On August 19, 2014, the First Fujian (China) Week kicked off in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Ms. Liu Qunying, Vice Chair of the Standing Committee of Fujian People’s Congress, Hon. T.B. Ekanayaka, Mister of Cultural and Art Affairs of Sri Lanka, Mr. Wu Jianghao, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka addressed the opening ceremony. 

Vice Chair Liu said that Fujian enjoys a long history of trade and cultural exchanges with Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries. Under the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, Fujian hopes to carry out friendly exchanges and practical cooperation in trade, since and technology, culture, education and tourism. 

Minister Ekanayaka pointed out that Sri Lanka and China have renewed their time-honored friendship over recent years. Chinese investments and assistance make great contribution to Sri Lanka’s post-war reconstruction. Fujian (China) Week will boost cooperation in trade, culture and other fields. 

Ambassador Wu said that broader political and economic cooperation between China and Sri Lanka help enhance our people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Fujian (China) Week will deliver fruitful results that contribute to China-Sri Lanka relations. 

Activities including a tourism promotion, a calligraphy and painting exhibition, and an evening gala were held the same day.