Chinese civilization will shine again in the new era
——Interview with Sri Lankan publisher Dennis Kulatunga
October 13, 2023 10:14 Source: "Chinese Social Sciences Journal" Issue 2750, October 13, 2023 Author:

 June 14, 2023,The 16th China Book Special Contribution Award Ceremony was held in Beijing,President of Neptune Publishing House, Sri Lanka、Dinesh Kulatunga, CEO of Neptune Printing Group, received this award。He uses books as matchmakers,Introducing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to the international community,To enhance the international community’s knowledge and understanding of China,And the world’s understanding of Chinese civilization、Perceived the Chinese spirit and made outstanding contributions。As a well-known publisher,Kulatonga introduced many Chinese cultural classics to Sri Lanka,Organized the publication and distribution of more than 100 Chinese books in Sri Lanka。As an excellent translator,Kulatonga completed the translation and publication of 145 Chinese-themed books,Including "The Mystery of China's Miracle", "Whom to Rely on and For Whom: The Governing Concept of the Chinese Communist Party", "How the Chinese Communist Party Governs", etc.,Causing enthusiastic response in Sri Lanka。As a positive cultural messenger,Kulatonga uses his own actions to deepen China and Sri Lanka’s understanding of each other’s civilizations。

Publishing is an important task in promoting exchanges among human civilizations,Publishers often have unique explanations and interpretations of civilizational exchanges。Recently,Our reporter interviewed Kulatunga,Ask him to combine translation、Experience in publishing and disseminating Chinese works,Explaining his views on the characteristics of Chinese civilization、History of exchanges between Chinese and Sri Lankan civilizations、Excellent Chinese Traditional Culture、Understanding of issues such as the modern civilization of the Chinese nation。

June 14, 2023,The 16th China Book Special Contribution Award Ceremony was held in Beijing,President of Neptune Publishing House, Sri Lanka、Dinesh Kulatunga, CEO of Neptune Printing Group, received this award。He uses books as matchmakers,Introducing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to the international community,To enhance the international community’s knowledge and understanding of China,And the world’s understanding of Chinese civilization、Perceived the Chinese spirit and made outstanding contributions。As a well-known publisher,Kulatonga introduced many Chinese cultural classics to Sri Lanka,Organized the publication and distribution of more than 100 Chinese books in Sri Lanka。As an excellent translator,Kulatonga completed the translation and publication of 145 Chinese-themed books,Including "The Mystery of China's Miracle", "Whom to Rely on and For Whom: The Governing Concept of the Chinese Communist Party", "How the Chinese Communist Party Governs", etc.,Causing enthusiastic response in Sri Lanka。As a positive cultural messenger,Kulatonga uses his own actions to deepen China and Sri Lanka’s understanding of each other’s civilizations。

Publishing is an important task in promoting exchanges among human civilizations,Publishers often have unique explanations and interpretations of civilizational exchanges。Recently,Our reporter interviewed Kulatunga,Ask him to combine translation、Experience in publishing and disseminating Chinese works,Explaining his views on the characteristics of Chinese civilization、History of exchanges between Chinese and Sri Lankan civilizations、Excellent Chinese Traditional Culture、Understanding of issues such as the modern civilization of the Chinese nation。

   

  

  ■Dennis Kulatunga Interviewee/Photo provided

   

  

   

 

   

  

  ■A series of Chinese-themed books translated and published by Dennis Kulatunga (Telmi version)Interviewee/Photo provided

   

  

 The story of the Chinese Communist Party has a large number of readers

  "China Social Sciences Journal": You have translated many Chinese stories,How is the publication and dissemination of these translated works in Sri Lanka?

Kulatonga:1960s and 1970s,Sri Lanka has many pocket-sized books introducing Mao Zedong’s thoughts and works。I remember clearly,On buses and trains commuting to and from get off work,Many passengers are holding Chinese-themed books and brochures,Immerse yourself in it。Because of my father’s opposition to the Chinese Communist Party、Chinese national leaders have a strong interest in China’s development,As a child at the time, I was deeply affected,So I also have the opportunity to come into contact with some English books on Chinese themes。

Now,There are many people in Sri Lankan academic circles who are interested in China’s political system and economic and social development,Therefore, there is a huge market demand for Chinese-themed books in Sri Lanka。In recent years,We undertook the translation of the "Interpreting the Chinese Communist Party" series of books into Sinhala、Publishing task of translating the "China Miracle" series bet365 Play online games of books into Tamil。Given the growing interest in the “Government of China” under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party,I believe that Sri Lankan readers’ demand for Chinese-themed books will further expand。

