From 28th to 31st July 2025, the International Affairs Division of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura had the honor of hosting a distinguished delegation from Zhejiang Shuren University, China. The occasion was graced by the presence of the Vice Chancellor, Senior Professor M.M. Pathmalal, Professor Dushan Jayawickrama, Dean Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Deans of other faculties, representatives of the Research Council, members of the Innovation, Invention, and Venture Creation Council, representatives of Center For Water Quality, academic staff, and students of the University. The visiting delegation comprised eight members, including the President, Professor Li Lu, along with 22 students from Zhejiang Shuren University.
The visit yielded several remarkable achievements, further strengthening the academic and cultural partnership between the two institutions.
- Inauguration of the Silk Road Academy at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, marking a new chapter in collaborative research, education, and cultural exchange.
- Hosting of a collaborative research symposium under the theme “China–Sri Lanka Silk Road Synergies: Collaborative Pathways in Environment, Health, Culture, Language, and the Digital Economy,” bringing together scholars from both universities to explore shared areas of interest.
- Strategic discussions on enhancing the Chinese Language Centre at USJ, aiming to broaden language learning opportunities and cultural understanding.
- Exchange of ideas for future collaborations, paving the way for joint projects and academic initiatives.
- Site visit to the Chinese Language Centre, allowing the delegation to witness its facilities and ongoing programs.
- Participation in a vibrant cultural program, organized by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, offered the delegates an immersive experience of Sri Lanka’s traditional and cultural heritage.
- Engagement with the Heads of Departments of the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce to explore academic partnerships.
- Discussions with the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) on potential collaborative ventures, followed by an official visit to the PIM premises. On the last day of the visit, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura conferred Honorary Professorships for four distinguished academic staff members from Zhejiang Shuren University in recognition of their academic excellence and contributions. The delegates also had the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and the Colombo National Museum, gaining deeper insight into the country’s history, traditions, and cultural treasures. They also visited the Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka’s emerging hub for international trade, finance, and lifestyle.
On the last day of the visit, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura conferred Honorary Professorships for four distinguished academic staff members from Zhejiang Shuren University in recognition of their academic excellence and contributions.
The delegates also had the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and the Colombo National Museum, gaining deeper insight into the country’s history, traditions, and cultural treasures. They also visited the Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka’s emerging hub for international trade, finance, and lifestyle.This visit not only deepened the academic and cultural bonds between Zhejiang Shuren University and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura but also opened new horizons for collaborative research, educational exchange, and cultural understanding.