Dance troupe of Chinese children here to perform at Nelum Pokuna

Friday, 28 September 2012 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Celebrating ties between China and Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka-China Journalists Forum in collaboration with Embassy of China will present China Nanjing Little Red Flowers Children’s Art Troupe for the first time in Sri Lanka as ‘Red Flowers on Stage’ on 30 September and 1 October at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre.

The exclusive first-ever Chinese children’s performance in Sri Lanka will see 21 children showing off their talent, highlighting the culture of China.

Chinese Embassy Deputy Head of Mission and Political Counsellor Ren Faqiang stated that a special show for school children will be held on 1 October at 10 a.m. in celebrating Children’s Day and the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

“The torch of friendship should be passed on from generation to generation. Children represent the future of a country and a cultural exchange between children of two countries would strengthen the relationship further,” Faqiang said.

The dance troupe is known as one of the best in the world and has been highly rated for their superior performances on international stage. They have conducted shows in USA, France and Japan and received high commendation.

Established in 1950, China Nanjing Little Red Flowers Children’s Art Troupe is the first children’s art troupe in the country and was the first Chinese children’s art troupe to perform overseas.

“The show is entirely designed to bridge the gap between the countries and give our local children the opportunity to experience an entertainment show that will amaze them,” Sri Lanka- China Journalists Forum President Nalin Aponso said.

He noted that the body together with the Chinese Embassy would look at implementing an exchange program to develop and harness the artistic skills of Sri Lankan children in China in the near future.

Speaking on the relationship between the countries which dates back to some 2000 years or more, Aponso noted that this year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 60th anniversary of China-Sri Lanka Rubber Rice Pact.

Having been organising the event for over a year, Aponso asserted that the public shows which will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday and Monday are open to the public free of charge.

Pix by Lasantha Kumara