The Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on Monday, 19/05/2025, received a letter of note verbal from 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 disosure when he made a courtesy call in the Office of the Speaker.
Explaining the purpose of their visit to Sierra Leone, the 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. The Commissioner categorically stated that the purpose of the visit predicated around counter-terrorism attacks globally. He denounced the 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 the same. He stressed that through global solidarity and partnership, they would be able to curb out the menance 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 bilateral and diplomatic relationship with India, the former was earmarked for the visit.
He also spoke about some economic and financial development and transformation globally and assured the Speaker of India continuous support 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 anticipatarion of their arrival. He noted that Indian 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.
