India, Sri Lanka share centuries-old civilizational, cultural & sprotual bonds: Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has said that India and Sri Lanka are bound by deep civilizational, cultural, and spiritual ties that have evolved over centuries. Referring to the shared Buddhist heritage of the two nations, he noted that these enduring links continue to form the foundation of the warm and friendly relations between India and Sri Lanka. Birla made these remarks while interacting with the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka at Parliament House on Monday, May 11, 2026 in New Delhi. The delegation was led by Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka.
Highlighting the increasing role of women in India’s democratic framework, Birla stated that women are now active participants in every sphere of governance and nation-building—from the electoral process to policy-making and leadership roles. He remarked that India’s approach has transitioned from "Women’s Development" to "Women-led Development." He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly believes that when women lead development, societies become more inclusive, balanced, and sustainable.  Birla further noted that the first legislation passed by the Parliament of India in the newly inaugurated Parliament House was the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which mandates 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. He described the legislation as a historic step that will enable women to play a more decisive role in the country’s legislative processes, ushering in a transformative chapter in India’s democratic journey.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj thanked Shri Birla for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation. She observed that the visit provided the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka with deeper insights into India's transformative initiatives, particularly in the fields of SHGs, women-led entrepreneurship, and digital commerce. Ms. Paulraj also expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its steadfast support to Sri Lanka during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters such as Cyclone Ditwa.