China-Sri Lanka friendship symposium highlights potential for deeper cooperation

Colombo (People's Daily) - The China-Sri Lanka Friendship Organizations Symposium was held in Colombo on Saturday, bringing together representatives from media organizations, think tanks, and universities in China and Sri Lanka, alongside Sri Lankan friendship associations, to exchange views on bilateral ties and future cooperation.

Participants attend the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Organizations Symposium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on September 12, 2026. Representatives from media, think tanks, and universities gathered to discuss deepening bilateral ties and future cooperation. (Photo: People's Daily)

Sri Lankan participants reviewed the longstanding friendship between the two countries, highlighting the pivotal role of friendship organizations in promoting cultural exchanges, youth engagement, media cooperation, education, and grassroots initiatives.

Chinese experts shared insights on people-to-people exchanges, media cooperation, and youth engagement, emphasizing the importance of telling more compelling stories about interactions between the two peoples.

Sri Lankan representatives identified practical areas for future cooperation, including youth and educational exchanges, digital media, technology, cultural preservation, and community-level initiatives. They also called for creating more platforms for younger generations.

Representatives hand over a "Southern Messengers" mobile bookcase during a ceremony in Sri Lanka on September 12, 2026. The initiative aims to enhance educational exchanges and cultural cooperation between the two nations. (Photo: People's Daily)

Participants from both sides saw considerable potential to expand bilateral trade and investment and further deepen practical cooperation.

They expressed strong support for strengthening exchanges and advancing the building of a China–Sri Lanka community with a shared future.