July 15, 2012 - The Sri Lanka Zone Preliminary Contest of the Fifth "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, hosted by Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and undertaken by CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College, Sri Lanka was wrapped up smoothly at Nalanda College in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka. Among guests at the Awards Ceremony were Shen Ming, Director of the Cultural Division of Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, First Secretary Mdm. Zhang Rui, Vice Chairman Mr. J. G. Amarajeewa and Vice Chairman Mr. Nandasena Madawanaarachchio of CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College, Sun Jiajia, Chief of CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College, Sri Lanka, Chinese teachers of the Confucius Classroom and Nalanda College Principal Ranjith Jayasundara. Teachers, students from 5 middle schools in Colombo and parents came to observe the Contest.

The event lasted for two days and nearly 50 players who applied for the competition come from key state middle schools in Colombo. Sixteen contestants stood out in the preliminary session on July 14 and entered into the final on the ensuing day, which was divided into theme speech and talent show. Participating students demonstrated their affection with Chinese through vivid and lively Chinese and showcased their understanding about Chinese culture via dance, song, calligraphy and painting, among other forms.

Beibei and Jiani from CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College won the first and second prize respectively with fluent Chinese speech and excellent performance and will attend the finals in China on behalf of Sri Lanka. The third and fourth award winners were provided with the opportunity to watch competition in China. Distinguished guests also presented certificate and award to winners of award of excellence. All players participating in the competition received Chinese learning books in Sinhala edition.

"Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students has been hosted twice by CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College under the strong support from Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka. This year, the number of contestants has witnessed a large increase. The Confucius Classroom has offered guidance courses for three times, greatly enhancing the enthusiasm of players. The "Chinese Bridge" platform has played an active role in generalizing and promoting Chinese education in Sri Lanka. In particular, it has been warmly received by key middle schools in Colombo area. As a result, more and more schools are planning to open Chinese course in cooperation with CRI Confucius Classroom at Lumbini College. In addition, CRI FM102 in Sri Lanka closely followed the event.