Category: Daily Financial Times

From 112 teams, 48 contenders made it to The Grand Finale of SoftSkills+ 2026, organised by the SLIIT Business School.

SLIIT was a hive of energy on 16 May, as 192 students from all districts of Sri Lanka displayed leadership, communication, creativity and teamwork. Vying for first place at the prestigious event, SoftSkills+ served as a vibrant platform to celebrate and encourage talent among the future generation of leaders.

The event reflected the growing importance of soft skills development among the younger generation and highlighted SLIIT Business School’s commitment to nurturing future-ready leaders. Methodist College Colombo emerged champions of SoftSkills+ 2026, while Ratnapura Sivali Central College placed as runners up, Badulla Central College claimed the 2nd runner-up title.

The occasion was graced by ACCA Sri Lanka Chairman Chaaminda Kumarasiri, who attended as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised the significance of communication, leadership, adaptability, and interpersonal skills in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.

Distinguished artist Madani Malwattage and University of Kelaniya Senior Lecturer Tharindu Weerasinghe conducted an engaging soft skill development workshop for the participants. Their insightful sessions inspired students to enhance skills which are essential in today’s professional settings.

SoftSkills+ 2026 was proudly supported by several leading organisations and brands that contributed towards making the event a remarkable success. The organisers extended their sincere appreciation to British Council, SLIIT International, CIMA Sri Lanka, Inspire Business School, Milo (Nestlé), Singer, Fusion Gear, Commercial Bank and to Hemas Consumer Brands.

The competition concluded on a highly competitive yet celebratory note, recognising outstanding performances from schools. SLIIT Business School Senior Lecturer and SoftSkills+ 2026 Coordinator Ranitha Weerarathna stated that “the remarkable success and positive impact of this year’s event have undoubtedly set a strong foundation for future editions”.

The Ministry of Health recently launched the “Guide to Healthy School Canteens” in line with National Nutrition Month 2026, aiming to improve the nutritional quality of food provided to schoolchildren.

The initiative seeks to ensure that students are provided with nutritious, safe and affordable meals, while promoting healthy eating habits and reducing the consumption of unhealthy food in schools, the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

The guidelines focus on five key objectives, including fostering a healthy, non-communicable disease-free generation, improving access to healthy meals, shaping positive dietary attitudes among children, promoting healthy eating practices within society and strengthening hygiene and management standards in school canteens.

This is not the first time that such attempts have been made to ensure that children get healthy food in school canteens and that their school lunches packed from home are also nutritious and wholesome. While the move is welcome, implementation is difficult and is a logistical nightmare for those tasked with following the rules.

This trend towards fast food is more pronounced in cities, where the proliferation of food outlets means parents often pick up the easiest items for children’s lunches, with many opting to give them money to buy food from the school canteen, which also sells fast food.

A recent survey conducted by the Ministry of Health has found that 12% of schoolchildren are overweight, while 3% are obese, primarily due to unhealthy dietary habits. The Director of Nutrition at the Ministry of Health, Specialist Dr. Monika Wijeratne, said the findings are concerning, particularly given the country’s declining population growth rate.

The survey focused on children aged between 13 and 17 years and highlighted significant concerns regarding students’ eating habits.

The survey showed that 17.04% of schoolchildren consume carbonated soft drinks daily, while 28.05% consume high-salt foods, 29% consume high-fat foods, and 41% consume high-sugar foods at least once or more per day.

These statistics are certainly alarming, especially the addiction of children to sugar-based products, be they drinks or other items. The lack of monitoring of colourful sweet drinks that easily lure children is one major concern. Most items sold have sugar levels well above the Health Ministry guidelines for sweeteners. The same applies to instant drinks that come through machines, which far exceed acceptable levels.

Along with obesity among children, Sri Lanka is also seeing an increase in childhood diabetes, and hence keeping sugar consumption in check is extremely important. It is important to educate parents as well on the dangers of excessive sugar consumption.

The Health Ministry notes that advertising is one major issue, as children are tempted towards certain kinds of food and drinks that look attractive but are harmful in the long run. The Ministry said that awareness of the issue exists among many stakeholders, but there is reluctance to adopt the necessary measures.

