By Mewati Sitaram
A 24-member Parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Dr. Rizvie Salih, concluded a landmark visit to India on May 31, 2025. The visit, from May 25 to 31, marked a new chapter in bilateral cooperation as the delegation became the first to participate in a specially designed Orientation Programme at India’s Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) in New Delhi.
Comprising 20 Members of Parliament from across the Sri Lankan political spectrum and four senior officials including the Secretary General of Parliament, the delegation was in India as part of a broader commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his April 2025 visit to Colombo. As per the announcement, India has offered 700 annual training slots for Sri Lankan professionals under a new partnership initiative.
During their stay, the delegation met Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, who highlighted the historical and democratic bonds between the two nations. He thanked Sri Lanka for its continued support in India’s counter-terrorism efforts. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also engaged with the group, reaffirming India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s progress through the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision.
Dr. Rizvie Salih and fellow MPs expressed deep gratitude for India’s long-standing assistance and sought to expand collaboration in areas such as parliamentary exchanges, trade, technology, and tourism.
At PRIDE, the delegates attended interactive sessions on legislative functions, budget processes, and committee systems. They also visited key institutions like UIDAI, Delhi Metro, and DLF IT Park to observe India’s digital and urban development. A visit to IIT Delhi offered insights into innovation in the energy sector.
For cultural exposure, the delegation toured the Taj Mahal in Agra and enjoyed a Sound & Light show at Delhi’s Red Fort, gaining a deeper appreciation of India’s heritage.
The visit closely followed the revival of the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association in Colombo. It highlighted growing inter-parliamentary engagement and reinforced shared democratic values between the two neighbours.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
