June 02, 2025
Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation Participates in Capacity Building Programme in India
A high-level Parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, MP, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of Committees, participated in a Capacity Building Programme in India from 25th to 31st May 2025. The programme was organized by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training (BPST), Lok Sabha Secretariat, following an invitation extended by His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka.
The delegation included Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara, MP, Deputy Chairman of Committees; Members of Parliament representing the Speaker’s Panel of Chairs; Chairmen of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) and the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE); and other MPs from both Government and Opposition benches. They are accompanied by Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of Parliament, and senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat.
The programme commenced with a welcome and briefing session at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi on 26th May. This was followed by guided visits to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sabha, and Prerna Sthal, providing a comprehensive orientation on the institutional and historical significance of Indian parliamentary democracy.
On Tuesday, 27th May, the delegation participated in Financial Committees in the Indian Parliament: Conducted by Shri H. Ram Prakash, Joint Secretary, and Shri Muraleedharan P., Director, Legislative Services, the session outlined the core financial committees, especially the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is chaired by the senior Opposition Leader. The PAC scrutinized the reports of the Auditor General. Notably, proceedings of this committee are not open to the media.
Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs): Led by Dr. Satyapal Singh, Former MP, the session explained how these committees analyze the Demands for Grants submitted by Ministries in the Appropriation Bill.
Parliamentary Questions and Public Importance Matters: Conducted by Mr. NK Premachandran, MP, this session highlighted that 20 questions are permitted each day during Question Hour. Ministers are granted 14 days of notice to respond, and written answers are laid on the Table of the House by 10:30 a.m.
These engagements offered valuable insight into India's robust oversight and legislative systems, enabling comparison and learning opportunities for Sri Lankan Parliamentarians.
The delegation visited the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday, 28th May. They were welcomed by Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS, CEO of UIDAI. The visit focused on understanding the digital infrastructure underpinning AADHAAR, India’s unique biometric identification system. The CEO elaborated on its core components, including biometric authentication, data security, and the critical role AADHAAR plays in India’s economic development and public service delivery.
During the visit, the delegation held a courtesy call on Hon. Shri Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Discussions underscored the strong cultural and democratic ties between India and Sri Lanka. Speaker Birla emphasized the importance of joint action against global terrorism and the value of inter-parliamentary cooperation. The conversation also highlighted the transformative role of digital innovation in enhancing transparency and efficiency in legislative processes.
As part of the itinerary, the delegates also visited the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and engaged with Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, on development strategies and Global-South cooperation.
Met Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, where discussions focused on regional cooperation, India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, and India’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
Expressed solidarity with India following the recent Pahalgam attack, condemning the act of terrorism and reaffirming mutual commitments to peace and security.
The delegation undertook a cultural visit to Agra, on Thursday, 29th May, where they explored the historic Taj Mahal and Red Fort.
The Capacity Building Programme also includes in-depth discussions on Anti-defection Law, Role of Whips, Legislative and Budgetary Process, Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics, Interactions with Print and Electronic Media, Visits to Delhi Metro Corporation, IIT Delhi, and IT Parks.
These sessions aim to strengthen institutional knowledge, improve democratic practices, and share best practices across Parliaments.
The participation of the Sri Lankan delegation in this programme marks a significant step in enhancing Parliamentary diplomacy, reinforcing mutual understanding, and fostering long-term cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The initiative also serves as a testament to the shared commitment of both nations to democratic values, technological progress, and regional development.
