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Professional interactions and
“China, a home away from home for me” cultural exchange

“中国，我的第二故乡”
专业交流与文化交融
By Mothilal Hissella (Sri Lanka) □ 莫提拉·黑赛尔勒 / 文（斯里兰卡） My journey with China extended far beyond this singular event.
I have had the privilege of visiting the country three times and
living in Beijing for two years, during which I worked as a foreign
In 2021, I found myself traveling alone on and integrity of the Chinese people. This simple expert and consultant for China Media Group. Collaborating with
Beijing Subway Line 1, heading from Wangfu- act during such a challenging time reinforced a dedicated Chinese professionals in the media landscape provided
jing to Babaoshan. As I settled into the crowded feeling I had nurtured since my first visit to Chi- me with invaluable insights into their blend of tradition and innova-
train, I reached into my pocket and discovered na: this country had become a home away from tion, a balance that continues to inspire my own professional prac-
that my iPhone was missing. I quickly disem- home for me. tices.
barked at the next station and took a return train This instance of honesty reflects a broader Cultural exchanges became a key component of my experience
to Wangfujing. Despite the rush-hour crowd, truth about the character of the Chinese people: in China. Whether participating in traditional festivals, visiting
within 10 minutes, I spotted my phone lying un- they are law-abiding, respectful, and deeply historical landmarks, or engaging in everyday conversations, I
touched on a bench, where I was waiting for the caring. It was just one of the many experiences was constantly immersed in the richness and diversity of Chinese
train. The experience was more than just a re- that strengthened my personal and professional culture. My visits to iconic locations like the Great Wall of China
lief—it was a powerful testament to the honesty connection with China. were particularly memorable. The Great Wall is more than a his-
toric structure; it is a symbol of China’s national pride, resilience,
and its artistic and architectural grandeur. Its enduring presence has
inspired countless works of art, literature, and legend.
I also had the privilege of visiting Xi’an, the ancient starting
point of the Silk Road. The Silk Road was not just a commercial
pathway but a bridge that connected cultures, ideas, and technolo-
gies between the East and West. This historical legacy of exchange
and cooperation resonates with modern China’s approach to foster-
ing international partnerships.
Another highlight of my time in China was visiting Yunnan
Province, often referred to as the “Crossroads of Southeast Asia
and South Asia.” Yunnan’s cultural diversity, stunning landscapes,
and rich Buddhist heritage left a profound impact on me. I had
the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at two consecutive LMAW
meetings in Kunming, which further deepened my appreciation
for China’s commitment to fostering cooperation with neighboring
countries.
Yunnan has been at the forefront of China’s efforts to build
stronger ties with South Asia and Southeast Asia, emphasizing
mutual benefit, inclusiveness, and cooperation in various fields, in-
cluding education, culture, and tourism. These interactions played a
pivotal role in bridging cultural gaps, fostering mutual understand-
ing, and creating lasting friendships.

The value of friendship

友谊无价

Over the past four decades, China has undergone remarkable
economic growth, emerging as the world’s second-largest economy
by nominal GDP. This transformation has seen China evolve from
a centrally planned system to an increasingly market-oriented econ-
omy, which has opened up new opportunities for both domestic and
international collaboration.
Today, China is on an ambitious path toward building a modern
socialist country, as it works toward realizing the Chinese Dream
of national rejuvenation. Throughout this journey, China remains
steadfast in its commitment to supporting neighboring countries in
their pursuit of peace, prosperity, and development. The vision of
building a community with a shared future among Asian nations
highlights China’s dedication to fostering lasting peace and sustain-
able development across the region.
China’s efforts in creating this shared future are not limited to
economic partnerships; they extend to cultural, educational, and
technological cooperation, aiming to build lasting connections
across borders. This cooperative spirit has strengthened China’s ties
with neighboring countries, bringing mutual benefits and reinforc-
ing the foundation for long-term collaboration. As China continues
to grow, it is clear that its development will bring major opportuni-
ties and lasting contributions to regional peace and progress.
The kindness, honesty, and strong sense of community that char-
acterize the Chinese people have left an indelible mark on my per-
sonal and professional life. The spirit of harmony and cooperation
that I experienced during my time in China continues to inspire me,
as I look forward to further strengthening the bonds of friendship
and partnership between our nations.
(The author Mothilal Hissella is a journalist and Head of Inter-
national Relations, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.)