COLOMBO — The opening gala for the 2026 Happy Chinese New Year cultural events in Sri Lanka was held last week at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo, marking the beginning of a series of celebrations ahead of the traditional Chinese holiday.

Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, the gala featured artists and performers from the Dali Bai autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Yunnan province. The art troupe presented the audience with authentic Bai ethnic performances, including singing, dancing, and musical performances with traditional instruments.

They also prepared a unique "three cups" of tea to treat the audience.

The gala attracted nearly 1,200 attendees, including Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, and senior officials of the Sri Lankan government, as well as Chinese nationals and local residents in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the event, Qi announced that 2026 is the Chinese Year of the Horse, which, in Chinese culture, symbolizes endeavor, loyalty and success, coinciding with a spirit of optimism and strength that is also valued in Sri Lanka. He hoped both China and Sri Lanka achieve new and greater accomplishments in their pursuits of national development in the coming year.

In his speech, Wickramaratne hailed the long history of cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and China. He added that the performance amply manifested the joyfulness and profound cultural meanings of the traditional Chinese festival.

In addition to the opening gala, cultural events will also include performances, parades, and other activities held at the Colombo Port City, the Hambantota International Convention Centre, and Colombo's historic Gangaramaya Temple area.