Om Birla highlights India-Sri Lanka’s deep cultural, spiritual ties

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla observed on Monday that India and Sri Lanka are bound by deep civilisational, cultural, and spiritual ties that have evolved over centuries. Referring to the shared Buddhist heritage of the two nations, he noted that these enduring links continue to form the foundation of the warm and friendly relations between India and Sri Lanka.

Birla made these remarks while interacting with the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka at Parliament House on Monday. The delegation was led by HE Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka. Recalling his recent interaction with a Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by Hon SM Marikkar, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on infrastructure and strategic issues, Birla expressed satisfaction over the growing frequency of parliamentary exchanges between the two countries. He noted that sustained dialogue and regular engagement between parliamentarians have imparted fresh momentum to India-Sri Lanka inter-parliamentary relations and strengthened mutual understanding.

Highlighting the increasing role of women in India’s democratic framework, he remarked that India’s approach has transitioned from "Women’s Development" to "Women-led Development." He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly believes that when women lead development, societies become more inclusive, balanced, and sustainable.

Birla further noted that the first legislation passed by the Parliament of India in the newly inaugurated Parliament House was the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which mandates 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

Emphasising the strong grassroots foundation of Indian democracy, Birla mentioned that several Indian States have implemented 50 per cent reservation for women in local self-Government institutions.  Speaking on the occasion, HE Saroja Savithri Paulraj thanked Birla for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation. She observed that the visit provided the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka with deeper insights into India’s transformative initiatives, particularly in the fields of SHGs, women-led entrepreneurship, and digital commerce.

HE Paulraj also expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its steadfast support to Sri Lanka during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters such as Cyclone Ditwa.