Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, currently leading a Parliamentary delegation to India, met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday. During the meeting at the Parliament House Complex in the national capital, Lok Sabha Speaker Birla underscored the continued significance of Sri Lanka as an important partner in India’s growth story.
Birla, acknowledging the deep economic and tourist ties between the two countries, lauded Sri Lanka’s role in India’s growth and expressed optimism that the longstanding ties would further strengthen. He emphasized the shared history, culture, and democratic values binding the two nations as close neighbors.
Highlighting the historic and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, Birla noted the deep emotional bond shared by the people of both nations. He emphasized the common democratic ethos, viewing it as a guiding light for progress and unity, fostering inclusive governance and citizen representation.
The Lok Sabha Speaker outlined areas of collaboration between the two countries, including their shared Buddhist heritage contributing to tourism and India’s technological prowess and innovation. He spoke extensively about the role of parliaments in national growth, encouraging the visiting delegation to propose legislation for economic and social development.
Expressing hope for continued strengthening of bilateral relations, Birla praised India’s economic growth trajectory. In response, Sri Lankan Parliament Speaker Abeywardana conveyed gratitude for India’s assistance in various fields, highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at fostering economic development in Sri Lanka.
Abeywardana also commended India’s education system and expressed interest in collaborations benefiting Sri Lankan students. Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. Source ANI
