Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation Meets Lok Sabha Speaker
Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation Meets Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla (Image Lok Sabha Secretariat)
Calls for united global fight against terrorism; India-Sri Lanka ties praised for deep cultural and democratic connection
By AMIT KUMAR
NEW DELHI, May 27, 2025 – Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today reiterated the need for a unified global response to terrorism, describing it as the greatest threat to civilization and human progress. He was speaking to a Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation at Parliament House on Tuesday.
“Terrorism in any form is a threat not only to one nation or region but to humanity as a whole,” Birla said during a bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation.
The delegation, led by Rizvie Salih, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees of the Sri Lankan Parliament, is in India for a week-long capacity-building programme organized by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE).
Birla expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan Parliament for its solidarity with India’s stand against terrorism and called upon the world’s democratic institutions to work together on a common strategy to tackle this global menace.
Deep Cultural Bonds and Modern Cooperation
Welcoming the delegation, Birla highlighted the civilizational and spiritual connections between India and Sri Lanka, rooted deeply in a shared Buddhist heritage. “Our friendship is strengthened not only by history but also by growing cooperation in modern sectors such as fintech, digital infrastructure, and regional connectivity,” he said.
Referring to the recent launch of UPI-based digital payment systems in Sri Lanka and improved transport links through sea and air, Birla noted that such initiatives are enhancing people-to-people and economic ties.
Digital Parliament and Global Parliamentary Engagement
Birla also shared insights into India’s digital transformation of its parliamentary processes. “By integrating AI and digital platforms, the Indian Parliament is encouraging greater transparency and public participation,” he said. He emphasized the importance of continued exchanges between Indian and Sri Lankan parliaments, stating that they foster mutual understanding and strengthen democratic institutions.
He also pointed to India’s global leadership in parliamentary training, noting that PRIDE has hosted capacity-building programmes for delegates from more than 110 countries. He expressed hope that the current training programme would offer the Sri Lankan delegation deeper insight into India’s legislative frameworks and institutional best practices.
Sri Lankan Deputy Speaker Expresses Gratitude
Rizvie Salih, on behalf of the Sri Lankan Parliament, thanked Birla and the people of India for their warm hospitality and long-standing support during challenging times. “India and Sri Lanka share a unique relationship built on historical, cultural, and civilizational values,” he said, expressing optimism about the continued strengthening of bilateral relations.
The Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation will continue its engagements in India as part of the ongoing training and capacity-building sessions under PRIDE.
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