独家采访：斯里兰卡--中国社会文化合作协会主席
英德拉南德·阿贝塞克拉
2013年，中斯关系提升为真诚互助、世代友好的战略合作伙伴关系，两国之间交流在“一带一路”框架下日益密切，斯里兰卡相关民间组织为中斯友好发挥了重要作用，成立于1997年的斯里兰卡—中国社会文化合作协会（Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation，即ASLCSCC，简称“斯中社会文化合作协会”）便是其中之一，该协会主席英德拉南德·阿贝塞克拉（Indrananda Abeysekera，以下简称“阿贝”)是中斯友好坚定的支持者和践行者，几十年来致力于促进两国民间友好交流。从1987年首次来华至今，阿贝与中国建立了深情厚谊。他曾在中国国际广播电台工作，担任僧伽罗语频道顾问。1994年，他获得了国家外国专家局颁发的中国政府友谊奖奖章和证书，2004年获得中国人民对外友好协会“友好大使”称号，2007年获得中国人民对外友好协会“友谊奖”。
今年是中国共产党建党100周年，该协会举办了一系列专题活动，为从民间层面增进友谊做出了贡献。为更好地延续中斯友谊，我中心特邀常驻斯里兰卡自由撰稿人杨诗源对阿贝主席进行专访，采访内容如下：
▲阿贝于1994年获得国家外国专家局颁发的中国政府友谊奖奖章和证书
“我们认为“没有共产党，就没有新中国”这句话饱含智慧，教会了人们很多关于提高生活水平和发展国家的道理”
海南公共外交研究中心：今年是中国共产党成立100周年，斯中社会文化合作协会出版了《镜像中国》—中国共产党建党100周年特刊。回顾百年历史，您看到了中国的哪些变化？
阿贝：我认为中国共产党建党100周年是中国乃至全世界最重要的周年纪念。对于真正谋求社会经济发展的国家来说，中国共产党成立100周年为他们提供了壮丽、广博、引人入胜的课堂。
中国的觉醒和中国特色社会主义的进步，不仅给中国，也给世界带来和平与发展。众所周知，“没有中国共产党就没有新中国”，没有中国共产党就没有中国如今取得的显著成就。在这方面，我想还补充一下我自己的想法：中国共产党是自力更生并走向世界的伟大典范。
时间已经证明了中国共产党蓬勃的生命力。中国共产党的原则、政策和理念开创了许多先河，不仅为中国，也为世界做出了榜样。中国共产党的政策和理念是非常独特的，同时具有理论性和实用性，这就是中国在社会和经济发展中取得越来越多的成就，并彻底消除贫困的原因。还有一点是“不忘初心”，中国共产党致力于坚持贯彻他们的原则和政策。共产党的领袖和其他领导人堪称楷模，给人民信心，与人民同行。从全国人民代表大会和中国人民政治协商会议的制度设置，可以了解中国人民的愿望和意见是如何表达的。
中国共产党的领导是中国外交的最大政治优势。在我看来，中国共产党的英明领导是取得一切成就的决定性因素，这对于一个国家的生存来说非常重要，也是我们第三世界国家外交的范例。中国在各方面坚持走人民路线，始终关注人民的思想、愿望和需要。 中国共产党在国家治理上重视人才选拔和培养，我想这也是中国的政策和理念都到妥善落实的原因之一。公务人员的素养高，具备特定领域的丰富知识，是国家发展的重要的原因。
▲阿贝作为斯中社会文化合作协会创始人，拜访中国人民对外友好协会
我们的官方杂志《镜像中国》（CHINA MIRROR）决定出版中国共产党建党100周年特刊，是因为中国共产党的成长历程值得第三世界国家学习。特刊收录了斯里兰卡总统、总理、议长、议会反对党领袖和许多重要政治要人的贺词，还收录了具有重要意义的中国共产党相关文章。
协会的成员通过查阅公开资料，组织多次研讨会，探索人们为什么会说“没有共产党，就没有新中国”这句话。我们认为它饱含智慧，教会了人们很多关于提高生活水平和发展国家的道理。
“中国始终视斯里兰卡为亲密的朋友，在新冠疫情期间，中国的支持更是无与伦比。”
海南公共外交研究中心：通过您的故事，我感受到了老一代友谊大使们的坚定信念，您是其中最有名的一位。新冠肺炎疫情给全球卫生和国际合作带来挑战，您认为这期间中斯两国有哪些值得称赞的互动？
阿贝：中国一直是斯里兰卡亲密的朋友，为斯里兰卡提供了很多帮助。每当斯里兰卡需要支持，中国都会毫不犹豫地雪中送炭。例如，在中国的支持下，我们得以结束了30年内战，战后中国继续助力我国的社会和经济发展，最让人感动的时，很多时候中国是主动提供帮助。中国始终视斯里兰卡为亲密真诚的朋友，在新冠肺炎疫情期间，中国的支持更是无与伦比，中国为我们提供了全方位的支持，从口罩、呼吸机到技术设备援助等。斯里兰卡目前使用的疫苗80%以上来自中国。
