Pathfinder Foundation holds bilateral discussions with Sichuan University; Chengdu in China

Friday, 18 May 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Pathfinder Foundation Director Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage held discussions with Professor Yan Shijing; Vice Chancellor of Sichuan University (SCU) and Director General of the newly established research centre and think tank, China Center for South Asia Studies (CCSAS) on the progress between The Pathfinder Foundation and the two Chinese entities in the future.

Prof. Sun Shihai, the former Chairman of China Academy of Social Sciences and former president of Association of China – South Asian Studies is the Director General of the CCSAS. The CCSAS was established in September 2017 and it is functioning under the SCU.

During this bilateral discussion it was agreed in principle to hold a wider BRI summit conference towards the latter part of 2018 in partnership with The PF and other selected think tanks along the Belt and Road Route to discuss about the potential, opportunities and challenges of this mega project. It was also discussed to establish a joint research project on a common theme such as Indian Ocean and BRI between The PF and CCSAS. The possibility of attaching small groups of young faculty members and graduates from SCU to PF for short duration in order to familiarise with Sri Lanka, its politics, economics, culture was also discussed.

The provision of obtaining scholarships from Sichuan University for Sri Lankan students and enhancing Chinese language skills in construction, tourism and legal fields were also on the agenda. Both sides agreed to continue further discussions to enhance connectivity between China and Sri Lanka in to the future.