A Parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Dr. Rizvie Salih, concluded a week-long official visit to India on Friday. The delegation, comprising 20 Members of Parliament representing multiple political parties and four senior officials, including the Secretary General of the Sri Lankan Parliament, visited India from May 25 to 31, 2025.
The visit marked a significant milestone as the delegation became the inaugural batch to participate in the Orientation Programme conducted by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) in New Delhi. This initiative follows Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s announcement during his April 2025 visit to Sri Lanka, where he offered 700 annual customised training slots for Sri Lankan professionals.
During their stay, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla, who highlighted the historic and friendly ties between the two nations. He expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s support in India’s fight against terrorism. The delegation was also received by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, who reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka’s development under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the broader ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision.
Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih conveyed gratitude on behalf of the Sri Lankan Parliament for India’s enduring support and unconditional assistance over the decades. He expressed a keen interest in strengthening cooperation with India across areas such as parliamentary exchange, trade, technology, and tourism.
As part of the Orientation Programme, the delegation engaged in interactive sessions on India’s legislative and budgetary processes, parliamentary committee systems, and governance frameworks. Senior Indian MPs, parliamentary officials, and media professionals shared their expertise and experiences with the visiting delegates.
The delegation also explored India’s transformative digital and urban initiatives with visits to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, and DLF IT Park. A special visit to IIT Delhi offered them a glimpse into India’s cutting-edge research in the energy sector.
To deepen cultural understanding, the delegation visited iconic sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and attended a Sound & Light Show at the Red Fort in New Delhi, offering a rich perspective on India’s historical legacy.
This visit comes soon after the re-establishment of the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association in Colombo in early May 2025, which saw participation from MPs across the political spectrum. The robust engagement and positive momentum underscore the shared democratic values and enduring friendship that bind India and Sri Lanka.
**Issued by: High Commission of India, Colombo**
