India and Sri Lanka Strengthen Bilateral Ties Through Women-Led Development Initiatives
NEW DELHI MAY 11, 2026 :- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlighted the profound civilizational, cultural, and spiritual bonds that have connected India and Sri Lanka for centuries during a meeting with the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka at Parliament House. Emphasizing a shared Buddhist heritage as the bedrock of their friendly relations, the Speaker noted that frequent parliamentary exchanges are vital for fostering mutual understanding and momentum between the two nations. The visiting delegation, led by Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, explored India’s evolving democratic framework and its shift from traditional “women’s development” to a more proactive “women-led development” philosophy.
A central theme of the discussion was the landmark Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, the first legislation passed in India’s new Parliament House, which reserves 33 percent of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women. This transformative step is mirrored at the grassroots level, where several Indian states have implemented 50 percent reservation in local government, resulting in over 1.4 million elected women representatives in Panchayats and urban bodies. These structural changes aim to ensure that women play a decisive role in legislative processes, making society more inclusive and sustainable as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Beyond political representation, the meeting addressed economic empowerment through initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi scheme and the success of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural India. Saroja Savithri Paulraj expressed appreciation for India’s hospitality and the opportunity to gain insights into digital commerce and female entrepreneurship. She also conveyed gratitude for India’s consistent support during regional crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters like Cyclone Ditwa, reinforcing the strength of the Indo-Lanka partnership.