In the early 15th century, Chinese navigator Zheng He embarked on a voyage that would leave an indelible mark on Asia's cultural tapestry. A recently highlighted artifact—the Galle Trilingual Inscription in Sri Lanka—bears witness to this legacy. Carved in Chinese, Tamil, and Persian, the 600-year-old stone tablet serves as a bridge between civilizations, reflecting Zheng He's role as an envoy of diplomacy during the Ming Dynasty.
Discovered in 1911, the inscription honors Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic traditions, underscoring the interconnectedness of Asian societies long before modern globalization. For historians, it offers insights into ancient trade routes; for today's business leaders, it symbolizes the enduring value of cross-cultural collaboration. As Sri Lanka prepares to showcase the artifact in a new museum exhibition, the stone resonates with travelers and diaspora communities seeking tangible links to shared heritage.
