New Delhi April 20: High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Milinda Moragoda, met with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Kongal Sangma. The meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s office in Shillong, in the northeastern state of Meghalaya.
Moragoda was in Shillong as a guest of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Government of Meghalaya. The discussion focussed on establishing a mutually beneficial framework for collaboration between Sri Lanka and Meghalaya in the spheres of tourism and value-added agriculture. The meeting was part of High Commissioner Moragoda’s ongoing programme to establish contacts with leaders at the state level for Sri Lanka. At the meeting, High Commissioner had invited Chief Minister Sangma to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient time.
Meghalaya state under the leadership of Chief Minister Sangma has made great strides in protecting the environment by developing eco-tourism, and sustaining indigenous cultural practices and livelihoods. In addition, he has prioritized policies that support the development of local communities, particularly women. One of his initiatives included the securing of GI (geographical indicator) status for Lakadong turmeric which has a curcumin content of 9%, making it one of the finest varieties of turmeric available in the global market. His launch of the up-market ‘Meghalayan Age’ sales outlet in Delhi is a public-private venture which has successfully helped create a wider market for Meghalayan products beyond the borders of the state, and established the Meghalaya brand, while supporting local community traditional practices and agricultural products. His smart villages programme which is being supported by the University of California, Berkeley is another example of his forward-thinking policies.
