A 30-member Sri Lankan delegation, comprising press officers from the Sri Lankan Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of External Affairs, and Department of Government Information, met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan today.
The delegation is on a five-day visit to Odisha to study communication strategies in disaster management, international event organisation, and the promotion of tourism, culture, and heritage.
In a warm and engaging interaction, CM Majhi emphasised the deep historical and cultural ties between Odisha and Sri Lanka, rooted in mythology and history. “United by a glorious past, let’s work together for a bright future,” he urged, calling for collaboration in peace, friendship, and progress. He highlighted the ancient maritime connections, referencing the Mahavamsa, a Sri Lankan chronicle, which notes Prince Vijaya, the founder of the Sinhalese race, hailed from Kalinga (modern-day Odisha). “This makes us part of the same extended family,” CM Majhi remarked.
The CM recalled the vibrant maritime trade of ancient times, where Kalinga’s sailors brought rice, horses, and elephants to Sri Lanka, while pearls and silver flowed back to Odisha. He pointed to the Bali Yatra festival in Cuttack as a celebration of this shared heritage, noting the participation of Sri Lankan envoys in last year’s event. CM Majhi expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in tourism, culture, education, sports, and industry, highlighting Odisha’s strengths in disaster preparedness, sports infrastructure, and investment opportunities.
Odisha’s disaster management model, regarded as one of the best globally, was a key focus of the visit. The CM noted that the state’s preparedness has saved countless lives during cyclones. The delegation’s itinerary includes visits to the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, Konark Sun Temple, Dhauli Peace Pagoda, Kalinga Stadium, and Chilika Lake to explore these strengths firsthand.
Information & PR Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma, in his welcome address, outlined Odisha’s economic ambitions, stating, “Our economy is currently valued at $110 billion, and we aim to reach $500 billion by 2036, when Odisha celebrates its centenary as a linguistic state.” He emphasised opportunities for enhanced trade and cultural exchanges between Odisha and Sri Lanka.
The visit concluded with a vote of thanks by Anuj Das Patnaik, Director of Information & Public Relations, marking a step toward stronger bilateral ties.
As Odisha and Sri Lanka look to deepen their partnership, this exchange promises to pave the way for mutual growth and collaboration.
