Young people from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and the Maldives gathered at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi on 07 October 2026 for the One-Day Pre-South Asian Youth Summit 2026, highlighting the longstanding historical connections between Kalinga and Lanka.
The Summit was organised by Project Point, an Odisha-based youth and social development organisation, in collaboration with Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, bringing together young representatives and youth leaders for dialogue on “Youth Policy, Advocacy and Rights.”
Odisha, historically known as Kalinga, shares deep historical, cultural and maritime connections with Sri Lanka spanning more than two millennia. These links include the journey of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha from Kalinga to Lanka.
These historic connections continue to find expression through people-to-people engagement and youth exchanges.
Project Point has 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. Its work in bringing young people together across cultures and regions provided a foundation for the New Delhi gathering.
The Summit provided a platform for young South Asians to exchange experiences, learn from one another and build friendships and networks across national boundaries. 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 South Asia’s cultural diversity, with participants sharing perspectives on their traditions and experiences. The participation of young people from Odisha further connected the gathering with the region’s longstanding engagement across the Bay of Bengal.
Representing the High Commission, Second Secretary Thilina Galappatti highlighted the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for young people to exchange perspectives and share their vision for the future. He noted that the energy, aspirations and ideas of South Asia’s young people would be central to shaping the region’s future.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka hosted the gathering, while the closing session of the Summit was held at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra in New Delhi.
The gathering reflected the enduring value of connections between societies, from the historic links between Kalinga and Lanka to contemporary youth exchanges that foster mutual understanding and collaboration.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
New Delhi
14 October 2026