除了中国政府的援助，中国的各种非政府组织和机构都尽可能地为斯里兰卡提供帮助。作为民间对华友好组织，我必须提到，中国人民对外友好协会和广东、河北、湖南、四川省对外友好协会都给我会捐赠了口罩。中国友协与中国和平与发展基金会还共同向斯里兰卡学校和其他社区捐赠了设备。在这次疫情中，我们从中国得到的支持是无价的。
我还必须指出一项重要事实。在斯里兰卡确诊病例中，基本没有一例感染来自中国。
海南公共外交研究中心：自从新冠疫情蔓延以来，部分西方媒体污名化中国抗击新冠疫情的努力，您认为这符合事实吗？我们知道您是一名毕业于科伦坡大学的资深记者，您认为中国应该如何更好地在国际社会发声？
阿贝：在新冠疫情发生之前，别的严重流行病也不时在一些国家或地区蔓延，世界并非第一次经历流行疾病。今天，包括世界卫生组织在内的各方都在召集新冠病毒溯源研究，但正是那些别有用心散布虚假信息和谣言诽谤的人阻碍了病毒溯源，这已不是秘密。我们不必担心个别国家对中国疫情防控的低估。对于那些国家，我只想说，与其诽谤这个世界上人口最多的国家成功控制新冠疫情的事实，倒不如好好研究中国的治理方式并借鉴和应用，让本国或其他国家受益。一些敌对国家对中国的攻击多于对世界的客观思考，我们永远不会接受此类国家的方式。在疫情中，不仅斯里兰卡得到了中国的帮助，而且每一个需要帮助的国家都收到了来自中国的善意。 在灾难中，中国始终以行动取胜，给世界树立了典范。媒体可以向中国学习，并开眼看世界。我们这些有媒体工作背景的人了解不同国家操纵媒体的套路，我认为有素养的媒体不能欺骗观众和读者，也不能置世界卫生组织的意见于不顾。媒体应该讲道德。
我认为疫情不应政治化，中国为世界各国共同战胜疫情树立了榜样。我高度欣赏中国提出的“构建人类卫生健康共同体”的倡议。中国对疫情的有效控制是一个奇迹，同时中国积极推动疫情防控国际合作，向世界提供抗疫物资并进行医疗救助。西方媒体必须如实报道这些情况，这样才能有助于真实的疫情溯源研究。正如中国驻斯里兰卡大使戚振宏在《新冠病毒溯源：相信科学调查，摒弃政治操弄》中所述：“新冠病毒溯源对有效防控疫情具有重要意义，是包括中国和斯里兰卡在内世界各国科学家加紧研究的重大科学问题。”我认为媒体和记者必须携手向世界讲述病毒起源真相，揭露西方媒体的阴谋。
“我的父亲说：‘听着，有朝一日，中国将成为世界上最发达的国家。’”
海南公共外交研究中心：斯中社会文化合作协会成立于1997年，至今已有20多年的历史，并成为中斯民间外交的标杆机构。协会是怎么建立的？是什么让您一直坚持这项事业？在您的工作中，有没有给您留下深刻印象并帮助您事业的人物？
阿贝：从1997年2月开始，我在北京生活了6年。在北京旅居期间，我意识到可以通过开展更多活动来加强斯中关系。我走遍了中国的许多省份，亲身感受了中国社会经济的非凡发展。自1987年以来，我走访了中国除西藏、海南、黑龙江和台湾以外的所有省份。
我也是斯里兰卡中国友好协会（Sri Lanka-China Friendship Society）的会员，我父亲是这一组织的创始成员。1984年他首次访华后，建议我尽自己所能，推进斯中友好关系。他聊到了他的中国之行，让我们印象深刻。他说：“听着，有朝一日，中国将成为世界上最发达的国家。”他鼓励我多听中央人民广播电台的僧伽罗语广播。他也是著名的记者、广播员、诗人、小说家、电影歌曲作家。他指导我们利用从中央人民广播电台得到的知识，向斯里兰卡社区介绍中国。1987年，我们在斯里兰卡成立了中央人民广播电台僧伽罗语服务听众协会，不少听众通过僧伽罗语广播得到了很多关于中国的信息，那次的经历也启迪了我。
回到斯里兰卡后，我与斯里兰卡西部省议会的几位官员讨论了成立协会的想法。前西部省首席部长苏锡尔·普雷马贾彦塔（Susil Premajayantha）阁下和首席秘书皮亚塞纳（R.W. Piyasena）先生表示全力支持。皮亚塞纳先生成为了斯中社会文化合作协会的第一任主席，我是第一任秘书长。
我的朋友和一些受邀贵宾加入了这个协会。从1997年开始，我们开展了各种社会文化活动，尽最大努力在中国推广斯里兰卡文化、在斯里兰卡推广中国文化。我们在文化教育活动中更关注青年人群，截至目前已派出40多个青年代表团赴华进行艺术、文化、科学等交流。作为民间友好组织，我们也进入了中国的许多社会文化圈层，以加强联系。
协会在我的提议下启动了一个叫做“以情为友”的项目，将爱心带给中国农村地区的贫困儿童和学生。我们主要关注残疾儿童，并帮助有需要的学生。我们走访了四川、贵州、重庆、江西等省市，捐赠了学习津贴、书籍、助听器。这些捐赠或许并不昂贵，但也代表了我们对中国儿童和学生的诚意和爱心。
