RIC Students Explore China’s Economic Development Experience at LKI Seminar

Menasha Samardiwakara and Tharika Perera

7^th July 2026

On 7 July 2026, a delegation of students and academic staff from the Royal Institute Campus (RIC) participated in the seminar “China’s Economic Development Experience and the Guiding Principles of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee,” hosted by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI) in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

Held at the Lighthouse Auditorium, the seminar brought together academics, diplomats, policymakers, and university students to examine China’s remarkable economic transformation, its evolving governance framework, and opportunities for international cooperation.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Zeng Zheng, Director of the Research Office at the Academy of Macroeconomic Research under China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and moderated by Ms. Nilasi Liyanage, Senior Research Fellow at LKI.

The session provided a comprehensive overview of China’s economic development journey, highlighting major achievements in advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, the service sector, and social welfare systems. Participants also gained insights into the strategic priorities of China’s forthcoming Fifteenth Five-Year Plan, with emphasis on innovation-driven growth, green development, industrial modernisation, and sustainable economic progress. The seminar concluded with a discussion on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its significance for regional connectivity and future cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.

For RIC students, the seminar offered a valuable opportunity to extend their classroom learning through direct engagement with contemporary international economic policy and development planning. Interacting with senior policymakers enabled students to connect theoretical concepts in economics, international relations, and public policy with practical approaches to governance and national development.

It was particularly rewarding to see one of RIC’s own students, who recently completed their first year and is now undertaking an internship at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI), contributing to the successful organisation of the event. It was equally inspiring to see Ms. Piyumani, a lecturer at RIC who also serves at LKI, attending the seminar alongside her student. Their presence reflected the strong academic and professional links between RIC and LKI, while highlighting the valuable opportunities available to both our students and staff through such collaborations.

RIC remains committed to enriching the student learning experience by encouraging participation in high-level academic forums that foster critical thinking, broaden global perspectives, and deepen understanding of international economic and policy developments.