Inner Mongolia culture week starts in Sri Lanka

By Zhao Xiao (chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2016-09-28

Themed as “Splendid Grasslands, My Hometown”, the 2016 China-Sri Lanka Inner Mongolia Culture Week began in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, on Sept 27.

Chinese and Sri Lankan officials cut the red ribbons at the opening ceremony during the 2016 China-Sri Lanka Inner Mongolia Culture Week held in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, on Sept 27. [Photo/nmtv.cn]

The culture week will give Sri Lankans a glimpse of Inner Mongolia and its traditional customs; specifically featuring the craftsmanship of various unique Mongolian-style handicrafts and artwork.

The exhibitions display the craftsmanship of woodcut paintings, Mongolian yurts, cowhide products, Mongolian ethnic clothing, horse-head fiddle (a special musical instrument unique to Inner Mongolia), Shatar (a Mongolian chess board-which is considered to be the symbol of nomadic wisdom and also a reflection of highly skilled traditional hand carving), and felt embroidery.

A photographic exhibition also showcases various aspects of Inner Mongolia, including magnificent landscapes, folk art, historic sites, cultural relics, and the modern lifestyle of the local people. Visitors will witness the transformation and development of Inner Mongolia through these photographs.

Performers from Inner Mongolia present a traditional ethnic melody at the opening ceremony of the 2016 China-Sri Lanka Inner Mongolia Culture Week held in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, on Sept 27. [Photo/Agencies]

The exotic exhibitions are likely to attract hundreds of Sri Lanka’s citizens from universities, companies, and other walks of life, along with numerous Chinese people who live or work in the country.

During the opening ceremony, Wu Lan, head of the Inner Mongolia Publicity Department, Yi Xianliang, Chinese ambassador in Sri Lanka, and Parita Tewara Peluma, vice minister of the Culture Ministry of Sri Lanka, attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

Performers from Inner Mongolia and Sri Lanka presented a unique show, with folk music, dance, drama, and acrobatics, for the audience at the opening ceremony.

The culture week has provided a platform for local people to appreciate the traditional customs and unique artwork of Inner Mongolia, and has also facilitated mutual understanding and friendship between China and Sri Lanka, according to Wu Lan.

The event, held on the Indian Ocean island, has played an essential role in promoting China’ Belt and Road Initiative to consolidate the relations and cooperation with countries along the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Sri Lankan dancers wearing traditional clothing present a warm welcome for visitors coming to the exhibitions during the 2016 China-Sri Lanka Inner Mongolia Culture Week held in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, on Sept 27. [Photo/nmtv.cn]