Colombo, Sri Lanka – 28 August 2026 – A 25-member delegation of Sri Lankan parliamentary officials is currently participating in a comprehensive Capacity-Building Programme at the Lok Sabha Secretariat in New Delhi, India. This vital initiative, comprising representatives from all nine departments of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, is designed to enhance their professional knowledge, skills, and institutional capacities.
This marks the second batch of officials to attend the programme, led by Ms. Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. The first batch, also consisting of 25 parliamentary officials, successfully completed their training last month, bringing the total number of participants to 50.
Initiation and Collaborative Spirit
The Capacity-Building Programme was conceptualised and initiated through a request from Ms. Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, Secretary-General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, channelled via the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka. Subsequently, under the direct guidance of Shri Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the arrangements and facilitation for the programme were meticulously managed by Shri Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Both training programmes have been expertly conducted by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, underscoring the strong bilateral cooperation between the two nations in strengthening democratic institutions.
Comprehensive Curriculum for Enhanced Governance
The capacity-building sessions are structured to cover a wide array of subjects crucial for effective parliamentary administration and functioning. Key areas of focus include:
- International parliamentary relations and protocol.
- Executive accountability to Parliament.
- The integral role and diverse functions of parliamentary committees.
- The organisational structure of the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the operational dynamics of its Administration Branch.
- Efficient functioning and management of committee secretariats and various branches.
- Principles governing parliamentary privileges and ethics.
- Services provided to Members of Parliament, encompassing welfare, allowances, and general support.
- Preparation of the Secretariat’s budget, and the functions of the Integrated Finance Unit (IFU) and Budget and Budgetary (B&B) branches.
- The critical role and powers vested in presiding officers within legislative bodies.
Immersive Learning and Cultural Exchange
Upon their arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, the visiting officials were accorded a warm reception by senior officials of the Lok Sabha Secretariat. As part of their engagements, the Sri Lankan delegation paid a respectful floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Prerna Sthal within the Parliament House Complex before commencing their training.
The programme includes invaluable visits to the Parliament House, offering opportunities to observe the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Chambers, as well as the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. A visit to the Parliament Library Building further provided officials with insights into India’s parliamentary infrastructure and support services. Complementing the academic and institutional sessions, a cultural visit to Agra was also included, allowing participants to experience India’s rich heritage.
Strengthening Bilateral Parliamentary Ties
During their visit, senior officials from the Parliament of Sri Lanka, led by Secretary-General Ms. Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, engaged in cordial and fruitful discussions with Shri Utpal Kumar Singh, Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha Secretariat. Ms. Rohanadeera conveyed her sincere appreciation for the comprehensive arrangements and support extended towards the successful implementation of the Capacity-Building Programme.
Additionally, a group of officials representing the Department of Communications of the Parliament of Sri Lanka observed the operations of “Sansad TV,” the official television channel of the Indian legislature. The continuous nature of these programmes, facilitated through successive batches, highlights the growing institutional engagement between the Parliament of Sri Lanka and the Lok Sabha Secretariat. This ongoing collaboration is instrumental in fostering a valuable exchange of parliamentary expertise and best practices between the two democratic nations.
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