Women Power Connects Friendship, China-Sri Lanka Hand in Hand

Led by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, a Sri Lankan Women Parliamentarians Delegation undertook a nine-day study tour in China from July 25. Despite disruptions brought by Typhoon Gaemi, the delegation traveled from Colombo to Guangzhou and Shenzhen for in-depth exchanges covering reform development, technological innovation, women’s welfare and cultural heritage.

In Shenzhen, the delegation learned about the city’s extraordinary transformation from a fishing village to a global metropolis via lectures at the Shenzhen Reform and Opening-up Executive Leadership Academy. Members paid tribute at Lianhuashan Park and visited the reform and opening-up exhibition, gaining a vivid understanding of China’s reform spirit and pioneering efforts.

The delegation also explored Shenzhen’s robust innovation strength. They visited leading enterprises including Tencent and Huawei, experiencing advanced digital governance systems and self-developed 5G technologies. Visits to BYD, Mindray Medical and other institutions showcased China’s achievements in new energy, intelligent medical care, AI innovation and smart agriculture, highlighting independent innovation as the core driver of industrial upgrading. The low-altitude economy public service centre also presented China’s new quality productive forces.

Focusing on women and children’s development, the delegation toured the Shenzhen Women’s Federation, visiting local women-and-children service facilities and a themed exhibition on women’s progress alongside Shenzhen’s development. Both sides held in-depth dialogues on women’s rights protection, social governance participation and child-friendly public space construction.

The delegation then visited Guangzhou, experiencing China’s profound historical and cultural heritage. They appreciated Lingnan civilization at the Guangdong Museum and witnessed the integration of time-honored traditions and modern urban development. Chinese local officials held candid talks with the delegation to advance sub-national exchanges and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.

The fruitful tour integrates reform ethos, technological innovation, women’s empowerment and cultural exchange. It marks a new practice of the Academy’s international exchange programs, injecting fresh momentum into China-Sri Lanka pragmatic cooperation in women and children’s affairs and people-to-people connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative.