Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Saturday, 21 February 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
2026 Colourful Yunnan- Rendezvous team with the hosts of the show
Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), together with the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, the District Secretariat of Hambantota, and the Hambantota Municipal Council, successfully co-hosted a special cultural performance titled “2026 Colourful Yunnan: Rendezvous in Sri Lanka” at the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Centre (MRICC) in Hambantota.
The event formed part of a series of performances organised by the Chinese Embassy to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year and to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties between China and Sri Lanka. The Yunnan Provincial Song and Dance Ensemble presented a vibrant artistic showcase reflecting the rich cultural traditions of China’s Yunnan Province.
The Hambantota performance followed two well-received shows held earlier in Colombo. It marked a significant extension of the cultural program to Sri Lanka’s Southern region, bringing international performing arts directly to the local community.
The event was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, Hambantota District Secretary and Government Agent Indrajith De Silva; Hambantota Municipal Council Mayor D.A. Gamini, and HIPG CEO Wilson Qu. Senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, and invited guests also attended.
HIPG CEO Wilson Qu said the port’s role as a co-host reflected its commitment to being more than just a logistics and maritime hub. “Hambantota International Port is proud to support initiatives that promote cultural exchange and community engagement. As an international gateway, HIPG aims to foster not only trade and investment but also meaningful connections between people and cultures,” he said.
The performance featured a dynamic blend of traditional music, dance, and theatrical storytelling, drawing strong audience participation and appreciation from attendees in Hambantota and surrounding areas.
The cultural program is part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral relations through arts, culture, and social engagement, highlighting the shared values of friendship, harmony, and cooperation between the two countries.
Beyond cultural celebration, initiatives such as this play an important role in strengthening goodwill, which can directly impact business and investment. By building trust and mutual understanding at the community level, cultural exchanges help create a more positive environment for long-term partnerships, trade, and collaboration. HIPG’s support for such programs reflects its belief that strong people-to-people ties complement economic development and contribute to sustainable, inclusive growth around the port.
HIPG CEO Wilson Qu
The troup performing a cultural Chinese dance
Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong (right) arriving at the show flanked by Hambantota District Secretary and Government Agent Indrajith De Silva and Hambantota Municipal Council Mayor D.A. Gamini