There have been instances where sponsors withdrew support from school programmes following food regulation changes, raising broader questions about balancing funding needs with children’s nutritional wellbeing.

Hence, the guidelines are a small step, but they alone will not suffice. What is needed is a broader approach involving parents, teachers, as well as producers of harmful products. The health of children is a prime concern as it affects the future generation, and in this effort all stakeholders must work together so that we can raise healthy adults for the future.

Spa Ceylon has been named Best Conditioner for Damaged Hair at the prestigious Marie Claire UK Hair Awards 2026, with its Virgin Coconut Nourishing Hair Conditioner earning recognition alongside some of the most respected and established names in global beauty and professional haircare.

Widely regarded as one of the beauty industry’s most influential award programmes, the Marie Claire Hair Awards celebrate products that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation and efficacy. Winners are selected by a panel of leading hairstylists, trichologists, beauty editors and industry experts following extensive testing and evaluation.

The award-winning Virgin Coconut Nourishing Hair Conditioner combines pure virgin coconut oil sourced from Sri Lanka with advanced cosmetic science to deliver intensive nourishment, hydration and repair for dry, stressed and damaged hair. Designed to improve softness, manageability and overall hair health, the formulation reflects Spa Ceylon’s commitment to creating high-performance beauty and wellness solutions inspired by nature and perfected through science.

This latest recognition further strengthens Spa Ceylon’s position as a globally respected wellness and beauty brand, demonstrating the growing international demand for products that successfully unite heritage, innovation and performance.

“This award is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at Spa Ceylon. To see one of our products recognised by Marie Claire UK alongside some of the most respected and established names in global beauty is a testament to the strength of our vision, our people and our relentless commitment to quality. For us, this recognition is not just about a single product – it reflects the growing global appreciation for a new generation of wellness brands that successfully combine heritage, innovation and performance.”

– Shalin Balasuriya, Co-Founder, Spa Ceylon

The award also highlights Spa Ceylon’s unique approach to product development, where centuries of wellness knowledge are translated into contemporary formulations designed to meet the expectations of today’s consumer.

“At Spa Ceylon, we have always believed that exceptional products are created when time-tested wellness knowledge meets modern scientific expertise. The Virgin Coconut Nourishing Hair Conditioner is a perfect example of that philosophy-combining one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated natural ingredients with advanced cosmetic science to deliver real, visible results. To see that recognised by a respected panel of global industry experts is incredibly rewarding and a proud moment for our entire product development team.”

– Shiwantha Dias, Co-Founder & Director of Product Development, Spa Ceylon

Founded in Sri Lanka in 2009, Spa Ceylon has grown into the world’s largest luxury Ayurveda wellness brand, offering a comprehensive range of skincare, body care, haircare, home fragrance and wellness solutions across international markets.

Rooted in the ancient art of Ayurveda and perfected through modern science, Spa Ceylon unites timeless rituals with contemporary wellness innovation-delivering authentic, high-performance self-care experiences that bring balance, beauty and wellbeing to modern lifestyles everywhere.

The Marie Claire UK Hair Award 2026 marks another milestone in the brand’s global journey and reinforces its commitment to creating products that meet the highest international standards of quality, innovation and performance.

About the Award

Award: Marie Claire UK Hair Awards 2026

Winning Product: Spa Ceylon Virgin Coconut Nourishing Hair Conditioner

The Marie Claire Hair Awards recognise the most innovative and effective haircare products from around the world and are judged by a panel of leading beauty editors, hairstylists, trichologists and industry experts.

Sri Lanka is looking to leverage its strategic location and expand petroleum-related and logistics exports as part of an ambitious plan to more than double export earnings to $ 36 billion, according to Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Wijesinghe revealed that several proposals aimed at boosting petroleum-linked export activities are currently under evaluation, following discussions involving the Board of Investment (BOI), the relevant Ministry, and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

“As we seek to expand export earnings from around $ 17 billion currently to $ 36 billion over the coming years, sectors linked to transport, logistics, and petroleum-based products will play an important role,” he said.

