The Chinese Community in Sri Lanka
We went through the difficulties in 2020, people still feel the shadow of Covid-19 looming over the world in 2021. Sri Lanka’s economy has been recovering, and the airport is going to open again soon.
The Chinese community is not big in Sri Lanka and jobs for most are related to tourism, trade or construction. Many people have left in the past two years. Now, what is the situation of the Chinese community still in Sri Lanka?
Tropical ‘Ice Age’
Covid-19 has caused a heavy blow to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. Hotels weretemporarily closed or were even for sale. Travel agencies tried hard to explore new business opportunities. Tourism staff were looking for new jobs. Valerie came to Sri Lanka in 2010. She has been here for more than 10 years. She said: “Under the difficulties caused by Covid, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has fallen into an ice age. She described the current situation as “never been hit so hard.”
She is in charge of a travel agency in Colombo. This travel agency mainly focuses on high end Chinese tourists who come to Sri Lanka on holiday or on a MICE tour. Over the years, it had maitained a stable base of customers. Even when Sri Lanka suffered from a terrorist attack in 2019, she did not lose confidence. But now, Covid-19 is like a huge slap in her face.
“Booked trips are cancelled, business withered to zero, curfews and blocks made everything come to an abrupt end. The only work left was to refund customers.” Anzu Peng came to Sri Lanka with his father in 1999 and grew up on the island. He witnessed the battle against terrorism and many happenings, he shares the same memories as his Sri Lanka classmates. He is almost half Sri Lankan.
During the past 20 years, his investments include a restaurant, a travel agency, construction companies other businesses. Recently, he established the Sino-Sri Lanka Business and Trade Promotion Association and serves as the chairman. He feels the Easter tragedy in 2019 and Covid in 2020 have had an great impact on business. Especially due to Covid, -17 much of the business has stopped.
“There is too much uncertainty about the epidemic and the impact will last long.” Mo came to Sri Lanka to work for the communications industry in 2016. After that he opened a Chinese restaurant. This restaurant does well in Colombo and is very popular among young Chinese people. MO said: “Due to the Covid- 19, 80 percent of the time in 2020, my restaurant was closed. Taxes, rent, water and electricity and other necessary expenses are fixed, so the overall loss is not small.”
‘Hibernation’ on the Island
Because of the bleak market, more and more Chinese in Sri Lanka returned to China before the end of 2020. Some of them do not plan to come back short term. The Chinese community is shrinking rapidly. However, despite the tough time some Chinese still chose to stay.
They are like in hibernation. It is the choice of many to keep their consumption to a minimum and survive the difficult period. These people have already established a foundation in Sri Lanka, and have not reached the point of giving up. More importantly, they feel Sri Lanka is their second home. They love the island.
After living on the island for more than 20 years, Anzu Pang has become accustomed to life in Sri Lanka. He said: “This is my second home. I have dedicated my best youth to this land.” He likes the climate here, as well as his local friends and business partners.
“In Sri Lanka, it is very important to have reliable local friends.” This is his experience. The telecommunications industry requires on-site construction, so Mo had been to almost all regions of Sri Lanka except the north. “I feel that Lanka is a very comfortable small country. I like the life style and culture here.”
Valerie was an interpreter sent to Sri Lanka by a big Chinese corporation. She participated in the preliminary investment inspection and assisted in production. A year later, she joined Aman Resorts Sales and Reservation Centre in Colombo, and was exposed to the top standards of the hotel industry.” At that time, I felt Sri Lanka is beautiful and there were many places worth exploring. Later, with my local friend, we founded the I CEYLON travel agency.”
She also felt kindness during Covid -19 For example, during the most difficult curfew time , a local friend worried that she could not buy supplies and repeatedly asked what she needed. Another example was that some organisations tried best to do volunteer work to help poor people. “Both Sri Lankan and Chinese friends donated money, although everybody faced hardship. It is a society with love.”
“Goods things are coming back as in Karma”
As for expectations for 2021 and the future, Anzu Peng feels that it is important to plan and deploy new businesses in the relatively free time now. The friendly relationship between China and Sri Lanka is a big advantage. He said: “Sri Lanka should have a bright future. It has an excellent location, plus a good natural environment. It is a nice place for tourism, investment and also for retirement. In 2021, I wish Covid-19 would end as soon as possible. I wish no disasters on our island anymore.” Mo is also optimistic about the next ten years: “I wish the Port City Colombo develops rapidly and brings opportunities.”
Valerie is most concerned about when the vaccine will be available worldwide so that people can travel with peace of mind as before.
Currently, she is in China for the forthcoming Chinese new year, while her partner is staying in Sri Lanka to handle any possible business. She said: “I miss the island. The winter is cold. But we keep doing good things, goods things are eventually coming back as in Karma.”