In the hall of the President Girls School in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, on the long exhibition tables were all kinds of Chinese artwork, including but not limited to: masks used in Beijing Opera, enamel painted porcelains, fans, screens and tea sets. Students were eager to admire those pieces of art while teachers were taking photos with their smart phones.
This was a scene of the Chinese culture exhibition in Sri Lanka President Girls School. To celebrate the 71st anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Sri Lanka China Social and Cultural Cooperation Association in Sri Lanka held the exhibition in which one could see photos of Sichuan Province in China, Chinese paintings and calligraphy and traditional artwork. Many teachers and students were attracted to visit it.
“Students are amazed by these Chinese artworks.”, said Yindika, a teacher, to the reporter.
Yindika liked tea culture particularly. “My husband used to be a tea-planter. We are always surrounded by the flavor of tea, so I feel familiar when I see these tea sets from China.”, said Yindika.
In another corner of the hall, students gathered around an exhibition table on which there were Chinese characters literally meaning “China’s national holiday”. A 12-grade girl named Mahalam and her friends were showing their hand-writing with a Chinese Calligraphy Brush Pen. Seeing their skillful writing of characters meaning “hello, China” and “the National Holiday”, many girls were willing to have a try.
It’s surprising to hear that all exhibits belonged to personal collection of Indrananda Abeysekera, the chairman of Sri Lanka China Social and Cultural Cooperation Association. “I have visited China usually and is fond of Chinese culture. I have collected many Chinese art works in these years.”, said him.
For many years, Abeysekera had been devoted to spared Chinese culture and promote the friendly exchanges between Sri Lanka and China. Before the exhibition, he told teachers and students about the achievements made by China in the last 71 years. He said that China’s outstanding achievements in the last 71 years offered experience to the world. He also said, “I hold this exhibition to make full use of my collection, through which, students can have a better understanding of Chinese culture.”
The president of the girls school told the reporter that last year, she led teachers and students from her school to visit Sichuan Province in China and paired with a school in Mianyang city as friendly schools. She also said that this exhibition could enable teachers and students to know more about China and could let them see the scenic beauty of Sichuan.
“China is a great country, from which Sri Lanka has a lot to learn.”, said the president of the school.