The Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Monday, 19/05/2025, received a letter of note verbal from the Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, B.C. Pradhan, communicating the visitation of some Members of Parliament from India. The Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone made this disclosure when he made a courtesy call in the Office of the Speaker.
Explaining the purpose of their visit to Sierra Leone, High Commissioner Pradhan told the Speaker of Parliament that the delegation is expected to arrive in Sierra Leone on the 28th May 2025 and would subsequently visit the Parliament of Sierra Leone on the 29th May 2025.
He categorically stated that the purpose of the visit predicated around counter-terrorism attacks globally, denouncing terrorist attacks, and recalled a very destructive one that occurred in India, claiming the lives of innocent people. The High Commissioner vehemently condemned the act and noted that India had earmarked some countries to collaborate with in the fight against terrorism.
He stressed that through global solidarity and partnership, they would be able to curb the menace to maintain sustainable peace.
Earlier, the High Commissioner spoke around bilateral support towards Sierra Leone’s development and capacity building, including the scholarships, infrastructure, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, sciences, financial support, provision of water, amongst others.
He also reflected on some similarities between the Sierra Leone Parliament and that of India in terms of colonialism in tandem with lawmaking, committee operations, and other good governance systems. He said in light of Sierra Leone’s bilateral and diplomatic relationship with India, Sierra Leone former was earmarked for the visit.
He also spoke about some economic and financial development and transformation globally, and assured the continuous support of the Speaker of India to Sierra Leone.
In his responses, the Speaker of Parliament expressed elation over the visit, and assured the High Commissioner that Parliament would prepare and anticipate receiving the delegation.
He also reassured the High Commissioner that he would equally communicate the coming of the delegation to the entire Leadership of Parliament in anticipation of their arrival, noting that India’s political system is very similar to Sierra Leone, in light of having the same colonial system.
He acknowledged the strong diplomatic relationship between India and Sierra Leone. “India has been a very good friend to Sierra Leone,” he maintained.
Credit: Parliamentary and Public Relations Department