汶川地震后，我去了四川慰问受灾群众。我访问了阿坝师范学院，会见了受灾学生。后来我还率团到四川，在一处临时地点参观了大学和相关设施，向受损的钟楼致敬。期间还去了成都残疾儿童学校，组织“斯里兰卡汶川地震受灾儿童画展”，为他们加油打气，激励孩子们重拾对未来的期待。
斯中社会文化合作协会是一个非政府组织，主要目标是发展斯里兰卡和中国民间的友谊，它是目前南亚最受欢迎的发展对华友谊组织之一，促进了斯里兰卡和中国在文化、社会、教育、妇女和青年、科学技术和经济等各领域的交流，并支持在两国之间建立友好城市和姐妹学校。
▲获得来自四川省人民对外友好协会颁发的“5.12”抗震救灾奖章
斯中社会文化合作协会在中国的主要对口机构是中国人民对外友好协会，并与中国各省级友协也有密切联系。我们与中国国际交流协会、北京对外文化交流中心等都有交流。
当中国发生新冠肺炎疫情时，我们协会组织了祈福活动，我们的成员拜访了中国家庭，参观了中国的建筑工地，慰问他们，并与他们感同身受。
“中国是我的第二个祖国，我在中国的第二个家是友协。”
海南公共外交研究中心：您如何看待民间团体在推动两国交往方面的作用？您能举一些详细的例子吗？有没有让你印象深刻的官方或民间人物？
阿贝：在斯里兰卡，中国驻斯里兰卡大使馆认可的对华友好组织主要包括斯中友好协会、斯中社会文化合作协会、斯中记者论坛、斯中佛教友好协会。各协会不时与中方合作，开展民间外交。
斯中社会文化合作协会也与中国一些政府单位建立了密切联系。中国人民对外友好协会从1999年起就与我们协会合作，1987年我第一次到中国时访问了中国友协，此后一直并保持友谊。他们鼓励我们加强人民之间的友谊，并不时互派代表。从2000年起，我们协会代表团每年都应中国友协的邀请赴华访问。我们协会也不时接待中国友协代表团。所有的友协负责人都对我们非常友好。
我非常幸运地见到了中国友协原会长陈昊苏先生。斯里兰卡遭遇海啸时，访斯的中国友协代表团正在锡吉里耶（狮子岩）山顶。在听到海啸这一让人震惊的消息后，我和他乘车从锡吉里耶前往康提，在路上，他满怀悲悯地创作了一首关于斯里兰卡海啸的诗歌。当抵达科伦坡时，中国友协代表团表示要捐赠100万卢比海啸援助。我们和代表团一起去了前总统马欣达·拉贾帕克萨(Mahinda Lajapakse)的官邸，陈昊苏先生将援助物资交给了他。
中国是我的第二个祖国，我在中国的第二个家是友协。各级友协的领导人都积极地加强双边合作。在促进民间友谊方面，我从他们那里得到了很大的鼓励。此外，中国泉州的许世吟娥公主，在协会推进斯中关系发展上给了我很多鼓励。我去过泉州很多次，她是斯里兰卡王室后裔，但我觉得，她也是我们一员。”
“我们可以通过发展旅游业来促进合作共赢。”
海南公共外交研究中心：在促进两国文化和社会交流方面，您最自豪的成就是什么？
阿贝：有很多成就。我想世界上同时获得三个重要中国奖项的人并不多，我感到非常自豪。1994年我获得中国外专局颁发的中国政府友谊奖奖章和证书，2004年获得中国人民对外友好协会“友好大使”称号，后来他们还给我颁发了“5.12”抗震救灾奖章。 此外，许多中国省级友协授予我“名誉理事”或“友谊大使”的称号。
在促进与中国的社会文化合作与交流方面，我获得了中国和斯里兰卡的许多奖项。在中国友协成立50周年之际，我有幸在场发表演讲，那次的开幕仪式是由中国前国家主席胡锦涛主持的。
我很荣幸在北京组织了第一届“斯里兰卡文化周”。我们组织过媒体发布会，帮助公众了解科伦坡港口城暂停对两国友谊的损害，我还说“没有人能阻止这个项目”。 当科伦坡港口城恢复施工时，我非常高兴。
海南公共外交研究中心：能否介绍一些斯里兰卡有趣的社会文化现象，让中国游客有更深入的了解和更好的旅行体验？
阿贝：我们国家的文化丰富。我们有独特的文化习俗和传统、饮食和服装文化、宗教背景，也不乏自然之美。我们国家的每一处都有自己的美，各省特色不一。斯里兰卡的全周都是海，海景也因地而异。
我们还有多处世界遗产，我们必须为中国游客提供更多的自然和文化遗产体验，邀请他们探索更具吸引力的隐秘场所和文化体验。我们可以通过旅游业建立合作共赢。
海南公共外交研究中心：最后，我代表海南公共外交研究中心欢迎您访问海南，海南也是一座美丽的热带岛屿。
阿贝：我渴望到海南去欣赏热带美景，也渴望建立人们的友谊。我们欢迎与海南公共外交研究中心进行交流，并建议组织一次公共外交网络研讨会，由斯中社会文化合作协会与海南公共外交研究中心合作举办，我们也可以邀请其他相关人员。
未来，在海南公共外交研究中心的帮助和支持下，我们希望在斯里兰卡和海南之间组织更多的社会和文化活动。我认为在“新海上丝绸之路”的发展背景下，可以建成更有成效的社会文化项目。最后，我要向中华人民共和国72周年国庆节致以热烈的祝贺，也感谢您给我表达的机会。
