FICCI FLO welcomes a women’s parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, emphasising the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and collaboration, particularly in women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic participation.
FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), the apex body of business women in the country, welcomed the women parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka and engaged with the distinguished members on strengthening bilateral trade and cultural ties and cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
During the interactive session, discussions also focused on women’s leadership, inclusive development, and greater participation of women in decision-making processes, as well as deeper bilateral collaboration, especially in the spheres of women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic participation. Both sides reaffirmed the shared commitment towards deepening ties between the two nations and enhancing the exchange of women’s business delegations between the two countries.
“India and Sri Lanka share a truly timeless relationship. Our ties go back more than 2,500 years, rooted deeply in shared civilizational values, cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and enduring people-to-people connections. Sri Lanka holds a central place in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, and our bilateral relations today are mature, multifaceted, and future-oriented.” Said Ms Puja Garg, President, FICCI FLO, welcoming the delegation.
“Over the last 42 years, FLO has evolved into one of India’s most influential women-led business organizations, committed to promoting entrepreneurship, professional excellence, leadership development, and socio-economic empowerment of women across sectors. Over the years, FLO has spearheaded several impactful initiatives that have created meaningful change on the ground. FLO has also launched several dedicated national initiatives, including the FLO Startup Cell, FLO MSME Assist Cell, Women in STEM, Handloom & Handicraft Initiatives, Rural Enterprises Programs, Financial Literacy Campaigns, and Digital Skilling Platforms, among many others.” Said Ms Garg.
“Today, Indian as well as Sri Lankan women are leading businesses, driving innovation, heading institutions, serving in governance, excelling in science and technology, and transforming communities at the grassroots level. From boardrooms to space missions, from startups to local governance, women are contributing meaningfully to the country’s progress. And this is one powerful thread that India and Sri Lanka deeply share … the strength, resilience, and leadership of women.” She said.
“We are particularly inspired by the remarkable work being done by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka, a unique and exemplary platform that brings together women leaders across political parties, communities, and regions with the shared goal of advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. In many ways, the vision and objectives of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and FICCI FLO align strongly.” Said Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka.
“Both institutions believe in empowering women through leadership, opportunity, education, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and community engagement. Both institutions believe that when women rise, societies prosper. And therefore, today’s interaction is not merely an exchange of ideas … it is the beginning of what can become a meaningful and enduring partnership.” The minister said.
“Both India and Sri Lanka are just not neighbours but partners in progress bound by history, culture, heritage and the unbreakable spirit of our people. Both countries enjoy a multifaceted relationship that has grown remarkably stronger in recent years. Both nations strongly believe in women’s empowerment, and when women lead in governance and the economy, the entire society prospers,” said Mr Anant Swarup, Secretary General, FICCI.
Both sides agreed on the exchange of best practices in women entrepreneurship and policy advocacy. Capacity building and leadership development initiatives
Collaboration in MSMEs, startups, handicrafts, textiles, and rural enterprises. Knowledge-sharing in digital inclusion, financial literacy, and STEM education. Joint forums, business delegations, and trade facilitation initiatives, cultural and people-to-people engagements that strengthen our regional cooperation
Those present on the occasion included Past President FICCI Ms. Poonam Sharma, Ms Pooja Chaudhary, Vice President, FICCI FLO, and members of the FLO Praesidium, Past Presidents, Governing Body Members, and senior members of FLO.
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