A delegation from Rajarata University of Sri Lanka (RUSL) successfully completed an academic mission to Hangzhou City University (HCU), China, from November 3rd to 7th, 2025, marking an important milestone in international collaboration, digital heritage innovation, and cultural exchange.
The delegation – Prof. EMS Ekanayeke, Prof. Nuwan Abeywardana, and Mr. Thilanka Siriwardana engaged in a series of meetings, field visits, and technical discussions aimed at advancing joint research, student mobility, and digital cultural heritage programs between the two universities.
MoU Discussions and Academic Collaboration
Discussions between RUSL and HCU finalised key components of a forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both institutions agreed on collaborative frameworks involving:
- Student exchanges at undergraduate and postgraduate levels
- Joint fieldwork, exhibitions, and training programmes
- Short courses delivered by visiting academics
- Research cooperation in digital archaeology, Buddhist heritage, ceramics, and irrigation systems
- Technological capacity building, including 3D digitisation and digital applications for heritage documentation
HCU also agreed to host four RUSL undergraduates from the Department of Archaeology and Heritage annually, offering training stipends and accommodation support.
Visit to the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal Conservation Centre
The delegation visited the Conservation Centre of the Hangzhou Section of the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discussions focused on:
- Large-scale cultural landscape management
- Heritage zoning, buffer regulation, and HIA procedures
- Digital monitoring technologies, including drones, mobile reporting apps, and 24/7 surveillance systems
- Water quality management and ecological conservation
- Public heritage engagement through performances, exhibitions, and national cultural park initiatives
The visit provided valuable insights into China’s advanced heritage management models, offering learning opportunities relevant to Sri Lanka’s heritage sector.
Tour of the Digital Museum – School of Art and Archaeology
The RUSL delegation toured HCU’s state-of-the-art Digital Museum, which showcased:
- 3D documentation and digitising labs
- 3D-printed replicas of archaeological artefacts
- Interactive digital reconstructions of ancient art and landscapes
- Virtual museum technologies
- Digital models of Neolithic sites excavated by the university
- A specialised porcelain study gallery
- Student-designed industrial products inspired by archaeology and traditional art
This visit highlighted HCU’s integration of art, archaeology, and digital technology, offering potential pathways for collaborative innovation.
Cultural Visit to Lingyin Temple
The delegation also visited Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most significant Buddhist monasteries. Highlights included:
- Historic temple architecture and sculpture
- The renowned Feilai Peak grotto carvings
- The statue of Monk Xuanzang, commemorating his historic pilgrimage to India and his influence on Buddhist scholarship
The visit fostered a deeper understanding of shared Buddhist heritage and cultural links between Sri Lanka and China.
Strengthening International Partnerships
The 2025 China mission marks a significant step toward establishing a collaborative laboratory between RUSL and HCU, promoting digital heritage research, student mobility, and long-term academic cooperation.
RUSL anticipates signing the MoU in the coming months and initiating joint activities that will enrich both institutions and broaden opportunities for students and staff.
