What Role Does India Play in Sri Lanka's Progress?
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Synopsis
Sri Lankan Minister Nalinda Jayatissa emphasizes the pivotal role of India in advancing her country's welfare during a recent high-level delegation visit to New Delhi. The discussion revolved around strengthening bilateral ties and cultural connections, highlighting India's support during Sri Lanka's economic crisis.
Key Takeaways
- India plays a crucial role in Sri Lanka's prosperity.
- The formation of the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association symbolizes strong bilateral ties.
- Recent high-level exchanges mark significant milestones in their relations.
- Shared cultural heritage and tourism development enhance connections.
- India's support is vital during Sri Lanka's economic challenges.
Colombo, Sep 12 (NationPress) The Minister of Health and Mass Communication in Sri Lanka, Nalinda Jayatissa, has highlighted that India plays a crucial role in the nation's journey towards prosperity and welfare.
During a recent visit to New Delhi by a 24-member high-level delegation from the Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association, Jayatissa, who serves as the President of SLIPFA, emphasized the long-standing historic connections between India and Sri Lanka.
As per the Indian High Commission in Colombo, the Minister shared her experiences during a dinner hosted by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, which was also attended by Sri Lankan Deputy Ministers and various Members of Parliament from different political parties.
In the previous month, the SLIPFA delegation had an audience with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla during their visit to the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) at the Lok Sabha Secretariat in New Delhi.
During this meeting, Birla emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka’s role in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, urging for increased bilateral exchanges between India and Sri Lanka.
Birla pointed to recent high-level exchanges, noting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025 and the visit of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India in December 2024 as significant milestones in their bilateral relations.
Speaker Birla welcomed the formation of the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association within the Sri Lankan Parliament, affirming it as a symbol of the robust bilateral ties.
He stressed the importance of institutional collaboration and ongoing dialogue between the Parliaments of both nations to exchange democratic practices and experiences among elected representatives, which would further strengthen democratic values.
Birla highlighted that the shared heritage of India and Sri Lanka spans thousands of years, with deep-rooted cultural and people-to-people connections being fundamental to their bilateral relations. He emphasized that the development of the Ramayana and Buddhist tourism circuits, alongside cultural exchanges and increasing people-to-people contact, lays a solid foundation for these ties.
Jayatissa expressed her gratitude to India for being the first responder during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and praised India’s role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region, while describing India’s support in health and education as a vital lifeline for Sri Lanka.
Point of View
Our stance remains firmly in support of fostering international relationships that bolster welfare and mutual development. The ongoing collaboration between Sri Lanka and India is vital for enhancing regional stability and prosperity.
NationPress
12/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association?
The Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association serves to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate dialogue between the two nations' parliaments, promoting shared democratic values and collaboration.
How has India supported Sri Lanka during its economic crisis?
India has been a crucial first responder during Sri Lanka's economic crisis, providing support in various sectors including health and education, which are essential for the nation's recovery.
What historical ties do India and Sri Lanka share?
India and Sri Lanka share thousands of years of deep-rooted cultural and historical connections, which form the basis of their strong bilateral relations.
