Colombo to host China-Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Festival on June 13

Colombo will host the 2026 Dragon Boat Culture Festival and China-Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Race on June 13 at the Port City Beach Plaza, bringing together sports, culture and culinary experiences in a celebration of friendship between China and Sri Lanka.

The event is co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, with support from several Chinese and Sri Lankan organizations, including the National Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka (NACKSL), the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Overseas Chinese Association.

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports are expected to attend the event and present awards to winning teams. Organizers also plan to invite Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers and members of the diplomatic community.

The festival is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants and spectators.

The programme will feature dragon boat sprint races in multiple categories, cultural performances, a puppet show by China’s Rugao Puppetry Art Troupe, and a special performance by the Sri Lankan military.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a Chinese food experience zone featuring traditional snacks including zongzi (rice dumplings), steamed buns, pancakes and candied hawthorn skewers, alongside Sri Lankan cuisine.

Interactive activities such as zongzi-making demonstrations, children’s performances and family games are also planned.

Organizers said the festival builds on the success of the 2025 China-Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Race and aims to further strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Source: Newswire