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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka China Journalists’ Forum (SLCJF) and Chongqing Normal University (CNU) in China has signed for enhancing the bilateral relations between two countries in an event held in Colombo last week.
Chongqing Normal University President Prof. Zhou Zeyang and SLCJF President Nalin Aponso have signed the MoU on behalf of each party. According to the signed MoU, CNU has recognised SLCJF as its official representative in Sri Lanka. The MOU will enable the opportunities for both parties while keeping the Belt and Road Initiative as the main platform.
The Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka Cultural Section Head Liu Dong; Office for International Cooperation and Exchanges Director Prof. Guan Pin; International College for Chinese Language and Culture Dean Prof. Lei Yong; International College for Chinese Language and Culture teacher Dr. Yu Haikuo, several representatives of the Confucius Institute atUniversityofKelaniya in Sri Lanka, including its director WangWanxia,and several members of the SLCJF werealso joined this significant event.
While addressing the gathering SLCJFPresident Nalin Aponso said, “As a pioneering organisation SLCFJ consists of leading journalists in Sri Lanka and has proven its capacity, credibility and strength in promoting China-Sri Lanka friendship in Sri Lanka. This historic MOU we are signing today with CNU will be an opportunity for us to implement necessary steps in order to elevate the significant role of CNU as an education institute within Sri Lanka and make it a well-known higher education institute for Sri Lankan students.”
“We both countries are inseparable. I believe it is needless to narrate the history as we are aware of it. As you know, the Belt and Road is an evolved platform of this longest relationship,” he observed.
During the discussion, both parties agreed to exchange programs. Therefore, CNU will offer around 20 scholarships through SLCFJ for career journalists working in Sri Lanka annually. These residence programs will open up opportunities to earn deep knowledge and understanding on China including her cultural and economic values.
Meanwhile, both parties have acknowledged the importance of opening a local branch of CNU in Sri Lanka in the future.
CNU is a pioneering education institute established in 1954, have proven its rich contribution towards education, not only in China but also in many other countries. It is significant; many Sri Lankan students have also earned their higher education from CNU in recent past.