India and Sri Lanka share civilizational, cultural and linguistic legacy spanning thousands of years: LS Speaker

New Delhi, Mar 23, 2026: A Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation led by 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 at Parliament House today.

Lok Sabha Speaker stated that Sri Lanka is a close neighbour of India, and emphasized that the two countries share a civilizational, cultural and linguistic legacy spanning thousands of years. Shri Birla highlighted India’s socio-economic transformation over the past decade, emphasizing that sustained research and innovation have driven the development of robust infrastructure across the country.

Reaffirming India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, he shared insights into the nation’s progress in infrastructure and connectivity, as well as the growing role of innovation and technology in strengthening parliamentary functioning. He noted that India has developed an extensive network of national highways linking states, alongside significant expansion of ports and airports, all of which are playing a pivotal role in accelerating the country’s growth and development.

Shri Birla observed that India continues to advance at a rapid pace despite prevailing global uncertainties. He noted that with a steadfast resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. He further emphasized that strengthened cooperation between India and Sri Lanka can foster mutual progress and shared prosperity.

Both sides noted that infrastructure may become a new arena for cooperation between the two nations. The discussions also focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation as a vital pillar of bilateral relations with emphasis on structured exchanges between legislatures to reinforce democratic institutions and share best practices. In this regard, Shri Birla informed the delegation that an eleven-member India–Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group has been constituted to further strengthen ties between the two legislatures. Shri Birla also underscored the significant 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), Shri Birla stated that India remains ready to extend assistance to its friendly neighbouring countries.

On this occasion, Shri 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 noted that the conference was highly successful, marked by meaningful discussions on innovations and challenges facing Commonwealth parliaments. He further highlighted that the 28th CSPOC witnessed the highest-ever participation of representatives from Commonwealth countries, making it a historic occasion.

Later in the day, the delegation interacted with Parliamentary Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs. During their visit, they will also interact with India – Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group on March 24.