Colombo gets set for Chinese New Year

To promote cultural exchange and deepen the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka, the 2026 "Happy Chinese New Year" series of performances, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, will take place in Sri Lanka from Jan 27 to 31.

The opening performance of the series will take place on the evening of Jan 27 at Colombo's Nelum Pokuna Theatre, one of Sri Lanka's most important cultural venues, which was built with Chinese assistance.

Over 1,000 distinguished guests, including national leaders and figures from the political, business, and cultural circles, are expected to attend the event in the Sri Lankan capital, according to the Chinese embassy.

For the opening performance, the Yunnan Provincial Comprehensive Art Troupe has been specially invited to present a cultural evening filled with distinctive Chinese ethnic charm and festive New Year spirit, alongside an intangible cultural heritage exhibition and performance activities, said the embassy in a statement.

The program will feature traditional Bai ethnic song and dance, traditional instrumental music, and various classic Chinese art forms, showcasing the rich and diverse cultural appeal of China and Yunnan province.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong will deliver a speech at the event.

The Chinese Embassy has also invited Harini Amarasuriya, the prime minister of Sri Lanka, to attend the celebrations, underscoring the importance both countries place on cultural exchange.

"Happy Chinese New Year" is one of China's most influential global cultural brands. Each year, it reaches over 100 countries and regions worldwide through nearly a thousand events.

"Happy Chinese New Year" activities have been held in Sri Lanka for many years.

In addition to the opening performance at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, this year will also feature various cultural performances and parades at locations around the capital, including Port City Colombo, the Hambantota International Conference Centre, and the Gangaramaya Temple area.

"Happy Chinese New Year" is set to become a significant cultural event that fosters mutual understanding, friendship, and closer bonds between the peoples of the two nations, according to the embassy's statement.