The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held today (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.

A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and the competition was participated over 500 students, who presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.

Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:

In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.

Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork.

Sri Lanka’s participation for the first time in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The heads of mission designate to Sri Lanka paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 26th of March at the Prime Minister’s office.

The delegation comprised Mr. Dharshana M. Perera, High Commissioner – designate of Sri Lanka to Malaysia, Ms. Dayani Mendis, Ambassador and PRUN – designate of Sri Lanka to Austria, Ms. N.I.D. Paranavitana, Ambassador – designate of Sri Lanka to Ethiopia & African Union, Prof. (Ms.) M.I. Fazeeha Azmi,Ambassador – designate of Sri Lanka to Iran, Mr. Saman Kumara Chandrasiri, Ambassador – designate of Sri Lanka to Israel, and Mr. M. Farook M. Fawzer, Representative – designate of Sri Lanka to Palestine.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, extended her best wishes to the Heads of Mission–designate and underscored the importance of their forthcoming assignments in advancing Sri Lanka’s national interests emphasizing their collective role in contributing towards the socio-economic upliftment of Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister further highlighted the importance of projecting a positive and credible image of Sri Lanka internationally, through consistent, professional, and strategic engagement in their respective host countries and multilateral platforms.

She encouraged the Heads of Mission to actively identify and facilitate high-quality investment opportunities, particularly in sectors aligned with Sri Lanka’s development priorities, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and long-term value addition.

Particular emphasis was placed on the promotion and diversification of Sri Lanka’s exports, including the exploration of new markets and strengthening trade linkages.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta and heads of mission-designate.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba Ms. Patricia Lazara Pego Guerra on 26th March 2026 at the Prime Minister’s office.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Cuba, underscoring the importance of bilateral ties over the years.

Discussions focused on further enhancing cooperation in the field of education, including the exploration of potential exchange programmes and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening human resource development in both countries.

Both parties also explored opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, with particular emphasis on knowledge sharing and the exchange of technical expertise to support sustainable agricultural practices. In addition, the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of sports was highlighted.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta and Director General from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director General / Latin America and the Caribbean Division to Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Foreign Employment, Tourism Sri Lanka Mr. Ratnasingam Kohularangan.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

For Sri Lanka, this transformation remains a national priority.

The Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the international conference on ’Transforming TVET Systems for climate resilience and green jobs’ organized by Colombo Plan Staff Collage, Philippines together with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Sri Lanka on 24 th of March at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Conference serves as the flagship event of the five-day Regional Programme on “Transforming TVET for a Digital, Green, and Inclusive Economy” (23-27 March 2026), which continues throughout the week, bringing together representatives from CPSC member countries including Bhutan, Fiji, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, fostering high-level dialogue and knowledge sharing on climate-resilient and green skills development.

The Conference features technical and plenary sessions on climate-responsive TVET systems, green skills development, national policy frameworks, and emerging technologies shaping industry transformation.

Addressing at the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills in addressing climate change and shaping a sustainable future.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that this transformation remains a national priority for Sri Lanka. She stressed that education must go beyond knowledge dissemination to empower individuals with opportunities, dignity, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

She further emphasized the need to integrate environmental sustainability into education and training systems by embedding green skills in curricula, investing in modern training facilities, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration between training institutions and emerging green industries.

Highlighting the importance of ensuring equity Prime Minister further stated,

Opportunities arising from the green transition must be accessible to all, including youth, young women, people with special needs, and marginalized communities.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to working closely with regional and international partnerships, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transforming them to actual benefits and partnerships.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Additional Secretary (Vocational Training) Ms. Samanthi Senanayake Director General Colombo Plan Staff College Prof. Dr. Suresh K. Dhameja , TVET administrators, institutional leaders, policymakers, instructors, industry representatives, and international delegates from across the region and seniors officials and officials from Ministries.

Prime Minister’s Media division

A discussion to review the current progress of the special committee appointed under the government’s policy proposals to establish a National Nursing University aimed at elevating the nursing profession in Sri Lanka to degree level was held on 23th of March at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister inquired into the progress made by the committee in relation to the establishment of the Nursing University and paid attention to the issues and views presented by the committee members.

Emphasizing that establishing a university is a long-term and complex process, the Prime Minister pointed out the importance of advancing this project in line with higher education standards, without hasty decisions, while also taking into account the existing conflicts and challenges within the university system.

The meeting was attended by the Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara, representatives of the All Ceylon Nurses’ Association, and officials from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

I extend my wishes to all Muslim devotees in Sri Lanka and around the world who celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the completion of a month of devoted fasting and spiritual discipline.

The season of Ramadan is not merely about fasting; it is a time to nurture the human values of patience, sacrifice, and empathy towards others. It is also important, especially today, that these values are not confined to personal life alone but are applied for the betterment of the nation.

The diversity within our country is a strength. The message of brotherhood and coexistence taught by Ramadan inspires us, as Sri Lankans, to stand united under one flag. Sustainable peace and prosperity in our country depend on strengthening religious and cultural bonds while fostering mutual trust and respect among all communities.

As we celebrate Ramadan in a spirit of unity, we must also turn our attention to those suffering due to conflicts around the world. In particular, we express our deepest concern over the extremely difficult and painful circumstances faced by people, including Muslim communities, amidst the unfortunate conflicts in the Middle East. At a time when human rights and humanitarian values are under threat, it is both the responsibility and the collective hope of the global community to provide urgent relief to those affected by the horrors of war, and to work towards establishing peace and stability in those regions.

Amidst these global challenges, standing together and supporting one another in a spirit of brotherhood forms a strong foundation for social stability. The spiritual discipline embodied in Ramadan will undoubtedly be a great source of strength for all of us as we strive to overcome present challenges and move forward as a prosperous nation.

On this noble day, which highlights social solidarity through acts of giving (Zakat), everyone should determine in building a compassionate and cooperative Sri Lanka. May this Ramadan festival mark the beginning of a life filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity for all.

Wishing you a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
21st of March 2026