ECONOMYNEXT – Several Sri Lanka parliamentarians have participated in a capacity building programme in India organized by the Lok Sabha Secretariat’s Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training (BPST).
The programme included discussions on anti-defection law, role of Whips, legislative and budgetary process, parliamentary privileges and ethics, interactions with print and electronic media, and 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,” parliament said in a statement.
“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 team included Rizvie Salih, Hemali Weerasekara, legislators representing the Speaker’s Panel of Chairs; chairmen of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) and the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE); and other government and opposition MPs.
The parliament secretary-general and officials accompanied them.
The programme started at the Parliament Library Building in New Delhi, followed by visits to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sabha, and Prerna Sthal.
The delegation participated in Financial Committees in the Indian Parliament which outlined the core financial committees, especially the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is chaired by the senior Opposition Leader.
The Departmentally Related Standing Committees (DRSCs) session explained how these committees analyze the demands for grants submitted by ministries in the appropriation bill.
The Parliamentary Questions and Public Importance Matters 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.
The engagements offered insight into India’s oversight and legislative systems, enabling comparison and learning opportunities for the Sri Lankan parliamentarians.
The delegation also visited the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) headquarters in Delhi, to study the digital infrastructure underpinning AADHAAR, India’s biometric identification system.
They met Speaker of the Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla, and visited the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS).
They also met India’s External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss regional cooperation, India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, and India’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. (Colombo/Jun2/2025)
