Wang Gengnian Visits the CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College

Wang Gengnian visits CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College

Reported by CRI reporter Hu Xing, on July 5th, 2010, headed by director general of CRI Wang Gengnian, a CRI delegation visited the CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College.

Wang Gengnian spoke highly of the achievements made by the CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College in promoting Chinese teaching and Chinese culture. He expressed his appreciation towards the classroom in promoting cultural exchange and friendship between Chinese and Sri Lankan people. The director said that Chinese people and Sri Lankans share a profound friendship. Language and culture play an important role in promoting exchange and friendship between the people of China and Sri Lanka. China Radio International (CRI) will make further effort in broadcasting; the Confucius Classroom will serve Sri Lankan society and the general public as well as promote friendship between Chinese and Sri Lankan people.

In his speech, Hon. Bandula Gunawardhana, Minister of Education in Sri Lanka expressed his appreciation to CRI for its support in promoting cultural exchange between two countries over the years. He said that China has enjoyed a profound history and splendid culture spanning back to ancient times. He hopes that CRI’s channel and the CRI Confucius Classroom will help to promote Chinese culture in Sri Lanka so as to enhance the friendship between the two peoples.

Members of the CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College and Sri Lanka-China Press Association subsequently presented awards to Wang Gengnian, director general of CRI for his contributions to promotion of cultural exchange between China and Sri Lanka as well as cooperation between the Chinese and Sri Lankan press. The 3 awards included Highest Award for 35th anniversary of launching CRI Sinhalese broadcasting, an award for promoting social and cultural cooperation, and an award for promoting exchange between Sri Lankan and Chinese press.

Susil Premajayantha, Minister of the Petroleum Industries (Former Minister of Education), members of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, the vice executive president of the Confucius Classroom, and the president of Lumbini College were present at the event.

The CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College was established on July 28th, 2009. The classroom began to offer classroom instruction on October 15th. At present there are more than 200 beginner learners, including students from primary and secondary schools, college students as well as the general public. There are 7 classes with ages ranging from 5 to 50 studying Chinese.

Hon. Bandula Gunawardhana, Minister of Education in Sri Lanka, Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Petroleum Industries (Former Minister of Education) and members of Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka present at the event

Sri Lankan students showcasing artistic performance

Director general of CRI Wang Gengnian presenting Daily Chinese (Sinhalese) to the Minister of Education in Sri Lanka and the CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College