India-Sri Lanka Share Deep Civilisational Bonds: Om Birla
Lok Sabha Speaker highlights women-led development during meeting with Sri Lankan women parliamentarians
- Om Birla meets Sri Lankan Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus in Delhi
- Speaker highlights centuries-old India-Sri Lanka cultural ties
- Birla says India has shifted to women-led development model
- Sri Lankan delegation praises India’s support during crises
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th May: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday said India and Sri Lanka are connected through centuries-old civilisational, cultural and spiritual ties that continue to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Birla made the remarks during his interaction with the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka at Parliament House in New Delhi.
The delegation was led by Saroja Savithri Paulraj.
Referring to the shared Buddhist heritage between India and Sri Lanka, Birla said these historical and spiritual links form the foundation of the close friendship between the two nations.
Highlighting India’s changing development approach, the Lok Sabha Speaker said the country had moved from the concept of “women’s development” to “women-led development”.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes societies become more inclusive and sustainable when women lead development initiatives.
Birla noted that women in India are now active participants in governance, policymaking and leadership roles across sectors.
He also referred to the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Calling it a historic reform, Birla said the legislation would help women play a larger role in India’s democratic and legislative processes.
The Lok Sabha Speaker highlighted the role of women in grassroots democracy, noting that several Indian states have implemented 50 per cent reservation for women in local self-government institutions.
According to Birla, more than 1.4 million elected women representatives are currently serving in Panchayats and urban local bodies across India.
He also underlined the role of Self-Help Groups in promoting women’s financial independence and entrepreneurship.
Birla said schemes such as “Lakhpati Didi” were helping rural women achieve economic self-reliance and leadership in local economies.
Speaking during the interaction, Saroja Savithri Paulraj thanked India for its hospitality and support extended to Sri Lanka during difficult periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters such as Cyclone Ditwa.
She said the visit gave the Sri Lankan delegation deeper insights into India’s initiatives related to women-led entrepreneurship, Self-Help Groups and digital commerce.
Birla also recalled his recent interaction with a Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by SM Marikkar and said increasing parliamentary exchanges were strengthening bilateral understanding and cooperation.
