New Delhi, March 23 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla briefed a Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation on department-related standing committees on Monday, stating that they function as "mini-parliaments" and thoroughly examine issues related to governance and finances.
He also informed the delegation of the Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Issues of Parliament of Sri Lanka, emphasizing that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka is not only that of neighbours but also a close bond rooted in a shared culture and heritage.
Highlighting Sri Lanka's crucial role under India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, Birla noted that India has consistently served as a reliable "first responder" during every crisis.
The speaker remarked that during the Budget session, schemes related to the nation's development are discussed in detail, and the future course of action is charted following a thorough review of the government's expenditure and policies.
He explained that parliamentary committees function as "mini-parliaments" where issues are deliberated upon in depth to formulate concrete and effective decisions.
Birla described the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group as a step that infuses new energy into bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation.
