A two-day undergraduate seminar held in Colombo on 19 and 20 October 2026 brought together students, academics, diplomats and industry professionals to raise awareness and promote a fact-based understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while exploring how cooperation under the initiative can deliver shared benefits and support Sri Lanka’s sustainable development.
BRISL seminar deepens undergraduates’ understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative and opportunities for Sri Lanka
Organised by Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka (BRISL), with support from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, the seminar was held under the theme “Sri Lanka and the Belt and Road Initiative: Building Synergies for Sustainable Development.” Academic sessions at Amari Colombo were complemented by educational visits to Huawei, Port City Colombo and Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT).
The programme brought together 25 undergraduates from the University of Colombo, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the University of Kelaniya, representing Economics, Business Economics, International Relations and International Studies. It combined expert discussions with practical exposure to infrastructure, technology and investment, helping students connect their academic studies with development activities in Sri Lanka.
Welcoming participants, BRISL Director Maya Majueran encouraged students to consider the BRI beyond its infrastructure dimension. He highlighted the importance of trade, investment, diplomacy, technology and economic development, alongside the need to ensure that international cooperation responds to Sri Lanka’s priorities and delivers benefits to its people.
Majueran encouraged students to ask questions, examine evidence and engage respectfully with different perspectives. The seminar provided an opportunity to discuss both the opportunities and challenges associated with the initiative, while building connections among students from different universities and disciplines.
The first day opened with a session by UNDP economist Dr. Vagisha Gunasekera on innovative financing, debt restructuring and strategic autonomy. Her presentation examined how financing choices influence a country’s ability to make independent decisions, highlighting borrowing terms, institutional capacity and the distribution of costs and benefits.
Students were encouraged to consider who provides financing, who carries the risks and whether an investment strengthens Sri Lanka’s future options. The discussion also explored the importance of matching suitable funding sources with well-prepared development projects.
Dr. George I. H. Cooke presented a historical and diplomatic perspective on the BRI, placing contemporary cooperation within the evolution of China’s foreign policy and Sri Lanka-China relations. His presentation traced important stages in the bilateral relationship, including the Rubber–Rice Pact, providing context for understanding present-day partnerships.
Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage addressed Sri Lanka’s strategic autonomy amid geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean. His presentation examined the country’s maritime location, the importance of secure trade routes and the need to maintain constructive international relationships while preserving independent decision-making.
The second day featured Professor Sirimal Abeyratne’s session, “Beyond the Headlines: The Economics of the BRI for Sri Lanka,” which examined the initiative’s potential economic contribution. He opened by highlighting China Merchants Port Holdings’ (CMPort) withdrawal from the proposed US$392 million South Asia Commercial and Logistics Hub (SACLH) project at the Port of Colombo. Describing this as a lost investment opportunity, he emphasised the importance of a supportive investment environment to translate BRI cooperation into tangible economic benefits for Sri Lanka.
This was followed by an address by Dr. Palitha T. B. Kohona, former Foreign Secretary and former Sri Lankan Ambassador to China, on the future of Sri Lanka-China relations from diplomatic and legal perspectives. Drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience, he explored opportunities for strengthening cooperation in trade, investment and technology. He highlighted China’s advances in digital technology, artificial intelligence and green energy, encouraging Sri Lanka to engage strategically to benefit from these developments. His address underscored the importance of informed engagement and effective negotiation in translating bilateral cooperation into practical development opportunities.
Majueran’s presentation, “High Quality BRI and Sri Lanka: Unlocking New Pathways for Sustainable Development,” focused on aligning international cooperation with national needs and translating investment into lasting economic and social value. He highlighted the importance of financial sustainability, transparent procurement, environmental protection, community consultation and reliable maintenance. He also emphasised that the benefits of cooperation should extend beyond infrastructure to include skills development, technology transfer, opportunities for local suppliers and improved access to export markets. Outlining a practical roadmap, he called for well-prepared projects, stronger links between infrastructure and productive sectors, and the measurement of economic and social impact. His central message was that infrastructure investment should be assessed by the lasting value it creates for people, businesses and future generations.
Each presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session, giving students an opportunity to seek clarification and explore the issues raised by the speakers. BRISL Director Yasiru Ranaraja moderated these discussions, encouraging students to ask questions, share their perspectives and clarify any doubts. Chamodi Boralessa of BRISL also moderated one of the sessions, supporting active student engagement throughout the programme.
Educational visits formed a central part of the programme. At Huawei, students explored the relevance of digital infrastructure, technological innovation and skills development. The visit connected discussions of international cooperation with digital transformation and opportunities for young people in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The Port City Colombo visit provided exposure to urban development, investment and Sri Lanka’s potential as a regional business and services hub. It linked the seminar’s academic discussions with questions about emerging industries, professional skills and future employment opportunities.
At CICT, participants were introduced to container-terminal operations and Sri Lanka’s role in international shipping networks. The visit demonstrated the practical relevance of port infrastructure, logistics and technology to maritime connectivity and international trade.
The closing ceremony was graced by Mr. Zhu Yanwei, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka. Several other members of the Embassy’s staff also attended.
In his address, Mr. Zhu highlighted the longstanding friendship between China and Sri Lanka and the opportunities for deepening bilateral cooperation. He outlined how Sri Lanka could benefit from the Belt and Road Initiative and drew particular attention to the country’s potential to expand exports to the Chinese market. His remarks brought an additional trade perspective to the programme’s discussions on connectivity, investment and development.
The closing ceremony also included student reflections, during which participants shared their experiences and key lessons from the seminar. Students highlighted how the expert presentations and educational visits had introduced new information, clarified misconceptions and broadened their understanding of the BRI. Their reflections illustrated how the programme had helped them reassess earlier perceptions and develop a more informed perspective on the initiative and its relevance to Sri Lanka.
Participants received certificates from Mr. Zhu Yanwei and Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage in recognition of their successful participation in the seminar. BRISL expressed its appreciation to Mr. Zhu and the Chinese Embassy for their generous support, and thanked the speakers, participating universities and host institutions for their valuable contributions to the programme.
In his closing remarks, Majueran encouraged participants to share their learning with classmates and continue exploring development and international cooperation with an open and thoughtful approach. The programme emphasised the importance of equipping young people to assess opportunities critically and consider how international partnerships can deliver lasting benefits for Sri Lanka.
