Russian language and culture education thrives in Sri Lanka

The Centre for Open Education for the Study of the Russian  Language and Culture in Sri Lanka is making remarkable strides in  promoting Russian language learning and cultural exchange. This year,  the centre continues to engage schoolchildren across the island with  dynamic educational programmes, building upon the success of previous  initiatives.   

In July, the centre marked a significant milestone,  graduating 323 schoolchildren from the Western Province who had  completed Russian language courses. All of these students were from the  Helena Wijayawardana Balika School, which has been a key partner in the  initiative.   

The centre’s outreach efforts continued into late October  with the highly successful Game Marathon titled “Journey through Russia:  Language and Culture”. This event took place in three provinces —  Western, North-Western, and Sabaragamuwa — and brought together over 300  schoolchildren from diverse regions such as Kelaniya, Balangoda,  Kurunegala, and Alawwa. Students participated in a series of interactive  language learning activities designed to engage them with both the  Russian language and its rich cultural heritage.  

To further support Russian language educators in Sri Lanka,  a methodological seminar titled “Russian Language Training: The  Creation and Use of Game Mechanics and Strategies in Teaching and  Learning” was held following the marathon. Over 30 Russian language  teachers from across the country gathered at the Russian House in  Colombo for the seminar, which focused on enhancing teaching strategies  and techniques. It coincided with the unveiling of a newly renovated  Russian Language Room at the Russian House, which has been dedicated to  Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, the legendary Russian poet, in celebration  of his 225th anniversary in 2024.