In an inspiring initiative to take Odisha’s culture and tourism to the global stage, two young men from Baripada, Kumaresh Nayak and Nihar Ranjan Nanda have embarked on a remarkable journey across Sri Lanka to promote Odisha Tourism and strengthen the historic cultural ties between the two regions. The duo conducted a week-long promotional campaign across major Sri Lankan cities including Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Matara, Wellawaya, Ella, Nanuoya, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Dambulla, and Sigiriya. Travelling with banners carrying the words “Odisha Tourism”, they interacted with both local and international tourists from countries such as Switzerland, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, presenting Odisha as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking spiritual, cultural, and natural experiences.

During their campaign, the two youths highlighted the rich historical, spiritual, and natural heritage of Odisha from the Jagannath Temple and the world-famous Rath Yatra of Puri, to Chilika Lake, Similipal Biosphere Reserve, and the majestic Barehipani Waterfall. They described Odisha as a land of diverse beauty, home to ancient temples, sacred traditions, pristine beaches, dense forests, and unique wildlife including the rare melanistic (black) tiger.

The campaign also emphasized the deep-rooted cultural connection between ancient Kalinga (Odisha) and Sri Lanka, particularly the historical link of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which was once brought from Kalinga to Sri Lanka, a symbol of spiritual harmony between the two regions. They also drew attention to Odisha’s ancient Buddhist sites, showcasing the state’s enduring association with Buddhism and Indian civilisation.

Through direct engagement and distribution of information, Kumaresh and Nihar encouraged international tourists to explore Odisha’s religious circuits, eco-tourism destinations, and heritage sites, projecting the state as an emerging global tourism hotspot. The duo’s initiative follows their previous campaigns promoting Odisha and Mayurbhanj Tourism across several Indian states, continuing their mission to build awareness and pride for their homeland on both national and international fronts.

This promotional drive comes shortly after a 30-member delegation of Sri Lankan government information officers visited Odisha in August 2025. During their visit, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the historic link between Kalinga and Sri Lanka, recalling that Prince Vijaya, the founder of the Sinhalese race, hailed from Kalinga. The CM also noted that ancient Kalinga’s sailors frequently travelled to Sri Lanka carrying rice, horses, and elephants, and returned with pearls and silver, reflecting a vibrant exchange of culture and trade between the two regions. By taking Odisha’s name beyond borders, Kumaresh Nayak and Nihar Ranjan Nanda have demonstrated how youth-led initiatives can play a powerful role in global cultural diplomacy and tourism promotion, reinforcing Odisha’s identity as a land of spirituality, heritage, and natural wonders.