Wijesinghe said Sri Lanka had received a number of promising proposals in the petroleum and logistics space, adding that value-added activities linked to petroleum products could generate additional export revenue while strengthening the country’s role as a regional trade and maritime hub.

The renewed focus on petroleum-related exports comes amid growing interest in positioning Sri Lanka as an energy, logistics, and services hub in the Indian Ocean, with authorities seeking new sources of foreign exchange earnings and investment.

At the same time, the EDB Chairman stressed that achieving the country’s export ambitions would depend heavily on implementing a series of long-awaited policy and institutional reforms identified under the National Export Development Plan (NEDP).

He said reforms relating to the EDB, trade facilitation, and the wider export ecosystem were being finalised through collaboration between the EDB, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry, and Finance Ministry.

While declining to provide a firm implementation deadline, Wijesinghe said the reforms were being treated as a priority given their importance to meeting Sri Lanka’s five-year export targets.

“Our objective is to implement these measures as quickly as possible,” he said, noting that export growth would require not only new sectors and investment but also a more efficient trade and regulatory framework.

Celebrating the vibrant culinary traditions of Karaikudi, a town in Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga District renowned for its rich gastronomy, Choccan is the newest Karaikudi restaurant located at Kotahena.

The restaurant brings the essence of South Indian cuisine to Sri Lanka, offering an array of aromatic, flavourful, and traditional dishes rooted in Karaikudi’s culinary heritage. Drawing on centuries-old cooking methods, the menu combines native spices with carefully selected ingredients sourced from both Sri Lanka and India. Customers can enjoy a wide selection of everyday favourites and regional delicacies, including Idli, Dosa, and Sambar, as well as signature specialities such as Meen Kuzhambu, Kari Dosa, Chettinad Chicken, Mutton Chukka, Bun Parota, and more.

The vision behind Choccan is inspired by the founder’s frequent travels to India and an appreciation for Karaikudi’s distinctive cuisine, renowned for its flavours, aromatic spices, and meticulous preparation. The restaurant wants to offer an exceptional culinary experience, creating the authentic flavours of Karaikudi while embracing the warmth and hospitality that define South Indian culture.

Choccan offers a distinctive culinary experience, from its carefully curated menu to its welcoming ambience. Every aspect of the restaurant reflects the traditions, heritage, and spirit of South India. The use of authentic ingredients and traditional recipes ensures that each dish captures the richness of Karaikudi cuisine.

Choccan offers an inviting destination for South Indian food enthusiasts in Sri Lanka. Whether dining with family and friends or discovering new culinary favourites, savouring the distinctive flavours of Karaikudi in the heart of Kotahena.

In a significant milestone for youth-led advocacy in South Asia, the Liberal Youth Movement (LYM) Sri Lanka has officially been accepted as a member of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY). The historic decision was finalised at the 58th IFLRY General Assembly held recently in Taipei, Taiwan, placing Sri Lankan youth advocates on a prominent global stage.

Founded in 2022 by Namini Panditha-a prominent Sri Lankan Attorney-at-Law, author, podcaster, and digital media personality-the Liberal Youth Movement was established to address a critical gap in grassroots civic engagement. The movement’s mission focuses on empowering young people across diverse socio-economic backgrounds to champion core democratic ideals, individual rights, the rule of law, and peaceful public dialogue.

In just four years, LYM has grown into a highly active network spanning multiple districts across Sri Lanka. Through regional workshops, training initiatives, and constitutional advocacy, the organisation has consistently driven political and legal literacy among the country’s youth, even initiating proactive legal measures to protect fundamental liberties during periods of national crisis.

Speaking on the global recognition, Panditha emphasised the long-term vision behind the movement. “When we started LYM, our goal was simple yet urgent: to build an inclusive space where young Sri Lankans could learn to participate meaningfully in governance and defend their civil freedoms. Becoming a part of IFLRY connects our local efforts directly to a worldwide community of youth leaders who share these exact principles,” she stated.

