India and Sri Lanka Strengthen Parliamentary Ties Amid Infrastructure Talks
A Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation, led by Hon. Mr. S. M. Marikkar, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Issues, met with Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today at Parliament House. The discussions highlighted the deep-rooted ties between India and Sri Lanka, emphasizing their shared civilizational, cultural, and linguistic heritage.
During the meeting, Speaker Birla underscored the importance of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, explaining the advancements India has made in infrastructure and connectivity over the past decade. He noted that sustained research and innovation have driven significant improvements, especially in transportation networks, including national highways, ports, and airports, which are vital for the nation’s growth.
Despite global uncertainties, India continues to progress swiftly. Speaker Birla expressed confidence in India’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. He emphasized that closer cooperation between India and Sri Lanka can lead to shared prosperity and mutual progress.
New Avenues for Cooperation
Both delegations recognized infrastructure as a promising area for collaboration between the two nations. The conversation also delved into enhancing parliamentary cooperation, deemed crucial for strengthening bilateral relations. Emphasis was placed on structured exchanges between respective legislatures to fortify democratic institutions and share effective practices.
To further this aim, Shri Birla announced the establishment of an eleven-member India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, dedicated to reinforcing connections between the two parliaments. He highlighted the essential function of parliamentary committees in promoting accountability and good governance.
Commitment to Regional Support
Reflecting on India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), Speaker Birla reiterated India’s readiness to assist its friendly neighbors. He fondly recalled a previous meeting with the Hon’ble Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament during the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in India. That conference saw a record number of participants from Commonwealth countries, fostering crucial discussions on the challenges and innovations faced by parliaments.
Following their meeting with Shri Birla, the delegation engaged with the Parliamentary Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs. They are scheduled to continue their visit with further discussions with the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group on March 24, 2026, signaling ongoing efforts to deepen these important ties.
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