“Tea for Harmony-Yaji” Cultural Salon

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong

Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday held “Tea for Harmony-Yaji” Cultural Salon in celebration of International Tea Day.

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, and Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Level-I Counsel Lai Fuqiang were present at the event.

Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said China is the birthplace of tea and tea is not only a beverage but also the crystallisation of civilisation and knowledge passed down from generation to generation. It is not only a way of life but also an integral part of Chinese history and culture.

In terms of Sri Lanka, he said Ceylon tea is well known worldwide, has a unique history and cultural heritage and the people of China and Sri Lanka share a long history of growing, making, tasting and drinking tea, fostering exchanges and mutual learning.

“Tea, as a medium, will further promote cultural exchanges between the two countries and strengthen the friendship between the two peoples,” Ambassador Qi Zhenhong emphasised. The event included demonstration of “Traditional Chinese tea-making techniques and related customs” which are included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A range of traditional performances of dance, song and music from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was a key feature of the celebrations along with performances of Sri Lankan music and dance.

– Pix by Lasantha Kumara