People visit the 2025 Sri Lanka-China Cultural Photography Exhibition at the Prime Minister's Office of Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 6, 2025. The five-day 2025 Sri Lanka-China Cultural Photography Exhibition opened at the Prime Minister's Office of Sri Lanka on Friday, aiming to further deepen the friendship between the two countries and promote exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

COLOMBO, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The five-day 2025 Sri Lanka-China Cultural Photography Exhibition opened at the Prime Minister's Office of Sri Lanka on Friday, aiming to further deepen the friendship between the two countries and promote exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations.

Pradeep Saputhanthri, secretary to the prime minister, said at the opening ceremony that friendship between Sri Lanka and China has spanned thousands of years, and now is more vigorous under the Belt and Road Initiative.

He said he expects the photo exhibition to create new opportunities for artistic exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and promote further development of bilateral relations.

Ji Lili, counselor of the Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka, said that photographs convey the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between cultures.

"This exhibition is not just a celebration of art; it is a bridge that brings our peoples closer together. Through such cultural exchanges, we strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, enhance greater appreciation and respect for our shared humanity," she said.

The exhibition includes more than 1,200 works by photographers from China and Sri Lanka, covering natural scenery, cultural heritage, and people's lives.

"I am very happy to show Sri Lankan culture to Chinese tourists," said Jonathan Frank, a Sri Lankan photographer participating in the exhibition, adding that he hopes he will have the opportunity to travel to China for photography in the future.

The event was hosted by the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation and the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka. ■

A woman visits the 2025 Sri Lanka-China Cultural Photography Exhibition at the Prime Minister's Office of Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 6, 2025. The five-day 2025 Sri Lanka-China Cultural Photography Exhibition opened at the Prime Minister's Office of Sri Lanka on Friday, aiming to further deepen the friendship between the two countries and promote exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

A woman takes photos during the 2025 Sri Lanka-China Cultural Photography Exhibition at the Prime Minister's Office of Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 6, 2025. The five-day 2025 Sri Lanka-China Cultural Photography Exhibition opened at the Prime Minister's Office of Sri Lanka on Friday, aiming to further deepen the friendship between the two countries and promote exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)