Odisha CM calls on Sri Lankan delegation to foster peace, friendship & shared prosperity
Bhubaneswar, Aug 26 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today called upon a visiting Sri Lankan delegation to work together for peace, friendship, progress, and a bright
shared future.
“Let us learn from each other’s experiences and create new opportunities for our people,” Majhi told the 30-member delegation comprising Press Officers from the Office of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ministry of External Affairs, and Department of Government Information.
The delegation is on a five-day visit to Odisha to study communication management during disasters, organisation of international sports events, investment promotion, and communication strategies in tourism, culture, and heritage.
Interacting with the team, the Chief Minister said that Odisha and Sri Lanka are united by a shared past and urged them to build a future of growth and prosperity together.
Conveying his greetings to the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Majhi remarked, “Our past is rooted not only in history but also in mythology. Our relationship is a shining example of friendship, goodwill, and brotherhood that has endured for millennia.”
Citing the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamsa, he recalled that Prince Vijaya, the first king and founder of the Sinhalese race, hailed from Kalinga.
“This makes us part of the same extended family,” he underlined.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the maritime heritage shared by both regions.
He said that in ancient times, Kalinga’s sailors carried rice, horses, and elephants to Sri Lanka, while pearls and silver arrived from the island.
“Even today, Odisha celebrates this history through the Bali Jatra festival in Cuttack. Last year, we were glad to welcome Sri Lankan envoys to the celebrations,” he noted.
Majhi further expressed hope for enhanced cooperation in tourism, culture, education, sports, and industry.
“Odisha has emerged as a hub for sports, investment, and disaster management. Our disaster preparedness is considered among the best, and we have consistently saved countless lives during cyclones,” he added.
Delivering the welcome address, Information & PR Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma said Odisha’s current economy is valued at around USD 110 billion, with a vision to become a USD 500-billion economy by 2036, when the state will celebrate 100 years as a linguistic state.
He emphasized that Odisha has been making remarkable industrial progress and offers significant opportunities in trade and investment.
The Sri Lankan delegation will visit the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, Konark, Dhauli Peace Pagoda, Kalinga Stadium, and Chilika Lake during their stay.
