Undergrads educated on China’s Belt and Road initiative
View(s):Undergraduates of State universities pursuing Economics and International Relations were given an opportunity to gain a broad vision on China’s ‘Belt and Road initiative’ during a forum in Colombo.
This initiative was put forth by Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka (BRISL), an international development organisation with greater knowledge in BRI advice and support.
The conference titled ‘BRI and a better future for Sri Lanka’, was held at Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, recently.
The educational seminar series was attended by 25 undergraduate student delegates from State universities across the island, including the Department of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences – University of Kelaniya, the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Arts – University of Colombo, the Department of Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences – University of Ruhuna and the Department of Economics, Faculty of Commerce and Management, the Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts and Culture – Eastern University of Sri Lanka.
The sessions were enriched with the presentations made by key academics and practitioners in the disciplines of International Relations and Economics, whose analytical, thought-provoking presentations and knowledge-sharing stimulated rich discussions amongst participants.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a strategy initiated by the People’s Republic of China that seeks to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks with the aim of improving regional integration, increasing trade and stimulating economic growth.
The initiative further paved the way for the students to make the most of a top-notch panel of lecturers including Prof Samitha Hettige, Dr George Cooke, Dr Vagisha Gunasekara, Prof Srimal Abeyratne, Mr Umesh Moramudali, Mr Thilina Panduwawala, Mr Kanishka Chathuranga and Mr Cheng Huaqiang. The audience was informed that it was about time youngsters level up, start being sharp-witted and go that extra mile to build their own empire as there is a whole world waiting to hear them out.
The three day seminar concluded with the participation of officials from the Chinese Embassy in Colombo. Participants representing all attending universities commented on the quality and the nature of the seminar that enabled objective and critical discussions to allow for shaping calculated, unbiased and informed opinions on the BRI and its role in Sri Lanka’s development ambitions, which are often clouded with unsubstantiated narratives and accusations, serving interests of vested parties.
Matters of concern that were discussed include, China’s development in the modern era and diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka, China gifted projects and aid to Sri Lanka; Sri Lanka’s potential for trade and investment with China; and Chinese leading to Sri Lanka: separating the myth and misinformation that was spinning around from reality. – NA
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