Dr. Surendrakumar Bagde, Director General of the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and Head of the Indian delegation, paid a courtesy call to Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Sri Lankan Parliament on February 18, 2025.

The discussion centered on initiating a collaborative capacity-building programme for Sri Lankan civil servants, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NCGG and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA).

The meeting focused on enhancing the professional capabilities of Sri Lanka’s civil servants to ensure more effective, efficient, and citizen-centric public service delivery. Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of a well-trained and competent public sector in strengthening governance and building public trust. She underscored the necessity of structured capacity-building initiatives to improve the quality of governance and service provision in the country. Discussions also covered key focus areas of the training programme, including evidence-based policymaking, research-driven governance, data-driven decision-making, and rational policy formulation.

Dr. Bagde highlighted the program’s adaptability, emphasizing that training modules would be tailored to meet Sri Lanka’s unique needs and evolving public sector demands. He further stressed that the initiative would offer flexibility in incorporating specialized topics relevant to the country’s administrative landscape.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ashutosh Pal Singh, Associate Professor, NCGG and High level officers from Indian High Commission, Dr. A.H.M.H Abayarathna, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. S. Alokabandara, Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Mr. Niluka Kadurugamuwa, Director General (South Asia and SAARC), Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. A. Vimukthi Janadara, Acting Director General of SLIDA, Ms. Anusha Batawala Gamage, Additional Director General (Learning and Development), Ms. Prashanthi Krishnamoorthy, Deputy Director (South Asia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dr. Mayura Arandara, Senior Consultant of SLIDA.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

A special program organized by the Organ Transplant Unit of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in commemoration of National Organ Donation Day was held at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital on February 18, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

National Organ Donation Day is observed annually on February 18, and this year marks the seventh consecutive commemoration of this significant occasion.

As part of the program, the Prime Minister paid tribute to organ donors by lighting a ceremonial lamp at the memorial plaque dedicated to them within the hospital premises.

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

"I extend my sincere appreciation to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital for organizing this meaningful program to mark National Organ Donation Day. This event serves as a source of solace for the families of those who have selflessly donated their organs. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the donors and their families for their invaluable contribution."

"Donating the organs of a patient who can no longer survive to another patient in need is an act of humanity. A single brain-dead individual has the potential to save up to eight lives. Families who make the courageous decision to donate the organs of their loved ones in such circumstances deserve immense gratitude. I extend my appreciation to these families for their remarkable compassion and wisdom in making such selfless choices. Through their generosity, many lives have been saved, and they can take solace in the fact that their loved ones continue to live on in others."

"Organ donation is deeply valued within our culture and religious traditions. Generosity and selflessness are integral aspects of our national identity as Sri Lankans. Time and again, in moments of crisis or natural disasters, we have witnessed the unity and charitable nature of our people. This spirit of compassion must be safeguarded and honored, as it is a defining strength of our nation."

"Over the past few years, Sri Lanka has become the leading country in the world for eye donations. Additionally, a significant number of individuals in our country contribute to organ and tissue donation. This noble practice must be further developed through proper legislative frameworks and ethical guidelines. It must never be commercialized. I assure you that the relevant ministries will take proactive steps to institutionalize and strengthen this process at the national level. Our government is committed to introducing a structured approach and ensuring necessary regulations are in place to uphold the integrity of organ donation."

"I extend my deepest gratitude to the medical professionals, hospital staff, and, most importantly, the organ donors and their families. Their contributions have granted others a second chance at life, and for that, they deserve the highest recognition and respect."

As part of the event, memorial plaques and tokens of appreciation were presented to the families of organ donors in recognition of their invaluable contributions.

The event was attended by Members of Parliament, including Devananda Suraweera, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe, members of the Board of Directors of Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, as well as doctors, nurses, and hospital staff.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

This was stated by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in Parliament.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said in Parliament today (18) that teacher transfers are implemented only by the Teacher Transfer Board and there is no political influence involved.

Responding to a question raised by the opposition, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further elaborated as follows:

Zonal Education Directors have been informed through a letter to temporarily assign surplus teachers from provincial and national schools according to the vacancies existing in national and provincial schools.

We are working to fill the vacancies based on subject requirements. We plan to fill the available vacancies for all subjects by the end of this year.

Teacher transfers are not carried out by trade unions. They are conducted by the Teacher Transfer Board, which includes representatives from all trade unions. In the past, teacher transfers have become chaotic due to political influence.

