An old connection between Kalinga and Lanka found a contemporary expression in New Delhi on 7 October, as young people from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Maldives came together at the Sri Lanka High Commission for the One-Day Pre-South Asian Youth Summit 2026.
The Summit was organised by Project Point, an Odisha-based youth and social development organisation, in collaboration with Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, and brought together young representatives and youth leaders for dialogue on “Youth Policy, Advocacy and Rights.”
For the Sri Lanka High Commission, the gathering carried a particular resonance. Odisha, ancient Kalinga, has shared deep historical, cultural and maritime connections with Sri Lanka spanning more than two millennia. The relationship is remembered, among other links, through the journey of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha from Kalinga to Lanka.
Today, that historic connection continues to find new expressions through people-to-people and youth exchanges.
Project Point has itself been engaged in international youth exchanges, including programmes involving young people from Sri Lanka and Nepal, and has listed an India–Sri Lanka Youth Exchange Programme among its international initiatives. The organisation's work in bringing young people together across cultures and regions provided a natural foundation for the New Delhi gathering.
The Summit created a space for young South Asians to meet across national boundaries, exchange experiences, learn from one another and build friendships and networks. Discussions focused on youth participation and leadership, advocacy and rights, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the role of young people in building inclusive, sustainable and peaceful societies. The programme also highlighted the rich cultural diversity of South Asia, with participants sharing perspectives on their respective traditions and experiences. The participation of young people from Odisha added a special dimension to the gathering, connecting the contemporary exchange with the region's long history of engagement across the Bay of Bengal.
Representing the High Commission, Second Secretary Mr. Thilina Galappatti highlighted the importance of creating meaningful spaces where young people can come together, exchange perspectives and share their vision for the future. He noted that the energy, aspirations and ideas of South Asia's young people will be central to shaping the region's future.
The Sri Lanka High Commission was pleased to lend its space as a brief meeting place that placed young people at the centre of the conversation. The closing session of the Summit was held at the Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi.
From the historic journeys across the Bay of Bengal that connected Kalinga and Lanka to today's young people crossing borders to meet, learn and collaborate, the gathering reflected a simple but enduring idea: connections between societies are strengthened when their people, especially their young people, connect with one another.Sri Lanka High CommissionNew Delhi10 October 2026
