The Speech Contest on "Human development inspired through the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road" was organized by the Sri Lanka - China Friendship Association among 575 students island wide in Sri Lanka. It was launched from July 30 to October 17, 2015 in all 3 languages, Sinhalese, Tamil and English among 3 categories of students, Ordinary Level, Advanced Level and University Level.

 

It was done in thetransparent methods, judged by University Professors, Lectures and reputed writers. Preliminary rounds held one each at Kandy, Matara and Anuradhapura and two rounds at Colombo.

 

Semi Finals held for 2 days at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo. Final speech contest was held at the Sri Lanka Rupawahini (Television) Corporation on October 17, 2015 with the Speaker of Sri Lanka Parliament Hon. Karu Jayasuriya attending and distribution of prizes to 9 Student Winners along with Hon. Zhang Baowen, the Vice Chairman of National Peoples Congress as the Guest of Honour.

 

Chinese Ambassador also participated. This entire process of events were organized by “2015 Understanding and Opening up Dialogue”of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka - China Friendship Association (SLCFA).

 

Ananda Goonatilleke, Attorney-at-Law, President, SLCFA participated and presided at all rounds of the Contest.

 

Finals of the Contest was televised in all three languages. In mid April 2016, all 9 Students Winners were given a Trip to Beijing with the assistance provided by the Beijing NGO Association for International Exchanges for about a week.

 

By Ananda Goonatilleke