【English Edition】
In 2013, China-Sri Lanka relations were upgraded to a strategic cooperative partnership with sincere and mutual assistance and enduring friendship. The exchanges between the two countries have become increasingly close under the framework of the “Belt and Road” initiative. Non-governmental organizations in Sri Lanka have played an important role in the friendship between China and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation Association(ASLCSCC) was established in 1997. Its president Indrananda Abeysekera is a firm supporter and practitioner of China-Sri Lanka friendship and has been committed to promoting friendly exchanges between the two peoples for decades. Since coming to China for the first time in 1987, Abeysekera has established a profound friendship with China. He used to work for China Radio International as a consultant for the Sinhalese channel. In 1994, he received the Chinese Government Friendship Award Medal and Certificate issued by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, the "Friendship Ambassador" title of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in 2004, and the "Friendship Award" of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in 2007.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The association has organized a series of special events and contributed to the promotion of friendship from the non-governmental level. To better continue the friendship between China and Sri Lanka, our center specially invited Yang Shiyuan(杨诗源), a freelance writer based in Sri Lanka, to conduct an exclusive interview with president Abeysekera. Details of the interview are as follows:
Q: This is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation published a 100-page CHINA MIRROR special edition to celebrate it. Looking back on the century of history, what changes have you seen in China?