The International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY), headquartered in Berlin, Germany, is the premier global umbrella organisation for liberal, democratic, and radical youth groups. Holding a Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and full membership within Liberal International, IFLRY bridges national youth movements with powerful international platforms. By joining this network, LYM Sri Lanka gains access to vital global resources, international policy forums, and collaborative human rights networks.

The induction has drawn widespread praise from regional bodies, including South Asia Students For Liberty (SFL), who commended Panditha and her team for their relentless efforts in growing the liberty movement within the region.

As Sri Lanka navigates complex socio-economic reforms, the formal inclusion of LYM into the global framework of IFLRY highlights the evolving role of young professionals and civil society leaders in shaping the nation’fs democratic future.

The CEMBA/CEMPA Alumni Association successfully convened its 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 20 June, 2026, bringing together distinguished academics, alumni, and members of the professional community. The event served as a platform to strengthen alumni bonds, review achievements, and chart the course for future initiatives.

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address, dedicated to the memory of the late Senior Professor Nalin Abesekera.

Outgoing President Yajith de Silva, in his remarks, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) Vice Chancellor Senior Professor P.M.C. Thilakerathna, the academic staff, the executive committee, and the membership for their unwavering cooperation in conducting the affairs of the alumni. He emphasised that Professor Abesekera was remembered as a tower of strength to the alumni community-an eminent scholar, mentor, and visionary leader whose guidance and support shaped the association’s growth. De Silva acknowledged that his own journey as president was made possible through Professor Abesekera’s encouragement and mentorship, underscoring the profound personal and institutional impact of his legacy.

The keynote address was delivered by University of Sri Jayewardenepura Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) Senior Professor Ajantha Dharmasiri. In a deeply moving tribute titled “Nalin as a Novel Navigator”, Professor Dharmasiri reflected on Professor Abesekera’s multifaceted contributions. He described him as a scholar of stature yet humble and humane, a “navigator in marketing” who bridged global concepts with local realities by translating marketing principles into Sinhala for the benefit of entrepreneurs. Professor Abesekera’s academic journey included a PhD in Marketing and Leadership and an MBA from the University of Colombo, with recognition as an Outstanding Asian Educator in 2018 by IASPER. His editorial leadership of the Sri Lanka Journal of Management Studies and his role as reviewer for numerous international journals further highlighted his scholarly influence. Beyond academia, he was a “navigator in humanity,” a lifelong learner who valued gratitude, upheld cultural traditions, and inspired colleagues and students alike with humility and creativity. Professor Dharmasiri concluded that the best tribute to his friend was to continue his unfinished mission for the betterment of humanity.

In his remarks, Dean of the Faculty S.A.D. Senanayaka, assured his continued support for the activities of the Alumni Association. His pledge of collaboration was warmly welcomed by members, reinforcing the strong partnership between alumni and the university administration.

The Vice Chancellor, serving as Chief Guest, commended the outgoing president and committee for their dedicated service to the alumni community and for strengthening ties with the Commonwealth of Learning. He emphasised the importance of launching new short courses to equip alumni and students with multi-skilled competencies, particularly in soft skills and emerging areas of professional development. He endorsed the action plans proposed by President-elect Lakmal Gunarathna, especially in advancing AI skills, noting that such initiatives are vital for enhancing competitiveness in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Reflecting on the keynote, the Vice Chancellor stressed that the demise of Senior Professor Nalin Abesekera was not only a major loss to the Open University but also to the nation, as his scholarship and humanity had elevated Sri Lanka’s academic and professional standards.

Incoming President Lakmal Gunarathna outlined his vision to build upon the achievements of his predecessors. He pledged to expand alumni activities, foster stronger collaboration with academic staff, and introduce innovative programs that address contemporary challenges in management and leadership. He called upon members to actively engage in these initiatives, emphasising that collective effort and unity would ensure the association’s continued growth and relevance. His plans included strengthening professional networks, enhancing alumni visibility, and promoting knowledge exchange through workshops and seminars.

The evening concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Secretary Victor Patrick, who expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, faculty members, distinguished guests, sponsors, and alumni for their presence and support. He acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing committee and extended best wishes to the newly elected leadership team.

