Maithree Wickremesinghe, the first lady of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, visited Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) on Oct 17. 

Wang Dinghua, secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, delivers a speech. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Wang Dinghua, secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, extended a warm welcome to Wickremesinghe and recalled the enduring friendship between China and Sri Lanka. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, with Sri Lanka being one of the earliest participating countries, Wang said. 

He also recognized BFSU's significant contributions to fostering China-Sri Lanka friendly exchanges. The Sinhala language program offered by the university has achieved remarkable success in more than 60 years of teaching and talent development, producing a substantial number of Sinhala language experts in various fields, including diplomacy, foreign affairs, education, media and trade. 

Wang shared his memorable experiences during his visit to Sri Lanka and thanked the Sri Lankan government for supporting BFSU students' study and exchanges in the country. 

He said he hopes that BFSU will maintain cooperation with government departments and cultural and educational institutions in Sri Lanka, and continue to contribute to mutual cultural understanding and the traditional friendship between the two countries. 

Maithree Wickremesinghe, the first lady of Sri Lanka, gives a speech. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

In her speech, the first lady shared her experiences and insights into promoting global gender equality, safeguarding women's health and rights and advancing the progress of the women's cause in Sri Lanka and international organizations such as the United Nations. 

She emphasized the significance of women's issues in the 21st century, urging the audience to pay attention to women's health and education and work together to achieve gender equality and uphold common human values. 

Wickremesinghe expressed her delight in the deep-rooted historical friendship between Sri Lanka and China and her satisfaction with the outstanding achievements made by BFSU’s Sinhala language program. 

The first lady said she hopes to continue the ongoing cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries within the BRI framework. 

Wang Dinghua (third from left), secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, presents Maithree Wickremesinghe (fourth from left), the first lady of Sri Lanka, with souvenirs. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Students at BFSU’s Sinhala language program and Sri Lankan students at the university perform traditional dances. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The event brought together over 300 students and faculty members from more than 10 schools at BFSU.