▲Abeysekera receiving the Chinese Government Friendship Award Medal and Certificate issued by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs in 1994
Abeysekera： Yes. I think this is the most important anniversary in China as well as to the entire world. And the 100th anniversary of CPC is a magnificent, vast spread and attractive lesson for the countries which seek the social and economic development of their countries. President Xi Jinping’s speech at the grand ceremony of the CPC 100th anniversary says the awakening of China and the advancement with socialism with Chinese characteristics would bring about peace and development not only to China but also to the world. As we all know without the Communist Party of China, there would be no new China, without the Communist Party of China, there would be no national rejuvenation. I would like to add my own words in this regard. Without the Communist Party of China, there would be no great example in this world of ruling a country with its own resources. There were a lot of activities over the last hundred years to prove it, the vitality of the Communist Party of China surges strong.
Principals, policies, and concepts of the Communist Party of China have created many first-of-its-kind achievements. Not only for China but also set many examples for the world. All the Principals, policies, and concepts of the Communist Party of China are very unique. These have values that are both very theoretical and practical. That’s why China achieved countless successes in social and economic development, thus China finally completely eradicated poverty. Another great thing about CPC is that they remain true to their original aspiration, everyone is committed to adhering to those principles and policies. The Chairperson and leaders of CPC are very exemplary. They gave confidence to the people and work with the people. When we think about the institutional setup of NPC and CPPCC, we can see how the ideas, wishes, opinions of the people were expressed.
The leadership of the Communist Party of China is the biggest political advantage of China's diplomacy. As I see, the wise and strong leadership of the Communist Party of China is the decisive factor for all their achievements. This is very important for the survival of a country. It is also a great example of diplomacy for our third-world countries. China has put the people's interests in the first place all the time. It always pays attention to the thoughts, desires, and needs of the people.
The Communist Party of China attaches great importance to the selection and training of talents in national governance. I think this is one of the reasons why China's policies and concepts are all being implemented so properly. The high literacy of public servants and the rich knowledge in each of their specific fields are important reasons for the development of the country.
▲As the founder of ASLCSCC, visits the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
The official magazine of ASLCSCC is CHINA MIRROR (Voice of Sri Lanka-China Friendship) decided to publish a 100-page special issue to celebrate the 100th anniversary of CPC because CPC’s journey is full of experiences which third world countries can get many fruitful lessons. The magazine includes greeting messages from Sri Lanka's President, Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, Opposition Leader of Parliament, and many important political dignitaries of Sri Lanka. Also, it contains several meaningful articles of the Communist Party of China.
ASLCSCC members consulted public information and organized several seminars to explore why people would say "Without the Communist Party, there would be no New China." We think it is full of wisdom and teaches people a lot about improving living standards and developing the country.
Q: From your story, we can feel the firm faith of the elder generation of friendship ambassadors, and you are the most famous of them. The COVID-19 has brought challenges to global health and international collaboration, what do you think are the laudable interactions between China and Sri Lanka during this period?
Abeysekera： China is not a new friend of ours. China has always been a close friend of Sri Lanka. China has been very supportive of us.
Whenever Sri Lanka needs assistance, support, and encouragement, China will unhesitatingly help us. For example, with the support of China, we were able to end the 30-year civil war. After the war, China continued to help my country’s social and economic development. In many cases, China will not wait for Sri Lanka to ask for help. China has always regarded Sri Lanka as a close and sincere friend.
