China & me, five years from now

I'm Sugath from Sri Lanka, a scholar, news personality, television host and published author. Now I'm working in Foreign Languages School of Yunnan university as a Sinhalese teacher. Previously, I worked as a consultant journalist for the Sinhala service of China Media Group in Beijing. I have five years working experience in China as a journalist and university teacher. Some experiences are unforgettable, marvelous and more interesting. During the last five years, I was lucky to visit many cities in China and associated with various level of people in Chinese society. Every time, Chinese people warmly welcomed me with friendly faces. Their hospitality is also highly appreciated.

During the time I had been working as a consultant journalist for China Media Group, I had the opportunity to cover a number of international conferences & summits held in China, such as the G20 Summit of Hangzhou and the Shanghai Cooperation Qingdao Summit. I would like to say that the organizational level of these conferences & their impact on the world are high & excellent. During this time I also had the opportunity to broadcast much important news and information about China to Sri Lankan public through the Radio, website and Facebook page of China Media Group. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to further enhance relations between China and Sri Lanka by conducting interviews with ministers, ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, intellectuals and senior government officials.

I would like to share some important things with you. During the COVID-19 epidemic period, I didn't go back to my country & I lived together with Chinese people. At that time a lot of foreigners who lived in China, went back to their own countries. During that time, it was difficult to help each other. But Chinese people helped me. They looked after me, they protected me & they supplied all my necessities. Finally, the Chinese government and people collectively defeated the COVID-19 epidemic. I think it is a good example for other countries in the world to learn how to manage such a pandemic.

During the past five years, I have had the opportunity to engage in various activities with the Chinese people. Through it, I was able to learn many things in Chinese culture that have been around for over 5,000 years. I had the opportunity to participate in a lot of traditional cultural festivals and event held in China. Through it, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the customs and culture of the Chinese people.

The experience I had in my life as a Chinese university teacher was wonderful. Needless to say, it was one of the happiest time of my life. I have had the opportunity to contribute to the success of the future of the younger generation of universities. Youth is energetic. They face many challenges. It is our responsibility as teachers to make the youth able to overcome those challenges without being shaken like huge trees.

I have read Chinese history in books. I have heard in the past how Chinese people suffered without food. But that tragic social background of the time has now completely changed. The Chinese people and government must have the full credit for changing that background. Now China has entered the path of sustainable development with rapid economic growth. Its privileges are enjoyed not only China but also all over the world. Chinese products are popular in the world. China's foreign investment is active on every continent. Further, China joins hands with international organizations, including the United Nations, to work for the betterment of the world community. As a result, China has now become a role model for the world.

Over the past few years, China has not only achieved a number of economic, social, education and scientific achievements, but also overcome various challenges to humanity, such as eliminating of poverty. At the same time, China has played a comprehensive role in promoting world peace, stability & development.

China is the world's second-largest economy. China has set an example to the world by eradicating extreme poverty. Accordingly, 10 years ago, China achieved the goal of eradicating poverty set by the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Chinese government expects a six percent increase in economic growth this year, at a time when global economic growth has slowed sharply in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic. China has set an example to the world community on how to control such an epidemic successfully. The recent successful launch of China's Shen Zhou 12 manned spacecraft reflects China's progress in space. In the face of all these challenging achievements, China looks forward to many more in the coming years. It is all for the betterment of the world community. I wish China further development & prosperous future.

By Sugath Ratnayake
Lecturer: Yunnan University School of Foreign Languages
Former Consultant Journalist: China Media Group (CMG) Sinhala Service
Sri Lankan Senior Journalist, News personality, Television host, Writer and Author.

Sugath Rathnayake is a Sri Lankan Scholar, Journalist, News personality, television host, writer and Author. Now he is working at Foreign Languages School of Yunnan university as a Sinhalese teacher. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts (BA) special degree in Economics, as well as Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in the field of Mass Communication from the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka.

Sugath has 20-year journalism experience in electronic, print media as well as new media. He worked China Media Group (CMG) Sri Lankan service in Beijing as a foreign expert. During that time, he did exclusive interviews with a lot of dignitaries including ministers, diplomats, political leaders, senior government officials, intellectuals and scholars etc.

Sugath has experience as a news reporter, news editor, foreign news editor, provincial news editor, TV program presenter and newsreader. He hosted Sri Lanka’s most popular news analytical program ''SIRASA PRESS RELEASE'' for few years. He reported major International crisis of the world while he was working as a foreign news editor. He also expertise UN related news reporting such as poverty, health, education, gender equality, inequality, global warming, environment, social justice and peace.

Sugath published the book titled “Information Revolution and News”. It covered all areas of news fields. Experts in the field stated that the book “Information Revolution & News” would serve well as a handbook in the field of Mass Communication and Journalism.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of China Daily and China Daily website.