Local enthusiasts perform Taiji at the “All Things in Harmony Taiji Promotion Event” in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 25, 2026. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
COLOMBO, April 26 (Xinhua) — A promotional campaign celebrating International Taijiquan Day was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Saturday.
At the event named “All Things in Harmony Taiji Promotion Event,” Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said that Chinese cultural institutions in Sri Lanka is set to make more arrangements for local enthusiasts to facilitate their learning of Taiji.
In his address, Qi announced that the Lumbini Confucius Classroom will officially launch Taiji classes at the Chinese Culture Classroom, to offer Taiji training to the Sri Lankan public. Meanwhile, Taiji courses will also be incorporated into the upcoming cultural training camp for local Chinese language teachers, so as to enhance their understanding of Chinese Taiji culture.
Expounding on the theme of the event, the ambassador noted that the concept of “harmony of all things” aligns closely with the contemporary spirit of peaceful development and win-win cooperation that China promotes in global governance. He expressed wishes that China and Sri Lanka will foster friendship through Taiji, connect hearts through culture, and jointly promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning.
Delivering a keynote speech, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage said that sports has the power to connect cultures, strengthen friendships, and inspire unity beyond borders. He hoped that Taiji will continue to play a cultural part in forging a stronger bond between the peoples of Sri Lanka and China.
At the event, various organizations of Taiji practitioners in Sri Lanka, including the Sri Lanka Health Qigong Association, the Wushu Federation of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka-China Kung Fu Friends Association, demonstrated traditional Taiji subjects such as Yang style 30-form Taiji, Taiji sword, and five animal frolics.
Sangeeth Wijesuriya, renowned Sri Lankan musician and Taiji practitioner for 40 years, gave a stunning performance of Wu style Taiji. “Taiji is so amazing, it is beneficial for both my physical and mental health, enabling me to create music with a more clear and refreshed mind,” he said.
Noting the popularity of Taiji in Sri Lanka, especially among young people, Wijesuriya said he is planning on starting a martial arts club to instruct young enthusiasts about the art of Taiji.
The event, jointly hosted by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, and the Western Provincial Council, took place on Colombo’s famous Galle Face Green. It drew more than 500 Taiji practitioners and enthusiasts across the country.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated March 21 as the annual International Taijiquan Day at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Uzbekistan on November 5, 2025. This is the first time the UN named an international day after a martial art. ■
Local enthusiasts perform Taiji at the “All Things in Harmony Taiji Promotion Event” in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 25, 2026. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
Local enthusiasts perform Taiji at the “All Things in Harmony Taiji Promotion Event” in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 25, 2026. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
Local enthusiasts perform Taiji at the “All Things in Harmony Taiji Promotion Event” in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 25, 2026. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
Local enthusiasts perform Taiji at the “All Things in Harmony Taiji Promotion Event” in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 25, 2026. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
A local enthusiast performs Taiji at the “All Things in Harmony Taiji Promotion Event” in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 25, 2026. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)
