An online collaboration meeting was successfully held on 19th December 2025 between the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) and Zhejiang Shuren University, China, This meeting was held as part of the Silk Road Academy initiative, established through the signing of an agreement between the two universities, with the aim of strengthening academic, research, and cultural cooperation between the institutions.
The participants from Zhejiang Shuren University included Ms. Ronglan Wu, Deputy Director of the Office of International Affairs; Ms. Yanyan Sun, Deputy Dean of the School of Humanities and Foreign Languages; Mr. Qiubo Huang (Andy), Deputy Dean of the School of Economics and Management; and Ms. Jiani Liu (Olivia), a staff member of the Office of International Affairs. The participants from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura included Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Professor Nilanthi Rajapaksha, Head of the Department of Languages, Cultural Studies and Performing Arts; Mrs. Thilini Ranasinghe, Lecturer (Probationary) in Chinese Language, Department of Languages, Cultural Studies and Performing Arts; Mrs. Puwanendram Gayathri, Lecturer (Probationary), Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies; Mr. Hasitha Bandara and Ms. Dinithi Aluvihare Research Assistants at the Centre for International Affairs.
During the meeting, considerable emphasis was placed on staff exchange and academic collaboration as key mechanisms for enhancing teaching, learning, and scholarly engagement. Both parties agreed to focus on priority subject areas, including Culture, History, Economy, English and Linguistics, and Comprehensive Chinese. It was confirmed that a series of online lectures delivered by academic staff from Zhejiang Shuren University would commence on 5th January 2026. Furthermore, plans were discussed for academic staff from Zhejiang Shuren University to visit USJ in February 2026, enabling direct interaction with students and faculty and strengthening deeper institutional engagement.
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura also highlighted its commitment to promoting cultural exchange alongside academic cooperation. Accordingly, USJ proposed organizing structured cultural exchange programs for visiting faculty and staff, designed to offer meaningful exposure to Sri Lankan culture, traditions, and social life. These initiatives are expected to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen interpersonal connections, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the partnership.
In addition, the meeting addressed opportunities for developing tailor-made academic programs to meet the needs of international students. The Department of Economics of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences noted that it currently offers a specialized Master’s in Economics program for Chinese students. Building on this foundation, both parties discussed future plans to expand the curriculum by introducing advanced course modules in areas such as the Chinese economy and trade, and trade ties with China, thereby aligning academic offerings with emerging global and cross-cultural educational demands.
As requested by the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the academic staff of Zhejiang Shuren University agreed to conduct guest lectures for new undergraduate students during the first semester. The lecture topics will include Chinese Culture, Food Culture, Economic and Trade ties with China, and Chinese Heritage. These sessions aim to broaden students’ global perspectives and strengthen cross-cultural academic engagement from the early stages of their university education.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to organize a joint research conference in the future, which will serve as a platform for collaborative research, academic dialogue, and the exchange of innovative ideas in areas of shared interest. Overall, the meeting marked a significant milestone in the evolving partnership between the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Zhejiang Shuren University, reflecting a shared commitment to academic excellence, cultural understanding, and the development of a strong, long-term international collaboration.
