A feast for martial art lovers in Sri Lanka

Enthusiasts of Chinese martial art wushu had a chance to gather and enjoy a cultural feast in Sri Lanka last week as strength and beauty converged.

The "China Culture Day -- Wushu 2025", hosted by the Chinese embassy in Colombo and organized by the Wushu Federation of Sri Lanka, was held at Elphinstone Theatre in the Sri Lankan capital on Dec 3.

The more than an hour of performances -- from the steady and flowing movements of tai chi and the powerful, swift demonstrations of broadsword and staff techniques to the expressive Drunken Fist and Drunken Sword, the thrilling Sanda combat, and the adorable children's wushu performances – fully showcased the depth and breadth of Chinese martial arts. Over 500 guests attended the event.

Sunil Kumara Gamage, minister of youth affairs and sports of Sri Lanka, said he hoped cooperation with China in various fields of sports will be further strengthened.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said holding "China Culture Day -- Wushu 2025 at such a challenging time carries special significance. It not only demonstrates the philosophical essence of Chinese wushu, which "balances strength with softness and promotes harmony and coexistence", but also serves as a vivid testament to the mutual support and solidarity between the Chinese and Sri Lankan peoples in the face of adversity.

He extended profound condolences to Sri Lanka for the recent natural disasters in the country, noting the assistance provided by various sectors of Chinese society to help Sri Lanka overcome the floods.

On behalf of the Sri Lankan government, Gamage thanked the Chinese government and people for the generous assistance in the immediate aftermath of the disasters, saying this fully reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two countries.