken,” Chinese savory pancakes (“Jianbing Guozi”), and Fuzhou dishes were highly praised by attendees.
Simultaneously, an area offering Sri Lankan street food and tea experiences enriched the cross-cultural interaction, allowing guests to sense the blending of the two cultures through a culinary journey.
The event received high praise from participants. A Sri Lankan student on site remarked, “Every dish tells a story, every experience is a gain,” adding, “This is the most vivid, delicious, and enjoyable way to learn about Chinese culture.”