On May 21, on the occasion of International Tea Day, Dr. Keerthi Mohotti, Director of the Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, and Professor Sarath Kodithuwakku, Dean of the College of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya, paid a visit to Guizhou University. The following day, a symposium was held with Zhou Shaoqi, Vice President of GZU, heads of relevant departments, and professors from the State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides in attendance. The primary focus of the symposium was to deliberate on the establishment of a China-Sri Lanka joint laboratory focused on green pest control technologies for tea plant under the "Belt and Road" initiative. Additionally, discussions were held regarding opportunities for academic and student exchanges.

 Zhou Shaoqi, representing GZU, warmly greeted the visiting tea experts from Sri Lanka and provided a brief overview of the university. He expressed his desire to further strengthen the existing scientific research collaboration between the two sides by facilitating student and teacher exchange programs with the State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, College of Agriculture, and College of Tea Science.

 Dr. Mohotti and Professor Kodithuwakku presented the current situation of the Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka and University of Peradeniya respectively. They emphasized the desire to enhance collaboration in scientific research, Confucius Institutes, technology dissemination, as well as student and faculty growth. They also highlighted plans to establish a joint laboratory under the "Belt and Road" initiative. By leveraging the platform of tea, they foresee a promising new era of partnership between the two sides.

 Wu Jian, from the State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, emphasized the significance of Guizhou University's proactive response to the "Belt and Road" initiative through the enhancement of scientific cooperation and the establishment of a joint laboratory with Sri Lanka. He hopes that both parties can improve scientific and technological exchanges and work together to enhance the quality and efficiency of the tea industries in both countries. Hao Gefei presented a comprehensive report outlining the essential need and pressing importance of establishing a "Belt and Road" collaborative laboratory, highlighting the basis for cooperation and the key research directions for the future in this field.

 After the symposium, both research teams paid a visit to the Tea Garden Green Pest Control Base located in Ziyun County to investigate the occurrence and prevention of tea diseases and pests, laying the groundwork for future collaborative research.

Editor: Kang Meihua

Chief Editor: Pang Aizhong

Senior Editor: Li Xufeng

Translator: Tan Jing