2022,Neptune Publishing House has obtained the translation and publishing rights of a book about President Xi Jinping’s vivid and profound use of allusions, "Ping "Language" Near People - General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Allusions"。President Xi Jinping often quotes famous quotes from ancient Chinese classics in his speeches,This fully highlights the lasting influence of China’s excellent traditional culture in shaping the thinking and character of Chinese intellectuals。Out of my own strong interest and enthusiasm for translation,I took the initiative to translate the book。The book is scheduled to be published in the second half of this year,And launched at the International Book Fair held in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka。I believe,It is sure to have a large readership in Sri Lanka and the entire Indian Ocean region,It will also spread President Xi Jinping’s governance concepts and philosophy around the world。

My representative translation "The Secret of the Chinese Miracle" is part of the "Interpreting the Chinese Communist Party" series。This book summarizes and outlines China’s development miracle,Introduced the rich connotation of the "Chinese Dream" for the Chinese people to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the Communist Party of China's clear outline of the "Two Centenary Goals"。Currently China has completed its first centenary goal,The second centenary goal will be another extraordinary journey for China。The Chinese Communist Party’s extremely strong leadership and tradition of making practical and feasible long-term plans,It has an important enlightenment effect on countries around the world,Also sets the best example for the international community。

"The Secret of the Chinese Miracle" mentioned the distinctive characteristics and interrelationships of China's "four comprehensives" strategic layout in the new stage of development。In my opinion,The strategic layout of “Four Comprehensives” is interconnected、An organically unified whole—“comprehensively building a modern socialist country” is the goal,“Comprehensively deepening reform” is the means to achieve it,“Comprehensive rule of law” is an important principle,“Comprehensively and strictly administering the Party” is a concrete action。These established strategic goals regarding China’s future planning,Shows the firm commitment and political responsibility of the Communist Party of China to serve the country。It reflects the development process of the Communist Party of China since its founding in 1921,And seeking happiness for the Chinese people for more than a hundred years、Continuous efforts for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation。

I also translated "Young China" (Sinhala version),This book compiles more than 30 articles,Summary of the history of dynasty succession and governance in China,As well as the profound insights of famous Chinese scholars in history on the experience of the rise and fall of countries。This book presents a typical example of how China’s excellent traditional culture is intertwined with Chinese modernization,Elucidates how China’s excellent traditional culture continues to influence the thinking and mentality of today’s Chinese people,How to provide intellectual support for national governance and social progress in the process of Chinese bet365 best casino games modernization。Except Sinhala,The book has also been translated into many languages,Received unanimous praise from millions of readers from different backgrounds around the world。

The Chinese books I have translated also include the "Adventures of the Prince" series and the "Festivals of Chinese Ethnic Minorities" series。The "Adventures of the Prince" series of novels combine fantasy elements with real-life experiences,Sparks the imagination of young readers。The "Chinese Ethnic Minority Festival" series tells fascinating stories,Vividly depicts the unique culture of 10 ethnic minorities。When Sri Lankan people read these books,You will find that the protagonist’s experience has many similarities with your own life story,Can greatly arouse readers’ emotional resonance。current,Stage plays based on some of the stories in the above books are quite popular in Sri Lanka,And spread widely through social media,Let “Chinese Narrative” be widely popularized。

Early 2020,China acted quickly to extend a helping hand to Sri Lanka in fighting the epidemic。After receiving the copyright of the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Manual donated by Zhongyuan Publishing and Media Group, we quickly organized the translation and published the Sinhala version in Sri Lanka、Tamil and English versions。At that time we encountered difficulties in the production of paper books,So upload the manual to social media for people to download for free。It has been downloaded by more than 60,000 people,Meeting the needs of Sri Lanka’s corporate sector,It has had a significant positive impact on ensuring the life safety of local people。Sri Lanka can overcome COVID-19 and weather economic crisis,We cannot do without the generous help of the Chinese government。

 Maritime Silk RoadEffectively connecting Chinese and Sri Lankan civilizations

  "China Social Sciences Journal": Cultural exchanges between China and Sri Lanka have a long history,What are the characteristics of the history of civilizational exchanges between the two countries?