During the Covid pandemic, China's support was unparalleled.
China provided us with a full range of support, from face masks, ventilators to technical equipment. More than 80% of the vaccines currently used in Sri Lanka come from China.
In addition to the assistance of the Chinese government, various non-governmental organizations and institutions in China provide assistance to Sri Lanka as much as possible. I must mention the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Guangdong, Hebei, Hunan, Sichuan Provincial Associations for Friendship with Foreign Countries in China donated masks to our association.
Although other friendly associations offered to donate equipment and masks to us, we were not allowed to import them under Sri Lankan medical council regulations. The CPAFFC and the China Peace and Development Foundation also jointly donated equipment to Sri Lankan schools and other communities.
The support we have received from China during this pandemic is invaluable.
And I must state an important fact. Among the confirmed cases in Sri Lanka, almost none of them came from China.
Q: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, some western media have stigmatized China's efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you think this is in line with reality? We know you are an experienced journalist who graduated from the University of Colombo, how do you think China should make a better voice internationally?
Abeysekera： Before the COVID pandemic, there are other severe epidemics spread in some other countries or regions from time to time. This is not the first epidemic the world has experienced.
Today, various parties, including the World Health Organization (WHO), are convening research on the origins-tracing of the COVID virus. But who is interfering with this process? It is no secret that it is those who spread false information and rumors with ulterior motives that hinder the traceability of the virus.
So we should not worry about some countries, including the US, underestimating China's pandemic prevention and control efforts. Rather than slandering the fact that the world's most populous country has successfully controlled the COVID-19, they should study China's methods of governance and apply them to benefit their own countries or other countries.
But those hostile countries think of attacking China more than they think of the world. We will never accept this method of those countries. During this pandemic, not only Sri Lanka received China's help, but every country in need of help received friendly assistance from China.
In facing severe disasters, China has always won by action and has set a model for the world. The media can learn from China and help the world open its eyes and minds.
Those of us who have a background in media know about media manipulation in different countries. So, I don’t think these media can deceive viewers and readers for long. They cannot ignore WHO policies and opinions.
The media has the responsibility to help to protect people through media with ethics.
Furthermore, I think western media has to reveal, why the US is opposing tracing covid origin. Tracing the origin of Covid-19 should not be a politicization of Trump. It should be a weapon that protects the healthy and happy life of the people and the prosperity of the world. Origin tracing is also a strong foundation for the scientific development of the world. So why do some countries not care about find the origin of Covid-19? Why do they not listen to the peaceful and truthful opinions of the people? And why do they blame China? China has set a great example for the world to overcome the pandemic together. We highly appreciate and recognize China’s proposal to “build a global community of health”. China’s fruitful and effective measures to contain and suppress the virus domestically are a miracle. At the same time, China is actively promoting international cooperation in pandemic prevention and control, providing anti-pandemic supplies and medical assistance to the world. Western Media must report the situation truthfully and it will facilitate the Covid-19 virus origin tracing.
As His Excellency Qi Zhenhong, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka said in his article COVID-19 Origins - Tracing: Trust Science and Discard Politics， “COVID-19 origins-tracing is a matter of science, which plays a significant role in preventing and controlling the pandemic. Scientists from China, Sri Lanka, and all over the world are intensifying their efforts on relevant research. “
I think we journalists must work together, to tell the truth about virus origin as well as expose the conspiracy of the western media.
Q: The Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation was established in 1997, and it has been more than 20 years since it has become a benchmark institution for Sri Lanka-China civil diplomacy.
How was the association formed? What makes you insist on doing this? On your journey, are there any figures that impressed you and helped your career?
Abeysekera： Yes. I founded the Association (ASLCSCC) in February 1997 in Sri Lanka after 6 years stay in Beijing. During my stay in Beijing, I realized there are more activities which we could do to strengthen Sri Lanka-China relations. I have traveled to many provinces in China and gained remarkable experience in China’s social and economic development. I have visited all the administrative regions in China except Tibet, Hainan, Heilongjiang, and Taiwan since 1987.
