Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed his pleasure in meeting a distinguished Parliamentary Delegation from Sri Lanka, currently visiting India for a special training programme organized by the Lok Sabha’s Programme for International Delegations (PRIDE).
In a post on social media platform X, Speaker Birla stated, “Pleased to meet the distinguished Parliamentary Delegation from Sri Lanka, visiting India for a special training programme organised by @LokSabha_PRIDE. Such exchanges strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and deepen our democratic cooperation.”
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations and welcomed the formation of the Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Sri Lankan Parliament.
Speaker Birla highlighted Sri Lanka’s significance in India’s foreign policy, noting, “Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Vision SAGAR’.” Discussions focused on strengthening institutional capacity, exploring new avenues of cooperation, and the role of PRIDE in organising programmes for legislators from over 110 countries. The use of AI and technology for efficient and transparent parliamentary functioning in India was also highlighted.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India and Sri Lanka share a relationship spanning more than 2,500 years, underpinned by strong civilizational and historical connections. The bilateral relationship, described as mature and diversified, covers all areas of contemporary relevance, with extensive people-to-people interactions providing the foundation for a multifaceted partnership.
MEA further noted that regular high-level exchanges have consistently strengthened mutual cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Sri Lanka three times since 2014, including a visit on June 9, 2019, to express solidarity after the Easter Sunday attacks. His earlier visits include March 2015—the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1987—and May 2017 as the chief guest for the first-ever International Vesak Day hosted by Sri Lanka.