During discussions on education reforms, it was mentioned that, for the first time in many years, the Teacher Transfer Board was able to operate independently without political interference. This was attributed to the fact that, as the Minister of Education, I did not interfere in teacher transfers.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that teacher transfers should be conducted by the Teacher Transfer Board itself and there should be no political interference.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The allocated funds for improving the standard of education in the country are as follows:

* It has been proposed to increase the meal allowance for preschool children from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100 per meal to enhance their nutritional intake, with an allocation of Rs. 1,000 million for this initiative.

* An allocation of Rs. 80 million has been proposed for the development of selected Early Childhood Development Centers.

* A sum of Rs. 100 million has been proposed to increase the existing allowance for preschool teachers by Rs. 1,000, in recognition of their dedicated service.

* Rs. 100 million has been allocated for improving school infrastructure, while an additional Rs. 135 million has been allocated to enhance the quality of schools.

* Rs. 500 million has been allocated to formulate a national plan to review and restructure the existing school system.

* The scholarship granted to low-income students who pass the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination will be increased from Rs. 750 to Rs. 1,500, with an allocation of Rs. 1,000 million.

* Rs. 200 million has been allocated to increase the nutritional supplement allowance for sports students from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 and to raise the allowance for vocational education students from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000.

* An allocation of Rs. 4,600 million has been proposed to increase the Mahapola scholarship for university students from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500 and to raise the general university scholarship amount from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,500.

* A Rs. 200 million allocation has been proposed to initiate a program that facilitates opportunities for talented students to pursue higher education at top-ranked international universities.

* To enhance library facilities, Rs. 100 million has been allocated for the development of libraries in Jaffna and other regions.

* An allocation of Rs. 500 million has been proposed to develop specialized sports schools in five provinces.

* This significant investment underscores the government’s commitment to elevating the education sector, ensuring greater access, quality, and opportunities for students across the country.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, speaking at the Mullaitivu Town Hall on February 16, emphasized that the government will not allow a legal system that serves only the powerful, nor will it tolerate individuals taking the law into their own hands.

The Prime Minister further stated that, starting next year, efforts will be undertaken to transform the school system by introducing modernized learning methods for children and ensuring comprehensive training for teachers, thereby creating an environment where children can learn with joy and confidence.

The current government firmly believes that educational reform is fundamental to national progress. Sustainable change can only be achieved through the collaborative efforts of the government and citizens.

"We have come into power with the mandate entrusted to us by the people. We have a responsibility to fulfill that trust. Let us work together to build a nation where equality prevails, and every citizen can live in safety. Unity is our strength—no force can divide us. You, the people, have brought about a significant transformation in this country, and we will ensure that this change is not diverted from its rightful path. We will not allow racism to be incited, nor will we permit a legal system that protects only the powerful people while allowing individuals to take justice into their own hands."

The Prime Minister acknowledged that development across the country has been uneven, and assured that the government is committed to implementing a nationwide development framework that benefits all regions equally.

As part of the government’s efforts to support underprivileged students, Rs. 6,000 vouchers have been provided to children from economically unstabled families, as well as students in schools with fewer than 300 students, enabling them to purchase essential school supplies.

Furthermore, in 2026, a new national curriculum will be introduced to ensure that students enter society with a clear and well-prepared future pathway. The Prime Minister acknowledged that educational reform is a challenging task but emphasized the government’s commitment to overcoming obstacles and fulfilling this mission.

"The path we have chosen is not easy, but it is necessary. We will honor the trust you have placed in us and uphold the hope for a better future."

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya called on all citizens to actively participate in the nation-building process, ensuring a prosperous future and a dignified life for all.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the German Industrial Training Institute in Kilinochchi, which operates under the German Industrial Training Institute in Moratuwa, on the16th February.

The Prime Minister’s visit aimed to assess the challenges faced by vocational training institutions operating under the government’s education, higher education, and vocational education development program, which remains a key priority of the current administration.

During discussions with officials, attention was drawn to the existing challenges and areas requiring development at the German Industrial Training Institute in Kilinochchi. Topics covered included the courses offered, issues related to academic and non-academic staff, infrastructure challenges faced by trainees, and concerns regarding residential facilities.

Additionally, discussions were held on the importance of integrating skilled workers into the job market under National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) levels 4, 5, and 6, as well as institutional, administrative, and legal challenges currently affecting the vocational training sector.

Following the discussions, the Prime Minister visited various facilities at the institute, inspecting academic and residential facilities and engaging with trainees to understand their concerns.

The event was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, Northern Provincial Governor N. Vedanayagam, and a delegation of officials representing the German Industrial Training Institutes of Moratuwa and Kilinochchi.

Prime Minister’s Media Division