In a special ceremony held at the Buddha Temple premises in Bhubaneswar, the Mahabodhi Society of India, Odisha Branch, felicitated Sri Lanka’s Minister of Rural Development and Social Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, underscoring the deep historical and cultural connections between Odisha (ancient Kalinga) and Sri Lanka.
The event was presided over by Narendra Kumar Mishra, President of the Mahabodhi Society Odisha Branch. In his address, Mishra emphasised that Odisha, once part of the ancient Kalinga kingdom, shares an age-old “blood relation” with Sri Lanka. “This celebration is significant in light of these ancient ties,” he said, noting the enduring Buddhist links that bind the two regions.
Following the felicitation, Dr. Pannilage delivered a detailed account of the emotional and historical relationship between Kalinga—now Odisha—and Sri Lanka. He expressed profound affection for the state, declaring, “I consider Odisha my second home.”
Distinguished writer and former Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Ashok Bal, attended as a special guest and spoke about efforts to revive Odisha’s millennia-old connections with various countries. He highlighted the role of the Kalinga Literary Festival in fostering cultural and literary exchanges to bring these ancient relationships back to life.
The program featured guest introduction by noted researcher Prabir Pattnaik, a welcome address by Mahabodhi Society Trustee Dr. Sourendra Mahapatra, and a vote of thanks by Odisha Branch Vice-President Dr. Karunakar Pradhan. Joint Secretary Siddharth Panda skilfully conducted the proceedings.
The ceremony drew a large gathering of intellectuals and Buddhist enthusiasts from across the state, reflecting the shared commitment to preserving and strengthening the historic Odisha-Sri Lanka bond.