I am also a member of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Society. My father was a founding member of that organization. After his first visit to China in 1984, he suggested I do my best to strengthen friendly relations between the two countries. He talked about his visit to China, and we were deeply impressed. He said: “Listen, one day, China will be the most developed country in the world.” He encouraged me to listen to Radio Peking Sinhala service broadcast from Beijing. He was a famous journalist, broadcaster, poet, novelist, film songs and dialogue writer. He gave us fullest support to introduce Sri Lankan communities in China with the knowledge we gathered from Radio Beijing.
After listening to Radio Peking (Later Radio Beijing and China Radio International) we have decided to set up the Listeners Association of Radio Beijing Sinhala Service in Sri Lanka. We learned a lot about China through that Sinhala broadcast. We inaugurated the association in 1987. That experience was also an encouragement to me to set up the ASLCSCC.
After returning to Sri Lanka, I discussed the idea of inaugurating an association with few officials of the Western Provincial Council in Sri Lanka. Former Chief Minister –Western Province Hon. Susil Premajayanth and Chief Secretary Mr.R.W Piyasena extended their fullest support. Mr.R.W Piyasena became the first President of ASLCSCC and I was the first Secretary-General.
My friends and some invited dignitaries joined the association. Since 1997, we have implemented many social and cultural activities. We tried our best to promote Sri Lanka culture in China and Chinese Culture in Sri Lanka. We pay more attention to young people in cultural and educational events. We have sent more than 40 youth delegations to China for exchanges in art performing, cultural, youth camps, and scientific events. As a non-governmental friendship organization, we have entered many social and cultural circles in China to strengthen the ties.
ASLCSCC started a project under my proposal - “Friendship with Affection” to bring our love to assist impoverished children and students in rural areas of China. Mainly we focused on disabled children and assist students in need. We visited Sichuan, Guizhou, Chongqing, and Jiangxi with the project. We donated study allowances, books, hearing aids. These donations may not be expensive, but they represented our sincerity and love for Chinese children and students.
I visited Sichuan just after the Wenchuan earthquake. I shared our sad feelings with their people. I visited Aba Teacher Training College and met students who were affected by the earthquake. Later on, I lead a delegation to Sichuan and visited the same college in a temporary location, and paid tribute to the damaged clock tower. During our stay, we went to the Chengdu School for Disabled Children. We organized a painting exhibition of children affected by the Wenchuan earthquake in Sri Lanka to cheer for them and help them regain their expectations for the future.
ASLCSCC is a non-governmental organization. Its main objective is to develop people-to-people friendships between Sri Lanka and China. It is currently one of the most popular organizations in South Asia for developing friendships with China. The Association has facilitated a wide range of programs, projects, events, and exchanges between Sri Lanka and China in various fields, including cultural, social, educational, women and youth, science and technology, and economics.
▲Won the "5.12" Earthquake Relief Medal issued by the Sichuan People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
ASLCSCC supports the establishment of sister cities and sister schools between two countries.
The main counterpart of ASLCSCC in China is the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). ASLCSCC also has close ties with provincial friendship associations in China. We have close relations with other organizations including the Chinese Association for International Understanding and Beijing Cultural International Exchange Center.
（Units under ASLCSCC- Sri Lanka-China Youth Friendship Circle, Sri Lanka-China Women Friendship Circle
Affiliated Units- Sri Lanka-China Wushu Friendship Association, Sri Lanka Taiji Association, and Sri Lanka Health Qigong Association. Sri Lanka- China Youth Friendship Association
ASLCSCC official publication- CHINA MIRROR (Voice of Sri Lanka-China Friendship)-bi-monthly magazine
ASLCSCC publishes CHINA MIRROR News Weekly e-bulletin. Also from the 1st of October ASLCSCC inaugurates CHINA MIRROR Cultural News (bi-weekly) and CHINA MIRROR Photo weekly “CHINA IN PICTURES” e-bulletins. ）
Our association implemented many first-of-its-kind events to promote Sri Lanka- China relations.
When the covid pandemic troubled Chinese people, ASLCSCC organized activities to bless them to recover soon. Our members visited Chinese families and construction sites sending encouragement and condolences.
Q: How do you see the role of non-governmental associations in promoting exchanges between the two countries? Can you give some detailed examples? Are there any official or folk figures that impressed you?
