Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla welcomed a Sri Lankan Parliamentary delegation led by Chairman of the Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Issues, MP S.M. Marikkar, at the Parliament of India.
In a statement on ‘X’, Speaker Birla said the interaction “reflected the deep‑rooted civilizational ties, shared democratic values, and strong partnership between India and Sri Lanka.”
Discussions focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation as a vital pillar of bilateral relations, with emphasis on structured exchanges between legislatures to reinforce democratic institutions and share best practices. The Speaker also underscored the significant role of parliamentary committees in ensuring accountability and effective governance.
Reiterating India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, Birla shared insights on India’s developmental progress in infrastructure and connectivity, highlighting the growing role of innovation and technology in enhancing parliamentary functioning.
He noted with satisfaction the mutual interest in expanding cooperation through capacity building and institutional engagement, expressing confidence that such engagements would further deepen parliamentary ties and strengthen India‑Sri Lanka relations.
The Speaker extended best wishes to the delegation for a productive and memorable stay in India. (Newswire)