Opposition MP Faiszer Musthapha, PC yesterday handed over a Private Member’s Bill titled ‘Social Media Minimum Age’ to the Secretary General of Parliament.

The Bill seeks to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms in Sri Lanka, while granting the Child Affairs Minister extensive powers to regulate online access, including imposing daily usage limits and restricting the hours during which minors can use internet services.

The primary objective of this proposed legislation is to shield children from harmful online content and activities by requiring internet service providers and social media platforms to prevent access by users under 16 years of age.

In addition, the Bill introduces broad regulatory powers that could significantly reshape how young Sri Lankans access digital platforms.

Under the proposed law, the Child Affairs Minister would be empowered to issue regulations compelling service providers to block access to designated internet services and social media platforms for children under 16 years old. The Minister could also determine how long minors are permitted to use certain online services and even prescribe the times of day when access is allowed.

The legislation envisages the appointment of an Authorised Commissioner under the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) with extensive oversight powers. The Commissioner would be authorised to receive complaints, conduct investigations, demand information and documents, issue directions, and undertake inspections to ensure compliance.

The Bill’s scope extends beyond conventional social media platforms.

Its definition of social media services includes any electronic service of which the primary or significant purpose is to facilitate online interaction between users and enable the posting of content. Such wording could potentially capture a wide range of platforms, including messaging, community, gaming, and content-sharing services depending on how regulations are drafted.

The proposal comes amid a growing international movement to tighten social media access for minors, driven by concerns over cyberbullying, mental health impacts, online exploitation, harmful content, and excessive screen time.

However, countries attempting similar restrictions have often faced significant practical and legal challenges, particularly around age verification, privacy concerns, freedom of expression, and enforceability.

If the Bill gets approved by Parliament, Sri Lanka could become one of the few countries in the region to impose statutory age-based restrictions on social media.

Sri Lanka successfully participated in the 10th China-South Asia Exposition (CSAE) and the 30th China (Kunming) Import and Export Fair held from 11 to 16 June 2026 in Kunming, China, further strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, and included Minister (Commercial) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing and the officials of the Department of Commerce, and over 250 business representatives from around 100 Sri Lankan exporters. Deputy Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Minister Arun Premachandra also participated in the China-South Asia Cooperation Forum held alongside the Exposition.

Prior to the opening of the Exposition, the delegation participated in the 3rd Seminar between Chinese and South Asian Government Industries, Universities and Research Institutions, which focused on innovation, research collaboration, technology transfer and industrial partnerships.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister Samarasinghe emphasised the importance of strengthening market access, investment cooperation, SME partnerships, digital trade, and trade facilitation to support export-oriented economies. He underscored the need for deeper economic collaboration with China to promote sustainable growth, enhance trade opportunities, and foster shared prosperity across the region.

The Minister also inaugurated the Sri Lanka Pavilion, which featured 100 booths spanning more than 1,000 square metres and showcased a diverse range of Sri Lankan products and services, including Ceylon tea, spices, gems and jewellery, coconut-based products, seafood, apparel, handicrafts, wellness products, and aviation-related services.

Sri Lanka’s participation in the exposition has grown significantly in recent years, with the 2026 delegation representing one of the country’s largest business contingents to attend the event. Participating Sri Lankan companies reported successful product sales during the Fair and established promising business-to-business partnerships, paving the way for potential export deals, distributorship arrangements, and long-term commercial collaborations. Sri Lanka also participated in the South Asia Commodity (Tea) Festival to further promote Ceylon Tea in the Chinese market.

A dedicated Business-to-Business (B2B) Matchmaking Event was organised by the authorities of the Yunnan Province in parallel with the Exposition to facilitate direct engagement between Sri Lankan and Chinese enterprises. A notable outcome of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between M/S Premium Beverages Ltd., a Sri Lankan liquor exporter, and one of China’s leading winery and liquor distribution companies to promote Sri Lankan products in the Chinese market.