Abeysekera： In Sri Lanka, we have five people-to-people friendships with China organizations recognized by the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka. Namely Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association, Sri Lanka-China Society, Sri Lanka-China Journalists Forum, Sri Lanka China Buddhist Friendship Association, and ASLCSCC.
From time to time all the associations worked with Chinese counterparts to conduct people’s diplomacy.
ASLCSCC has established close relations with few government units in China too.
Our main counterpart in China is CPAFFC, they have been very cooperative with ASLCSCC since 1999, I visited CPAFFC in 1987 on my first visit to China. From the get-go, we have had very friendly cooperation with them. Their attitude encouraged us to strengthen people-to-people friendship and diplomacy. From the year 2000, the two associations send delegations to each other every year. All the presidents and Vice Presidents are very friendly to us. I was very fortunate to meet Mr.Chen Haosu, the former President of CPAFFC. When Sri Lanka was hit by the tsunami, the delegation of the Chinese Friendship Association visiting Sri Lanka was at the top of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) Mountain. After hearing the shocking news of the tsunami, he and I drove from Sigiriya to Kandy. On the way, he wrote a poem about the Tsunami situation with compassion. When he arrived in Colombo, the CPAFFC delegation stated that it would donate 1 million Rupees as Tsunami aid. We went with the delegation to Former President Mahinda Rajapaksha’s residence and Mr.Chen Haosu handed the aid to him.
I regard China as my second motherland and my second home in China is CPAFFC.
Leaders of friendship associations at all levels are also very active in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Frankly speaking, I have received great encouragement from them in this career of promoting people-to-people friendship.
Also, Princess Xu Shiyin’e in Quanzhou gave me a lot of encouragement in developing Sri Lanka-China relations. I visited Quanzhou many times. Though she is Chinese, a descendant of the Sri Lankan Royal family, I feel that she is one of us.
Q: What is your proudest achievement in promoting cultural and social exchanges between the two countries?
Abeysekera： There are many achievements. I think no one else in the world who have won three important Chinese awards at the same time. Chinese National Day Gold Medal & Certificate, Friendship Ambassador (China) Title and “5.12” Earthquake Relief Medal. Also, many Chinese provincial Friendship associations awarded me the titles of “Honorary Council member” or “Friendship Ambassador”. I was fortunate to deliver a speech at the 50th anniversary of CPAFFC on behalf of all the people-to-people friendship with China organizations in the world. The opening ceremony was presided over by the former Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Also, I am very much delighted when we organized the first “Sri Lanka Cultural Week” in Beijing.
We organized a media conference to help the public understand the Impact of the Friendship between two countries by the temporary suspension of Colombo Port City, I said “no one can stop the project and it will restart soon.” The day it restarted many friends spoke to me and said your other dream of Sri Lanka-China relations has come true. I was very happy.
Q: Can you introduce some interesting social and cultural phenomena in Sri Lanka, so that Chinese tourists can have a deeper understanding and better experience?
Abeysekera： Our country is very rich in culture. We have a lot of high cultural customs and traditions, food culture, clothing culture, religious background, and there is no lack of beauty of nature. Every part of our country is beautiful, and each province has its own characteristics. The sea surrounds the country. Those seaside scenes vary from place to place.
We also have many World Heritage Sites. I think we need to direct tourists to the attractions that we have been hiding so far. We must provide Chinese tourists with more natural and cultural heritage experiences.
We can build up a win-win cooperation through tourism too.
Q: Finally, on behalf of the Hainan Public Diplomacy Research Center, I welcome you to visit Hainan, which is also a beautiful tropical island.
Abeysekera： I am eager to visit Hainan to see tropical beauty and also to build friendships with the people. I propose to organize activities with the Hainan Diplomacy Research Center together, such as a public diplomacy webinar. We can invite other related parties too.
In the future, with the help and support from the Hainan Public Diplomacy Research Center, I and ASLCSCC would like to organize more social and cultural events between Sri Lanka and Hainan. I think we can do effective social and cultural projects under the "New Maritime Silk Road" context.
Finally, I would like to extend warm congratulations to the 72nd National Day of China.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express myself on your platform.
海南公共外交研究