Yoshika Gunarathna performs during the "Chinese Bridge" competition in Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 25, 2025. The 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students (Sri Lanka Region) was held on May 25 in Colombo. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

COLOMBO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Fifteen-year-old Yoshika Gunarathna was named the national winner of the 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students (Sri Lanka Region) on Sunday in Colombo. Yoshika will represent Sri Lanka at the global finals of the competition in China later this year.

This year's "Chinese Bridge" competition brought together 182 students from 43 schools in 13 cities across six provinces. Students from grades 6 to 13 participated in several rounds, including the preliminary and semi-final stages, before 15 finalists advanced to the last stage of the competition. Contestants demonstrated language skills and their talent for Chinese culture.

The award ceremony took place at the Port City Colombo and included students, teachers, parents, and several officials from Sri Lanka and China. The event was organized by the Lumbini Confucius Classroom and CHEC Port City Colombo, hosted by the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka.

Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Senevirathna, who addressed the participants, said that the "Chinese Bridge" competition is a platform for young Sri Lankans to engage with the Chinese language and culture. "The 'Chinese Bridge' competition is a symbol of linguistic excellence, cultural exchange, and friendship."

The official acknowledged the efforts of students who have taken an interest in Chinese language studies, calling them not just language learners, but also "cultural ambassadors and future leaders of global harmony." He pointed to the broader importance of educational and cultural exchanges in Sri Lanka-China relations. "These connections will endure across generations," Senevirathna said.

Ji Lili, counselor of the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka, said the "Chinese Bridge" competition is more than a language event, "it is a bridge that connects hearts across borders." The competition also provides a platform for young people around the world to learn Chinese, understand China, and showcase their talents, Ji said.

"This year's participants have shown strong language skills and an appreciation for Chinese culture. They represent the results of ongoing educational cooperation between China and Sri Lanka," She said.

Wang Fei, Chinese director of the Lumbini Confucius Classroom, said that the Confucius Classroom will continue to provide opportunities for Sri Lankan students to study Chinese language and culture. "We believe language builds communication, and cultural exchange builds understanding." Through events like 'Chinese Bridge,' students have the opportunity to deepen their passion for learning and form connections that contribute to Sri Lanka-China friendship, he said.

The "Chinese Bridge" competition has become an annual event for students in Sri Lanka who wish to study the language. Students from a range of grades and backgrounds take part in written tests, speeches, and performances related to the Chinese language and culture. The event aims to promote language study and provide young people with opportunities to interact with peers from other schools and regions.

For this year's winner, Yoshika Gunarathna, the next step will be representing Sri Lanka at the global finals in China, where she will compete with students from other countries. Her selection highlights the growing role of Chinese language education in Sri Lanka's school system and the opportunities it creates for students.

With Yoshika preparing for the finals, she carries the hopes of a small but fast-growing community of Chinese learners, and, officials say, another chance to strengthen people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and China. ■

Yoshika Gunarathna (2nd R) receives championship trophy as the national winner of the 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students (Sri Lanka Region) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 25, 2025.

The 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students (Sri Lanka Region) was held on May 25 in Colombo. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

A contestant performs during the "Chinese Bridge" competition in Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 25, 2025.

The 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students (Sri Lanka Region) was held on May 25 in Colombo. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)