During the visit, Minister Samarasinghe and the delegation held discussions with the Governor of Yunnan Province and the Department of Commerce of Yunnan Province on expanding trade and investment cooperation, improving market access and strengthening logistics connectivity between Sri Lanka and China.

The delegation also visited the Kunming Comprehensive Bonded Zone, where the Chinese Government has expressed its willingness to provide Sri Lankan exporters with access to free warehouse facilities under the “Three Facilitations and Three Exemptions” initiative. The proposed facility is expected to strengthen supply chain connectivity, improve trade efficiency, and support the expansion of Sri Lankan products in the Chinese market.

The China-South Asia Exposition, jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Government of Yunnan Province, continues to serve as one of the region’s premier platforms for promoting trade, investment, business networking, and people-to-people exchanges between China and South Asian countries. The organisers provided the entire Sri Lanka Pavilion free of charge, while the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka successfully coordinated the country’s participation in close collaboration with the organisers, participating Sri Lankan companies, and other key stakeholders. In recognition of its outstanding efforts in organising and facilitating Sri Lanka’s participation, the Department of Commerce was awarded the “Outstanding Exhibition Organiser Award” by the Exposition organisers.

Sri Lanka’s successful participation at the Exposition has further strengthened its longstanding ties with China and created new opportunities for trade, investment, and business collaboration. The Government of Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting exporters, expanding access to international markets, and deepening economic engagement with China, the world’s second-largest consumer market.

A delegation led by Institute of Area Studies Research Centre for Global Governance and International Communication Director and Peking University, China Institute of International Communication Dean Prof. Wang Weijia, conducted a series of high-level research interviews in Colombo recently.

During their visit, the delegation met with several government and state sector representatives, members of the legal fraternity, members of the armed forces and experts from leading international affairs think tanks, engaging in wide-ranging discussions on Sri Lanka-China cooperation.

Trade and investment as key growth drivers

At a meeting with Western Province Governor Presidential Special Envoy on Foreign Investments and Hanif Yusoof, the delegation engaged in in-depth discussions on Sri Lanka’s international trade and investment landscape. Governor Yusoof noted that international trade and foreign direct investment are critical to Sri Lanka’s future economic growth, with logistics, energy, and tourism identified as priority sectors for attracting foreign capital.

He further highlighted the longstanding involvement of Chinese enterprises in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, energy, road, and telecommunications sectors, noting their significant contribution to the country’s economic development. Looking ahead, he stressed that Sri Lanka should leverage its strategic geographic position to build regional supply chain networks and deepen cooperation with Chinese enterprises in export-oriented manufacturing.

A relationship “Beyond Commercial”

Speaking with Treasury and Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, the delegation explored various dimensions of the Sri Lanka-China relationship. Dr. Suriyapperuma emphasised that the two countries are bound by longstanding historical, cultural and sentimental ties that extend well “beyond commercial and transactions”.

In this context, he highlighted Port City Colombo as a symbol of the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and China, and described the project as an important platform with the potential to contribute to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic growth and international connectivity.

Exploring new models of cooperation

During the interview with Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) Acting Chairman Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, discussions focused on Sri Lanka’s current investment landscape and potential new models for Sri Lanka-China cooperation.

Dr. Jayawardena noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) projects such as Port City Colombo generate both direct and indirect economic benefits, including foreign capital inflows, employment opportunities for local citizens, and technology transfer. Beyond infrastructure development, he noted that high-tech manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and textiles should serve as key areas for deeper Sri Lanka-China cooperation.

Looking ahead, he hopes to leverage academic and think-tank institutions such as Peking University to create more platforms for mutual exchange and collaboration. In particular, he highlighted the value of learning from China’s experience in special economic zone governance, manufacturing development, and workforce training, with a view to exploring new avenues for deeper bilateral cooperation.

Throughout the visit, Prof. Wang introduced Peking University’s academic strengths in area studies and international communication to the officials and experts engaged during the delegation’s meetings. He also expressed the university’s commitment to conducting further research aligned with Sri Lanka’s development priorities, while fostering scholarly and cultural exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding and serve as a bridge between the two countries.