I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ms. Malini Fonseka, the queen of Sri Lankan cinema, whose extraordinary talent and enduring contributions greatly enriched the national cinematic industry.

She graced her acting with more than a hundred renowned films including Nidhanaya, Siripala and Ranmenika, Bambaru Avith, Aradhana, and Hingana Kolla, leaving an indelible mark with her exceptional performances, and her remarkable artistry was honored by the Special Jury Award at the Moscow International Film Festival as well as numerous Sarasaviya Awards.

The unforgettable characters she brought to life and the commitment she demonstrated in contributing to a refined art form like cinema stand as a real-life testament in building the cinematic industry, and I believe that she will forever continue to shine as a luminous guide to future generations who seek to nurture and shape the future of Sri Lankan film industry.

As a gifted actress who enriched our cinema for decades with meaning, emotion, and elegance, her departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the artistic landscape of Sri Lanka.

Our generation was raised alongside her films; our love for Sri Lankan cinema was inspired by the strength and beauty of her performances.

To the iconic actress Malini Fonseka,
May you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
25th May 2025

Offer your service with compassion.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is taking necessary actions to enhance the facilities and professional standard within the healthcare sector, and that expecting a compassionate discharge of duties from the nurses and midwives.

Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a ceremony held today (24) at Temple Trees to deliver the officially appointments to 3,147 nurses in the health sector.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

I extend my best wishes to all those who embark on a new journey in life joining the public service as nurses today. Among the many professions in the world, you are entering one of the most significant and most respected.

Nursing is more than a job; it is a humanitarian service essential to the public. In times of vulnerability, people look to you for safety and care.

Beyond medicine, you hold a powerful impact on healing people with your smile, way of speaking, compassion, and the manner in which you care.

You provide your service with great dedication, involving both physical and mental commitment. Often, you do not have the chance to sit or even sleep adequately. These sacrifices affect your personal life including the family affairs, relationships with relatives and friends. We understand that these sacrifices affect not only you but your loved ones as well.

I take this opportunity to thank you for your service, which you continue to offer with such commitment.

Following the policy of our government, ’A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life&rsquo, our primary goal is to bring this vision to all citizens. A beautiful life begins with healthy citizens, not only physically but mentally as well. To ensure this, the government is committed to strengthening the healthcare sector and providing the necessary facilities and training to professionals.

There is a high demand for nurses both locally and internationally. We are working to provide appropriate salaries, necessary promotions, and training opportunities to support your professional growth. It is also essential to create a safe and positive working environment, for both physical and mental wellbeing of the employees. I am confident that the respective Minister and the Ministry will continue to intervene to ensure that these needs are met.

The nursing profession is mostly comprised of women. In our society, a woman is often expected to carry many responsibilities in form of a wife, a mother, and being a nurse does not excuse these duties. As a government, we are sensitive to such areas of the profession, and it is also our responsibility to create an environment where you can live a fulfilling personal life.

Addressing the event Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, also expressed his views:

This is the largest number of nursing appointments ever granted at once. It is also the largest group to be recruited into public service at one time since the new government took office.

We are in a time of revival. All of us are working with commitment to change this country. We have great hopes for the future of this nation. In order to achieve those expectations, everyone including you, must work toward that goal collectively, not only the government but the entire public service. We hope that the public service will act with compassion. If the public sector lack of efficiency, productivity, and compassion, we will not be able to reach the progress and revival we envision. That is where we currently stand in.

The event was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, along with Additional Secretaries, officials, and staff of the Ministry of Health.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government has no intention of acquiring the lands owned by the people of the Northern and Eastern provinces and that the aim of the government is to promptly return land ownership to those who rightfully own them.

The prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held today (23) in the Committee Room No. 1 of Parliament in regards to resolving the issues related to land ownership faced by the people of the Northern and Eastern provinces.

Members of Parliament representing the North and East pointed out that there is a prevailing suspicion among the public due to the procedures followed by previous governments in clarifying land ownership in these regions and that many rightful landowners lack proper documentation to prove ownership while emphasizing the need for a structured process that regains public trust.

They further stated that some individuals have fraudulently taken possession of lands and expressed that the people trust the current government to deliver a fair solution to the issue.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reiterated that the government has agreed the granting of the land ownership to the people should be conducted in a legal and verified manner through a proper mechanism that eliminates public doubts and further emphasized that the government has no intention in acquiring the lands from the people under any circumstances.

