Last Updated on March 23, 2026 6:59 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Staff Reporter / New Delhi
A Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation led by Mr. S. M. Marikkar, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Issues, Parliament of Sri Lanka, called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today at Parliament House.
Mr. Birla welcomed the delegation, describing Sri Lanka as a close neighbor and emphasizing the countries’ shared civilizational, cultural, and linguistic heritage spanning thousands of years. He highlighted India’s socio-economic transformation over the past decade, noting that sustained research and innovation have driven the development of robust infrastructure nationwide.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to its ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, Mr. Birla shared insights into the nation’s progress in infrastructure and connectivity, and the growing role of innovation and technology in strengthening parliamentary functioning. He highlighted India’s extensive network of national highways linking states, alongside major expansions of ports and airports, which are driving accelerated growth and development.
Mr. Birla observed that India continues to advance rapidly despite global uncertainties and reiterated the country’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047. He emphasized that strengthened cooperation between India and Sri Lanka can foster mutual progress and shared prosperity, noting that infrastructure could become a key area for bilateral collaboration.
Discussions also focused on parliamentary cooperation as a pillar of bilateral relations, highlighting structured exchanges between legislatures to reinforce democratic institutions and share best practices. Mr. Birla informed the delegation that an eleven-member India–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group has been established to further strengthen ties between the two legislatures. He also underscored the critical role of parliamentary committees in ensuring accountability and effective governance.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), Mr. Birla stated that India remains ready to extend assistance to its friendly neighboring countries.
Mr. Birla fondly recalled his meeting with the Hon’ble Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), hosted by the Parliament of India. He highlighted that the conference witnessed the highest-ever participation of representatives from Commonwealth countries and included meaningful discussions on innovations and challenges facing parliaments.
Later in the day, the delegation interacted with the Parliamentary Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs and is scheduled to meet the India–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group on 24 March 2026.