New Chinese Director Appointed to the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya

Marking a significant step in strengthening international academic collaboration, Mr. Guan Pin from Chongqing Normal University has been appointed as the new Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya. Bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to cultural and educational exchange, his appointment is expected to further enhance the longstanding partnership between the two institutions and deepen ties between Sri Lanka and China.

On April 24, Mr. Guan Pin visited the Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, and the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Dr. Sudath Senarath. He was also warmly welcomed by the Sri Lankan Director of the Confucius Institute, Senior Lecturer D.M.A.S.P. Rathnayake, along with the staff of the Institute, who expressed their support and looked forward to working closely with him. During his meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva warmly welcomed the new director , Mr. Guan Pin and extended her best wishes for his tenure. The newly appointed director formally presented a signed letter from Professor Zhang Yan, Party Secretary of Chongqing Normal University, and Professor Wang Guoyin, President of the same university, conveying their sincere greetings and continued commitment to the partnership between the two institutions.

Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva expressed her appreciation for the strong support extended by Chongqing Normal University toward the Confucius Institute and reaffirmed the University of Kelaniya’s continued commitment to its future development. Mr. Guan Pin, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the University and reflected on the Confucius Institute’s 15-year journey and its significant achievements.The discussions also focused on key academic initiatives, including the development of Chinese Language Education at University of Kelaniya.

The newly appointed director also met with Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, who warmly welcomed him to the University community. Dr. Sudath Senarath reaffirmed the Faculty’s continued support for the Confucius Institute and emphasized the importance of strengthening the Chinese Language education while promoting academic exchange and long-term cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.

These engagements mark an important step in further strengthening the Confucius Institute at the University of Kelaniya and advancing educational and cultural collaboration between China and Sri Lanka.