Kulatonga:Both China and Sri Lanka have rich natural and cultural heritage and unique and charming cultural atmosphere。Through the Centuries,China and Sri Lanka have maintained long-term friendly relations。This enduring relationship stems from the Maritime Silk Road’s flourishing trade and extensive knowledge exchange。History,China has sent missions many times,Opening up land and sea trade channels,The Maritime Silk Road was the maritime channel for transportation, trade and cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries in ancient times,Effectively connects Eastern and Western civilizations。

Specifically,The history of exchanges between Chinese and Sri Lankan civilizations can be summarized into the following three points。First,Trade ties have played a key role in promoting exchanges between the two civilizations。And Portugal in History、Netherlands、Western powers such as France and Britain occupied it、There is a difference between cannibalizing and annexing other weak countries,Chinese history shows a completely different picture of the rise of a great power。In fact,To the 15th century,China, with Zheng He’s voyages to the West as its cultural symbol, already has the strength of a world naval power。1405-1433 years,For economic and trade exchange purposes,Zheng He led a huge fleet to ride the wind and waves、Sail away,Crossing the Indian Ocean seven times、Arabian Sea、Persian Gulf、Red Sea and other sea areas。Zheng He’s Seven Bet365 app download Voyages to the West,Six of them passed through Ceylon,Today’s Sri Lanka。His visit not only made important contributions to strengthening China-Sri Lanka relations,Also witnessed the historical trajectory of China’s maritime civilization。1911,People discovered the stone tablet erected by Zheng He in the ancient city of Galle, Sri Lanka,Confirms the deep historical and cultural ties between China and Sri Lanka in an interesting way。This stone tablet has Chinese characters engraved on it、Trilingual inscriptions in Tamil and Persian。After this cultural relic was discovered,As a precious commemorative cultural relic of Zheng He’s voyages to the West, it is carefully preserved in the National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka。

Secondly,Buddhist culture is an important part of the long history of exchanges between China and Sri Lanka,It is also an important link to enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries。Shaolin boxing score、Tai Chi and other traditional Chinese martial arts cultures are closely related to Buddhist culture。As early as the 5th century AD,Master Faxian, an eminent Chinese Buddhist monk, once studied in Sri Lanka。From now on,Buddhist cultural exchanges between China and Sri Lanka continue to develop actively。

Finally,Since modern times,China and Sri Lanka have always maintained a long-lasting and stable friendly relationship,Continuous high-level exchanges。The bilateral relations between China and Sri Lanka can be traced back to before the formal establishment of diplomatic relations,The "Rice Rubber Agreement" of 1952,The signing of this agreement has enhanced the friendship between the two countries。February 1957,China and Sri Lanka formally established diplomatic relations,Sri Lanka became one of the first South Asian countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China in modern times,As a result, the relationship between the two countries has been further deepened,Fruitable results from cooperation in various fields。

  Excellent Chinese Traditional CultureHas multiple modern meanings

  "China Social Sciences Journal": What do you think of China's excellent traditional culture and its creative transformation、Problems of innovative development?

Kulatonga:China’s excellent traditional culture has a long history、Broad and profound。Its profound historical foundation has been endowed with multiple modern meanings in modern China,In the dynamic modern society of China,Over time,Getting stronger。Chinese civilization has left a rich cultural heritage in the long history of history,These ancient heritages are the pride of the Chinese people,Enriching China’s unique cultural landscape。They contain a variety of elements,Involving language、Art、Literature、Philosophy、Medicine、Cooking and other traditional customs,It still shapes China’s modern civilization in a profound way today。

Historical stories about ancient Chinese inventions,I have been familiar with it since I was a child。These stories demonstrate the ingenuity of ancient Chinese scientists,It has deeply attracted a large number of history and technology enthusiasts like me。Papermaking、Compass、Gunpowder、Movable type and many other transformative technological innovations,It is a feat in human history。As the crystallization of wisdom of the working people of ancient China,They can be called treasures in the history of Chinese civilization,It is also an outstanding creation in the history of world Bet365 app download civilization。The inventions and creations of ancient China not only brought economic benefits to China、Great value in culture and technology,After spreading to the West through various channels,It also accelerates the development of productivity in human society,Promoted the process of world civilization。

As an important part of ancient Chinese culture,Traditional Chinese philosophy shines with the brilliance of human nature and thought,It is a valuable legacy of Chinese philosophy and ethical system,It has also had a lasting and far-reaching impact in different countries and regions around the world。As the crystallization of wisdom of Chinese civilization,These ancient philosophical ideas provide practical guidance for discerning "what is truth" and how to "understand reality",And resonates with the lifestyle and spiritual values ​​of modern Chinese people。Proof of fact,To this day,People can still gain enlightenment and inspiration for insight into the world from these ancient ideas,Thus working toward higher goals in your own life。Traditional Chinese culture emphasizes harmony、Thoughts such as achieving balance and pursuing wisdom,It also provides good resources for China’s national governance today。

  Chinese civilization plays the role of "moistening things quietly"Nourishment

  "China Social Sciences Journal": How do you understand this important discussion of building a modern civilization for the Chinese nation?

