A cultural salon, hosted by the Guangzhou Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou, took place on July 6 at Zhujiang Park in Guangzhou's Tianhe district.

It welcomed some 120 participants – among them Chinese and expat students and entrepreneurs – to experience the featured traditional cultures of China and Sri Lanka.

"The historical and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and China have lasted for centuries," said Suranga Algewatte, consul general of Sri Lanka in Guangzhou, at the salon.

He added that the event aimed to encourage both sides to share their traditional cultures, better know each other, and unite to help those in need.

A Sri Lankan student skillfully performs a dance during the cultural salon. [Photo by Tan Zheng/Yangcheng Evening News]

Usangi Maldeniya, Ranjan Rajapakasha, and Sandamali Galwaduge – Sri Lankan students in Guangzhou – introduced Sri Lanka's language, ethnic group, costumes, cultural festivals, and featured food at the event.  

Zhang Longyi, a representative of a hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) manufacturing enterprise, talked about the technological change and cultural heritage of new-style hanfu that is represented by horse-face skirts.

The event is one of a series of activities for international youth cultural exchanges by the Guangxi Xilan ("Guangzhou Unites Sri Lanka") Special Fund, which operates under the auspices of the Guangzhou Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation.

Founded in 2021, the Guangxi Xilan Special Fund aims to help Sri Lankan children in need to complete their education. To date, dozens of students from that country have received support from the fund.