DIMUTHU from Sri Lanka is a newly enrolled doctoral student at the School of Architecture. He had been a chess player on the Sri Lankan National Team and won seventh place in Asia as a representative of his country. While he was studying for a master’s degree in Sri Lanka, he came to China as a visiting scholar and participated in many cultural exchange activities.

“It was the first time for me to have a better idea about how rapidly and profoundly science and technology, especially in the field of architecture are developing,” Dimuthu said. He was also deeply impressed by the beautiful and varied natural scenery he observed in China. “Maybe from then on, my plan to study in China for a doctorate has gradually taken shape,” he laughed.

This time when he set his feet again on Chinese soil, he became a student at Tianjin University, the first modern university in China, whose architecture department is well renowned at home and abroad.

“I like Chinese architecture very much.” Dimuthu considered that in this new era, architecture is more about improving people’s way of life, hence their living standard and contributing to the notion of sustainable development.

Having obtained two master’s degrees, Dimuthu has never doubted his learning ability. He deemed it his first priority to learn Chinese well and integrate into the new life and environment as soon as possible. Although he hasn’t been here very long, he already felt the hospitality of the Chinese people and the home-like warmth received from his school. Dimuthu intends to make full use of his spare time by participating in various extracurricular activities and get to know about China.

By Wang Xiaobo & Zuo Xintong， photo by Wang Xiaobo

Editors: Eva Yin & Doris Harrington