Tharoor, Mano discuss Indo-Lanka ties, regional cooperation and democratic governance

Colombo, July 25 (Daily Mirror) - Acclaimed author, parliamentarian and Chairman of India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Dr. Shashi Tharoor MP, held a cordial and substantive meeting with Tamil Progressive Alliance Leader and Member of Parliament Mano Ganesan and TPA Vice President for International Relations Barath Arullsamy during his recent visit to Colombo. 

Mano Ganesan and Arullsamy paid a courtesy call on Dr. Tharoor, during which they exchanged views on Sri Lanka–India relations, regional political developments, cultural ties and opportunities for deeper cooperation between the two neighbouring nations. 

Dr. Tharoor, a four-term Member of Parliament representing Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and one of India’s most celebrated authors and public intellectuals, discussed the strategic importance of regional connectivity, transshipment and closer economic engagement between India and Sri Lanka. 

Mano Ganesan highlighted the longstanding relationship between India and Sri Lanka and the importance of continued engagement concerning the aspirations of the Indian Origin Tamil community, while strengthening wider people-to-people and cultural relations. 

The discussion also covered the emerging common platform of Tamil-speaking political parties in Sri Lanka and its role in advancing democratic dialogue, constitutional reform and inclusive national development. 

Dr. Tharoor further shared insights into the functioning of India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, including the contribution of parliamentary committees and opposition legislators to policy oversight and democratic governance. 

In a gracious gesture, Dr. Tharoor presented Mano Ganesan with an authentic Kerala shawl, adding warmth and cultural significance to the occasion. 

Speaking after the meeting, Arullsamy said it was a distinct privilege to engage with one of the most distinguished alumni of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, noting that he too is an alumnus of the institution. He noted that their shared Stephanian connection made the meeting personally meaningful, while discussions also touched on future academic, alumni and leadership initiatives involving the St. Stephen’s community in Sri Lanka.

Arullsamy described the meeting as warm, intellectually enriching and forward-looking, reflecting the enduring importance of continued dialogue between Sri Lanka and India.