The China Cultural Centre located on Independence avenue has been providing facilities and services for friendly exchanges between China and Sri Lanka.Friendly exchanges between China and Sri Lanka have a history of more than 1600 years. China and Sri Lanka are true friends who have always supported each other. This relationship proves that culture brings societies and nations together, fostering peace understanding and harmony. China and Sri Lanka have a long history in tea culture exchanges. As early as 250 years ago, the two countries have been carrying out tea trade. Sri Lanka is well known for its Ceylon black tea. Both peoples love to drink tea.
The Sri Lanka China Tea Cultural Exhibition was recently held at the premises of the China Cultural Center. It was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism of the People’s Republic of China together with The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka and organized by the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka under the guidance of China International Cultural Association with the Association of Sri Lanka Tea Board. This event was co-organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Colombo.
At the opening ceremony of the exhibition held last month, a magazine was distributed by the center informing us that after the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic, Sri Lanka expressed its sympathy and support for the Chinese people, and donated Ceylon black tea to China.
Fusion of flavors and traditions
The exhibition was declared open by Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickremanayake. Visitors experienced a large collection of tea from the two countries, artifacts, documentaries and photographs related to tea culture while tasting exquisite flavors of teas.We know that currently, major Sri Lankan exports to China include rubber and its products, black tea, precious stones and coconut oil. Exhibitions such as this further strengthen the relationship between our two countries.
In her address Director of China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka, Ms. Yun Fung, pointed out that since ancient times China has always had the tradition of treating guests with tea. “We at the China Cultural Center hope that through this event we can promote the idea that tea can be used as a medium to make friends. Both Sri Lanka and China have a rich tea culture. China green tea and Ceylon black tea are recognized worldwide. The tea culture is an important part of the cultural integration of the two countries.
The China Cultural Center organized this event for tea tasting and tea appreciation. The center has received strong support from the Ministry of Buddhism, Religion and Cultural Affairs. This exhibition is something beautiful and something that has value. Events like this can further enhance our trust and understanding. We hope that with the support of everyone, the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka will be able to host similar rich cultural events such as this in the future. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who worked so hard to make this event a success,” said Ms. Fung.
Collaborative efforts
In his address the Chinese Cultural Counselor to Sri Lanka Mr. Zhang Yingbao, stated that China’s traditional tea-making techniques and their associated social practices have successfully become UNESCO’s latest world intangible cultural heritage. “Chinese tea producers have developed six categories of tea - green, yellow, dark, white, oolong and black. These practices and techniques have been passed down from generation to generation. Tea is not only a drink for people. It is also a pursuit. It is a lifestyle. Chinese tea culture became widely known by people in many countries through the ancient Silk Road. It has become an important medium for making friends and creating mutual understanding. In the year 1824, the first tea plant was brought to Ceylon. It came from China. This exhibition will educate people about tea making techniques.”
Minister for Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, ViduraWickremanayake, pointed out that the friendship of the Chinese is very important to Sri Lanka. “Tea has been in Sri Lanka for almost two centuries, introduced by the British. Until then we had mostly herbal drinks. That is what we consumed for centuries. The British introduced coffee. First we were coffee drinkers. Then there was a devastating effect on coffee called the ‘Coffee Rust’. That was the time they switched over to tea. Today almost every Sri Lankan consumes tea.
The tea that comes to our table has been nourished by tears, blood and sweat. China has been a friend and trading partner of Sri Lanka for centuries. We see the archaeological remains and the writings.China has been a formidable partner. We are happy and delighted by this. We thank China for the cultural links that we have with them. This particular event is another avenue to strengthen our friendship. Let us foster this. I propose a cultural forum in the future between China and Sri Lanka.
This is because of the enormous contribution of China. There should be exchanges of ideas and disciplines. Tea is part of our culture now. We have a culinary heritage-our food and beverages. But we are not very concerned about this. That is a part that has been forgotten. So, let us revive the past without living in the past, with the objective of surmounting the challenges of tomorrow,” explained Minister Wickremanayake.
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