**Executive Summary**
On 11 May 2026, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla met with the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka at Parliament House to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations and mutual understanding. The meeting highlighted India’s transition toward "women-led development" and showcased legislative and grassroots initiatives aimed at female empowerment. The session served as a platform for bilateral dialogue, focusing on shared heritage and economic cooperation.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Bilateral and Inter-Parliamentary Relations**
* India and Sri Lanka maintain deep civilizational, cultural, and spiritual ties rooted in a shared Buddhist heritage.
* The Speaker noted a growing frequency of parliamentary exchanges, which has imparted momentum to inter-parliamentary relations.
* Sustained dialogue between the two nations is identified as a primary tool for strengthening mutual understanding.
* **Legislative Reforms for Women**
* India has shifted its policy focus from "Women’s Development" to "Women-led Development" to ensure more inclusive and sustainable governance.
* The *Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam* was the first legislation passed in the new Parliament House, mandating a 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
* At the grassroots level, several Indian states have implemented a 50 per cent reservation for women in local self-government institutions.
* **Economic Empowerment and Grassroots Impact**
* Over 1.4 million elected women representatives are currently serving in Panchayats and urban local bodies across India.
* Financial self-reliance for women is being driven through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and transformative initiatives like the *Lakhpati Didi* scheme.
* These programs focus on promoting women-led entrepreneurship and digital commerce, particularly within rural India.
* **Regional Cooperation and Support**
* The Sri Lankan delegation expressed gratitude for India’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters such as Cyclone Ditwa.
* The visit provided the Sri Lankan caucus with insights into India's initiatives regarding SHGs and digital commerce.
**Impact Analysis**
**Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka**
**Impact**
The delegation gained deeper insights into India's transformative legislative frameworks and economic empowerment schemes, such as SHGs and digital commerce initiatives.
**Action Required**
Continue engaging in frequent parliamentary exchanges and dialogue to further strengthen bilateral ties and mutual understanding.
**Indian Women Representatives (National and Grassroots)**
**Impact**
Legislative mandates like the *Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam* and state-level reservations ensure a more decisive role for women in policy-making and governance.
**Action Required**
Utilize the 33 per cent reservation in national/state legislatures and 50 per cent reservation in local bodies to contribute to governance and community development.
**Indian and Sri Lankan Governments**
**Impact**
The bilateral relationship is reinforced through shared cultural history and India's proven commitment to supporting Sri Lanka during crises.
**Action Required**
Maintain the momentum of inter-parliamentary relations through regular engagement and the sharing of best practices in inclusive development.
Key Entities Referenced
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam: Legislation mandating 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka: A delegation of women lawmakers from Sri Lanka visiting India to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations and discuss women-led development.
Lakhpati Didi scheme: A government initiative aimed at promoting women-led entrepreneurship and financial self-reliance, particularly in rural India.
Om Birla: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha who represented the Indian Parliament in highlighting the transition from women’s development to women-led development.
Lok Sabha Secretariat
INDIA AND SRI LANKA SHARE CENTURIES-OLD
CIVILIZATIONAL, CULTURAL, AND SPIRITUAL
BONDS: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
INDIA’S APPROACH HAS TRANSITIONED FROM "WOMEN’S
DEVELOPMENT" TO "WOMEN-LED DEVELOPMENT: SHRI
OM BIRLA
WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS’ CAUCUS OF SRI LANKA
CALLS ON LOK SABHA SPEAKER AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Posted On: 11 MAY 2026 8:01PM by PIB Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla observed today 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. Shri Birla made these remarks while interacting with
the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka at Parliament House today. The delegation was led by
H.E. Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka.
Recalling his recent interaction with a Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation led by Hon. Mr. S.M.
Marikkar, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Issues, Shri
Birla expressed satisfaction over the growing frequency of parliamentary exchanges between the two
countries. He noted that sustained dialogue and regular engagement between parliamentarians have
imparted fresh momentum to India–Sri Lanka inter-parliamentary relations and strengthened mutual
understanding.
Highlighting the increasing role of women in India’s democratic framework, Shri 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 Shri Narendra Modi firmly
believes that when women lead development, societies become more inclusive, balanced, and sustainable.
Shri 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.
Emphasizing the strong grassroots foundation of Indian democracy, Shri Birla mentioned that several
Indian states have implemented 50 per cent reservation for women in local self-government institutions.
As a result, more than 1.4 million elected women representatives are currently serving in Panchayats andurban local bodies across the country, contributing significantly to governance and community
development.
Regarding economic empowerment, Shri Birla informed the delegation that a vast number of women in
India are achieving financial self-reliance through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He highlighted initiatives
such as the Lakhpati Didi scheme as transformative instruments for promoting women-led
entrepreneurship, particularly in rural India.
Speaking on the occasion, H.E. 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. H.E. 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.
Pleased to meet H.E. Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child
Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka along with the women Parliamentary delegation
from Sri Lanka at the Parliament House and engage with the distinguished
members on strengthening bilateral ties and… pic.twitter.com/t1t15l0SE7
— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) May 11, 2026
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