New Delhi, May 11: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized that India and Sri Lanka are bound by deep civilizational, cultural, and spiritual ties that have developed over centuries. Highlighting the shared Buddhist heritage of both nations, he stated that these unbreakable bonds continue to form the foundation of friendly relations between India and Sri Lanka.
Birla expressed these sentiments during a discussion with the Sri Lankan ‘Women Parliamentarians Caucus’ at the Parliament House. The delegation was led by Sarojah Savithri Paulraj, the Minister of Women and Child Affairs of the Sri Lankan government.
Recalling his recent discussions with a Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by S.M. Marikkar, Om Birla expressed satisfaction over the increasing parliamentary exchanges between the two countries. He noted that ongoing dialogue and regular meetings among parliamentarians have revitalized India-Sri Lanka parliamentary relations and strengthened mutual understanding.
He underscored the growing role of women in India’s democratic framework, stating that women are actively participating in all areas of governance and nation-building, from the electoral process to policy-making and leadership roles. He mentioned that India’s approach has shifted from ‘women’s development’ to ‘development led by women.’ He further stated that Prime Minister Modi firmly believes that when women lead development, society becomes more inclusive, balanced, and sustainable.
Birla also highlighted that the first law passed by India’s new Parliament was the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,’ which ensures 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. He described this as a historic step, enabling women to play a more decisive role in the country’s legislative processes and marking the beginning of a new chapter in India’s democratic journey.
Discussing the strong grassroots foundation of Indian democracy, Birla noted that many states in India have implemented 50% reservation for women in local self-governance institutions. As a result, over 1.4 million elected women representatives are currently serving in panchayats and urban local bodies across the country, actively contributing to governance and community development.
On the topic of economic empowerment, he informed the delegation that a significant number of women in India are becoming economically self-reliant through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He specifically mentioned initiatives like ‘Lakhpati Didi,’ which has emerged as a revolutionary means to promote women’s entrepreneurship in rural India.
On this occasion, Sarojah Savithri Paulraj expressed gratitude to Om Birla for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the delegation. She noted that this visit provided Sri Lankan women parliamentarians with a deeper understanding of India’s transformative initiatives, particularly in the areas of Self-Help Groups, women’s entrepreneurship, and digital commerce.
Paulraj also thanked the Indian government for its continuous support to Sri Lanka during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ‘Dithwa’ cyclone.
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