14 September 2025
Mohamed Arthif Mohamed Lafeer, Chairman of the Research, Development and Digitalization Committee of Colombo Municipal Council, said there is strong potential for cultural exchange, digital collaboration, and investment between Jilin City in China and Sri Lanka.
Recalling his summer visit to Jilin, Lafeer praised the city’s natural beauty, including Songhua Lake, and noted the contrast with Sri Lanka’s tropical landscapes. He highlighted indoor snow activities as a glimpse of Jilin’s winter culture.
“Before Covid, Sri Lanka’s second highest number of tourists came from China, which shows the strong connection between our two countries. This creates a wonderful opportunity for the people of Jilin City to visit Sri Lanka, especially since we already have daily direct flights between China and Sri Lanka,” he said.
Lafeer added that many Sri Lankans travel to China for both business and leisure, further strengthening cultural and economic ties. “With this exchange, Jilin City has a unique chance to welcome Sri Lankan visitors as well. I believe Sri Lankans will truly enjoy Jilin, not only for its beauty but also because of the food culture. We serve a wide variety of dishes that are similar to Chinese cuisine, yet enriched with Sri Lanka’s organic spices, offering visitors the comfort of familiarity with a touch of something new and exciting,” he noted.
Arthif Lafeer represented Sri Lanka at the “Tour of World Tourism Cities Delegation” in Jilin. During the event, Hemantha Weerakoon, Deputy Mayor of Colombo, along with mayors from around the world, jointly launched the “Jilin Declaration” aimed at promoting tourism exchanges.
Lafeer emphasized the role of digital technologies in fostering cultural exchange. “Virtual reality tourism and digital museums can allow people in both countries to experience each other’s heritage and festivals remotely, creating a real ‘digital bridge,’” he said.
On economic cooperation, he highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing industrial sector and Jilin’s strengths in air conditioning, CCTV, and mobile technology. “The Sri Lankan government welcomes investors, particularly those who can establish large-scale projects that meet local demand and support exports,” Lafeer added.
He concluded that partnerships between Jilin and Sri Lanka can extend beyond culture to practical digital and industrial projects, benefiting both sides.
Jilin Province, in northeast China, is a major industrial and agricultural region, with a diversified economy including automotive manufacturing, petrochemicals, electronics, agriculture, and forestry. In recent years, it has promoted high-tech and service industries. Jilin City, located on the banks of the Songhua River, combines industrial development with tourism, attracting visitors with its seasonal landscapes and ice-snow culture. Major attractions include Songhua Lake, Rime Island, and Beidahu Ski Resort, a popular destination for skiing and winter sports.