Kulatonga:This important statement put forward by President Xi Jinping at the symposium on cultural inheritance and development is full of profound meaning。The Chinese nation created a splendid culture and brilliant achievements that are universally recognized in ancient times。

In a long historical period,Chinese civilization stands as the most prosperous and powerful civilization in the world,However, the development of Chinese civilization has not been smooth sailing。It is worthy of recognition,Even in difficult times,Chinese civilization has never stopped its vitality of continuous upward growth。It is suffering and setbacks that greatly strengthen the Chinese nation’s strong will,It also gives Chinese civilization strong resilience and adaptability。 

Today’s peaceful development of China、Create greater glory。Entering a new era,China’s international status continues to rise,China’s modernization development has made remarkable achievements,Won wide acclaim from the international community,This is a very remarkable historic achievement,As a result, Chinese civilization has once again blossomed in China in the new era。In the context of China’s vigorous development,Based on the long-standing and excellent traditional culture,Building a modern civilization of the Chinese nation that is of great significance for the times,It is an important innovative measure in the cultural field of China,This move also reflects the outstanding characteristics of Chinese civilization。

“The second combination” proposed by President Xi Jinping,It will play an important theoretical supporting role in promoting the construction of modern civilization of the Chinese nation。President Xi Jinping pointed out: “Marxism and China’s excellent traditional culture have different origins,But there is a high degree of compatibility with each other。”In my opinion,The compatibility and commonality between the two is,Both emphasize human creativity,Also contains the yearning for a better life。On the bet365 live casino games one hand,As the crystallization of beliefs and practical achievements inherited and developed by the Chinese people in the long history of Chinese civilization,China’s excellent traditional culture contains the great creativity of the Chinese nation。On the other hand,Marxist theory of happiness is also based on the philosophical concept of affirming the meaning of human beings as individuals。Marxist view,Human beings are creative and social,Through interaction with nature、Interaction with production materials,To shape your own life and achieve your own happiness。

President Xi Jinping has explained on many important occasions his in-depth thinking and profound understanding of exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese civilization and world civilization。The concept of "a community with a shared future for mankind" he proposed ten years ago,And the “Global Civilization Initiative” proposed in March this year,Has a significant impact on China and the world。In my opinion,The concept of "a community with a shared future for mankind" reflects the intrinsic connection between Chinese civilization and socialism with Chinese characteristics,Can be regarded as a profound form of the "modern civilization of the Chinese nation" proposed by President Xi Jinping;The "Global Civilization Initiative" embodies the harmonious coexistence of Chinese civilization and world civilization,It has enlightenment and reference significance for promoting the continued prosperity of world civilization。

2019,I participated in the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations held in Beijing。At this civilized event,President Xi Jinping summarized the glorious achievements of Asian civilization,Also elaborates on the rich connotation of Chinese civilization。The concept of civilization expounded by President Xi Jinping made me personally feel that Chinese civilization is open and inclusive、The mind and characteristics of embracing all rivers。During the event,I attended many seminars,I gained a lot of inspiration,Let me know about Chinese civilization、Asian civilization and world civilization have new thinking。

Compared with Western Civilization,Chinese civilization focuses on the pursuit of humanistic values ​​and spiritual core。Different from the deep-rooted separatist tendencies and individualistic cultures of many Western countries,Since ancient times,Harmony and symbiosis create the Chinese nation’s love for peace、The historical gene of pursuing harmony,It also determines that China will always pursue an independent foreign policy of peace。China has never established a colony in history,China’s rise to becoming the world’s second largest economy has been achieved through peaceful means from beginning to end。

Without a doubt,In the new era,Chinese civilization plays a nourishing role in "moistening things silently" in the process of promoting Chinese-style modernization,Promoted China’s development in agriculture、Historic progress in manufacturing and trade,This will have a significant impact on global development。simultaneously,Chinese civilization has also achieved China’s dazzling international status today、Diplomacy and global influence,Promotes the development of international relations in a broader sense。

 

 

 

Editor: Cui Bohan
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