The Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka is one of the teaching sites of the Confucius Institute at the University of Colombo, which provides Chinese volunteer teachers each year to conduct Chinese language classes for students of the University. 

As part of this ongoing collaboration, the newly appointed Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, Dr. (Mrs.) Zhu Fangfang, and the Sri Lankan Director, Dr. (Mrs.) S. M. Thenabadu, together with Ms. Liu Xingtong, Volunteer Chinese Lecturer appointed by the Confucius Institute at the University of Colombo, visited the Buddhist and Pali University on 10 September 2026. The delegation met with the Most Venerable Vice-Chancellor, Ven. Chair Professor Homagama Dhammananda Nayaka Thero, and the Dean, Faculty of Language Studies, Ven. Prof. Gonadeniye Pannarathana Thero, in the presence of Dr. Nimali Priyangika, Head of the Department of Language Skills Development and Lecturer in Charge of Chinese Language, to discuss future academic cooperation. The discussion focused on the current status and future development of Chinese language education at the University, as well as academic and cultural activities planned for 2026. The two Directors expressed their willingness to support Chinese cultural programmes and other related activities, and to promote Chinese scholarships and educational opportunities among University students. 

The Dean, Faculty of Language Studies, also invited the Chinese Director to promote the Buddhist and Pali University’s internal and external courses, student exchange opportunities with Beijing Foreign Studies University, and academic programmes in Buddhist and Pali studies among Chinese academic and student communities, particularly those interested in studying Pali, Buddhism, and other related subjects. He further highlighted the possibility of establishing an MoU between the two universities to strengthen institutional cooperation and create greater academic and educational opportunities for students and academic staff.

The meeting marked another important step in strengthening the relationship between the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka and the Confucius Institute at the University of Colombo, creating further opportunities for academic, cultural, and educational cooperation.

Head 

Department of Language Skills Development