India–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Ties Strengthen as Lok Sabha Speaker Welcomes High-Level Delegation

New Delhi, 28 August 2025 — In a significant diplomatic and parliamentary engagement, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla welcomed a 24-member high-level delegation from Sri Lanka at the Parliament House complex. The delegation, led by Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Mass Communication and President of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association, marked a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting underscored the evolving partnership between India and Sri Lanka, rooted in centuries-old cultural, historical, and civilisational ties. Shri Birla emphasized that Sri Lanka occupies a pivotal position in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Vision SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region), both of which aim to foster regional stability, maritime cooperation, and inclusive development.

Addressing the delegation, Shri Birla stated, “India and Sri Lanka share a bond that transcends politics. Our relationship is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to democratic principles. The formation of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association is a testament to the strength and depth of our bilateral ties.”

The Speaker highlighted recent high-level exchanges between the two countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025 and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India in December 2024. These visits, he noted, have laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation across sectors such as trade, tourism, education, and defence.

One of the key themes of the meeting was the importance of institutional collaboration between the parliaments of both nations. Shri Birla advocated for regular dialogue and exchange of best practices among elected representatives, which he believes will reinforce democratic values and improve legislative functioning. He also stressed the role of cultural diplomacy, citing the development of Ramayana and Buddhist tourism circuits as vital links that deepen people-to-people connections.

In a forward-looking gesture, Shri Birla showcased India’s adoption of digital innovations and artificial intelligence in parliamentary operations. He explained how these technologies have improved transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, enabling paperless proceedings and real-time legislative tracking. He also mentioned PRIDE (Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies), which has trained legislators from over 110 countries and stands ready to share India’s digital expertise with global partners.

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, in his remarks, expressed heartfelt gratitude to India for its timely assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. He acknowledged India’s role as a stabilizing force in the Indian Ocean region and praised its contributions to health and education in Sri Lanka. “India’s support has been a lifeline for us. Whether in times of crisis or in our developmental journey, India has stood by Sri Lanka as a true friend,” he said.

The Sri Lankan delegation’s visit, scheduled from 26 to 30 August 2025, includes 20 Members of Parliament and 4 parliamentary staff. Their itinerary features meetings with Indian lawmakers, visits to key institutions, and discussions on legislative processes, digital governance, and regional cooperation.

The meeting also touched upon the growing focus on investment-led development and grant assistance between the two countries. With several agreements already signed in areas such as defence, energy, communications, and religious tourism, both sides reiterated their commitment to expanding the scope of collaboration.

Observers noted that the tone of the engagement was both cordial and constructive, reflecting a shared vision for regional peace and prosperity. The emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy, digital transformation, and cultural exchange signals a maturing relationship that goes beyond traditional diplomacy.

As India continues to position itself as a leader in democratic innovation and regional cooperation, its ties with Sri Lanka serve as a model for how historical bonds can evolve into strategic partnerships. The visit of the Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation is not just a ceremonial gesture—it is a reaffirmation of mutual trust, shared values, and a collective aspiration for a better future.

With both nations looking ahead to deeper engagement, the establishment of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of bilateral relations. The association will serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that strengthen democratic institutions and promote regional harmony.