Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka–India Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament, the Department of Communications of Parliament announced.
The revival meeting of the Friendship Association was held on May 8, 2025, in Parliament under the patronage of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The event was graced by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, as Guest of Honour and attended by key dignitaries including Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Secretary General of Parliament Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.
During the session, Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana was elected as the Secretary of the Friendship Association.
In their remarks, both Sri Lankan and Indian representatives underscored the historical and enduring relationshipbetween the two countries, emphasizing the need to strengthen parliamentary ties through ongoing dialogue and exchange initiatives.
Speaker Dr. Wickramaratne expressed his gratitude to India for its unwavering support during Sri Lanka’s most critical times and cited President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent state visit to India as a milestone in expanding bilateral cooperation.
He also acknowledged India’s role in organizing the upcoming Capacity Building Programme for newly elected Sri Lankan MPs, to be conducted by India’s Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training later this month.
High Commissioner Santosh Jha, addressing the gathering, reflected on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka across various sectors.
In his address, Dr. Jayatissa highlighted the importance of the Association in serving as a bridge between the two parliaments, expressing confidence in its role in fostering deeper and more meaningful engagement.
Dr. Jayawardhana, in his vote of thanks, expressed sincere appreciation to India for its enduring friendship and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication to ongoing bilateral collaboration.
