Time management, China's secret to progress - WP Governor

Priyanka KURUGALA

China can teach Sri Lanka a good lesson on time management. It is the secret of their progress. Sri Lanka too can follow this example in the country's progress, Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana said.

He was addressing the opening ceremony of South Asia-China Cultural Week yesterday. It will be held until May 23.

India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and Bangladesh are participating in the session organised by the Association for Sri Lanka - China Social and Cultural Cooperation (ASLCSCC).

"China is a close friend of Sri Lanka. We are very proud of it. It is one of the four most powerful countries," he said. " China is very helpful. It always helps other countries."

The cultures of Sri Lanka and China are similar in many ways. Both follow the teachings of the Buddha, he said.

Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Vice President Feng Zuoku said culture promotes self-recognition and self-interpretation.

"It is a symbol of belonging, dignity and cohesiveness. Culture is carved in the memory of a nation's soul and spirit. As a national organisation engaged in people to people diplomacy, CPAFFC closely follows the national development strategy. It spares no efforts to introduce the Chinese culture to the world with a range of cultural exchange activities.

It provides a forum for dialogue, a platform for cultural communication between China and the world," he said.

Indo China Friendship Association (ICFA) National Vice President Dr G H Fernandes said historical research has revealed that India and China are two great ancient civilisations.

"Both countries shared cultural traits since the beginning of human history. This long standing cultural trading has continued ever since, and both countries look forward to improve it."

Nepal and Bangladesh delegates also spoke.