Accordingly, the Prime Minister informed officials that the government will engage in discussions with the people and relevant sectors to find an appropriate solution and will take necessary future steps in this regard.

The event was attended by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha, Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe, and Secretary to the Ministry D.P. Wickramasinghe, Additional Solicitor General Vikum De Abrew, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, public representatives from the Northern and Eastern provinces, and officials representing government institutions including the Department of Land Registration and the Department of Survey, as well as District Secretaries and other participants.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held a meeting on 22nd of May at the Parliament with H.E. Ms. Julie J. Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Ms. Maureen Hsia, Acting Mission Director and Programme Office Director for USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives. The courtesy call focused on the evolving framework of U.S. foreign assistance to Sri Lanka and potential avenues for sustained cooperation.

The delegation briefed the Prime Minister on the recent three-month moratorium imposed on all foreign assistance by the United States, pending a comprehensive review by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Discussions centered on the implications of this decision, particularly its potential impact on key development initiatives such as the women’s shelter project, and broader humanitarian concerns if current support mechanisms are disrupted.

Both parties acknowledged the critical role of the United States as a global leader in development and emphasized the importance of continuing bilateral collaboration. The Prime Minister welcomed the United States’ commitment to identifying alternative modalities to ensure uninterrupted support for Sri Lanka’s development priorities. In addition, the meeting addressed tariff negotiations, recognizing their relevance in bolstering economic resilience and supporting the country’s long-term growth trajectory.

Also in attendance were Ms. Angelina Hermon, Acting Director of the Office of Governance and Vulnerable Populations, and Ms. Nirmi Vitharana, Project Management Specialist from the Office of Economic Growth. Representing the Government of Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; and Ms. Pramuditha Munasinghe, Director of the North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, met today with Mr. Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, at the Parliament, to reaffirm and enhance the ongoing partnership between the Government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations system.

During the meeting, Mr. Franche reiterated the UN’s continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s priorities in areas such as social protection, healthcare, and reconciliation. Mr. Franche also briefed the Prime Minister on the upcoming official visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, scheduled for June 2025.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the necessity of crafting a reconciliation process that addresses the genuine needs and aspirations of all communities across Sri Lanka.. Furthermore, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for greater international engagement and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Nethmini Medawala, Peace and Development Advisor, and Mr. Andreas Karpati, Head of the UN Office in Colombo. Representing the Government of Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Dayani Mendis, Director-General of the United Nations and Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Sri Lankan tea, known for generations as ’Ceylon Tea’ carries behind it a heritage and a success story like no other.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the International Tea Day, Tea for Harmony: Yaji 2025 China-Sri Lanka Cultural Gala event held 21st May at Marino Beach hotel in Colombo.

This event organized by China Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka, Department of Cultural and Tourism of XiZang Autonomous region - China, Ministry of culture and tourism -China and Embassy of China in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated,

“It is a great pleasure to address you at the Tea for Harmony: Yaji 2025 China–Sri Lanka Cultural Gala-especially today, as we celebrate International Tea Day. This day offers a unique opportunity to reflect on and honour the rich cultural heritage, health benefits, and economic importance of tea, a beverage that has united people and cultures across centuries.

The Sri Lanka- China relationship is centuries old, and has been historically strengthened by shared religious and cultural values.

Sri Lanka is known to the whole world for its tea due to its unique flavour, aroma and colour. Sri Lankan tea, known for generations as ’Ceylon Tea’ carries behind it a heritage and a success story like no other.

It is therefore in the interests of the Sri Lankan Tea brand to continue to work towards ensuring dignified work conditions and protection for all those involved in the production, especially the pluckers who have historically faced many problems. This is something we are a government are committed towards.

Today, Sri Lanka stands as the world’s third-largest tea exporter, accounting for approximately 15% of global tea exports. In the face of significant challenges, our tea industry recorded impressive achievements in 2024.

Moreover, Ceylon Tea is the major supplier to the Chinese market among all tea producing nations in the world. The Chinese market ranked as the top five destination of supplying Ceylon Tea.

In conclusion, I extend sincere appreciation to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo for organizing this wonderful celebration of tea and culture. Let us continue to cherish and promote the harmony that tea brings to our peoples and our nations.”

The event was attended by Venerable Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero, H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka and chinese and Sri Lankans.

Prime Minister’s Media Division