Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of meetings with key Philippine institutions during her official visit to the Philippines from 09–11 March 2026, focusing on strengthening cooperation in education, higher education, technical skills development, and agricultural research.

On 09 March, the Prime Minister met with the Secretary of Education of the Philippines, Sonny Angara. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the education sector, including sharing best practices in education policy, teacher training, curriculum reforms, and digital learning initiatives. The Prime Minister also briefed the Philippine side on Sri Lanka’s ongoing education reforms aimed at modernizing curricula and integrating technology into learning.

The Prime Minister also met with a delegation of the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines (CHED), led by Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis. Discussions centered on the development of higher education in both countries, with particular attention to research collaboration, academic partnerships between universities, student and faculty exchanges, and strengthening quality assurance frameworks.

In a separate meeting, the Prime Minister held talks with the Secretary and Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Jose Francisco B. Benitez. The discussions focused on cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), including knowledge sharing, institutional partnerships, and possible alignment of qualifications frameworks to enhance skills recognition and workforce mobility.

The meetings reaffirmed the commitment of Sri Lanka and the Philippines, along with international research institutions, to strengthen collaboration in education, skills development, and agricultural research in support of sustainable development and human capital growth.

The Sri Lankan delegation included the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines, Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, and Senior Assistant Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. P.H. Piyumee Bandara.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed for Manila, Philippines, at midnight on 8 March to undertake an official visit at the invitation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where she will participate in events marking International Women’s Day.

Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Dr. Chanaka Thalpahewa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines, along with officials of the Government of the Philippines and representatives of the Asian Development Bank.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the International Women’s Day event hosted at the ADB Headquarters in Manila.

On the sidelines of the event, the Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with several Ministers of the Government of the Philippines to further strengthen cooperation and bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Philippines in areas of mutual interest.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the political, economic, and social rights of women are not confined merely to laws or written documents, but are realized as a reality in the daily lives of every woman in the country.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating as the Chief Guest in the National Celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, held on March 8 at the Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium of the University of Ruhuna in Matara under the theme “The Pride of a Prosperous Country - She is the Nation’s Path Forward.”

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister further stated:

The freedoms we enjoy today including the right to education and political rights were won through the struggles carried out by women throughout history. This day is not merely confined to flowers. Our goal is to safeguard those rights and create an environment where every woman in our country can lead her life towards a better future.

The products of women entrepreneurs in this country should not remain confined to their local areas. The government is working to create an environment to ensure that they become active contributors to the national economy.

At the same time, a proposal has recently been presented by the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus to introduce a National Care Policy in order to recognize the both paid and unpaid contributions made by women for their families and for the country’s economy.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that women have a significant responsibility to stand for humanity in the face of the various crises occurring around the world. She called upon the women of the country to unite with compassion and take the lead in raising their voices for peace.

Addressing the event, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj stated that a new era has dawned in which the tears and sweat shed by women working abroad to strengthen the country’s foreign reserves will receive due recognition. She further noted that a comprehensive mechanism involving all ministries will be implemented to support women entrepreneurs, female heads of households, and women who have experienced violence.

At this national event, the Prime Minister also presented appreciation awards to 25 successful women entrepreneurs from across the island.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi, Southern Province Governor Prof. Susiripala Manawadu, Deputy Ministers including Dr. Namal Sudarshana, along with ambassadors, public representatives, and a large number of participants.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

I extend my greetings to all sisters and daughters in Sri Lanka and around the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

This year, the United Nations has declared the global theme for International Women’s Day as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the realization of rights, the delivery of justice, and meaningful action for all women and girls.

Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating women as mere beneficiaries and recognizing them as active partners in national development, ensuring that they receive the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Within our policy framework, special focus has been placed on women. We are committed to recognizing the economic contribution extended by women as housewives, promoting women’s entrepreneurship, and expanding access to the technical and financial support necessary for self-employment alongside strengthening the legal framework required to ensure women’s safety in public transport, workplaces, and within the family environment. Further, we are taking steps to create the environment to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies at national and regional levels. Special attention is also being given to implementing targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being.

Women are not a group seeking sympathy; they are vital social partners endowed with intelligence, resilience, and creativity. Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity

On this International Women’s Day, I sincerely hope that it marks the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of all women in our country are realized as they shine before the world.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that improving Bhikkhu education is not merely about producing graduates, and that the government’s objective is to nurture a generation of Bikkhu who stand for social justice and compassion, equipped with Dhamma, discipline, and scholarly learning.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the newly constructed multi-purpose auditorium complex at the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka in Anuradhapura, and the felicitation ceremony held in honour of the Atamasthanadhipathi Chief Incumbent on 07 of March.

Marking the opening of the new multi-purpose auditorium complex, the commemorative plaque was unveiled by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. On this occasion, tribute awards were also presented in appreciation of the services rendered by Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thero, Senior Professor C. M. Madduma Bandara, and State Counsel Mahinda Ralapanawa.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister further stated:

When we look back at our history, university education was never something unfamiliar to Buddhist monks.

World-renowned institutions such as Nalanda and Vikramashila were established through the contributions of Buddhist monks.

Likewise, the Mahavihara and Abhayagiri in Anuradhapura once functioned as internationally renowned centres of Buddhist Learning.

The scholarly heritage that declined during the period of foreign domination was revived through the leadership of Weliwita Sri Saranankara Sangaraja Thero.

A decisive step in this journey was the elevation of Vidyodaya and Vidyalankara Pirivenas to university status in 1959.

Today, our effort is to carry forward that heritage in a manner suited to the modern world, grounded in scientific and rational foundations. The policy of our government is to further strengthen free education while ensuring quality education for every citizen, and to establish education as a universal human right while enhancing the international recognition of Sri Lanka’s education system.

The Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka holds a unique position within the country’s higher education system, as its administration and academic affairs are entrusted to the Buddhist clergy themselves. The primary objective of this university should not be limited to producing graduates alone. Rather, it should aim to nurture a generation of Bikkhu who stand for social justice and compassion, equipped with Dhamma, discipline, and scholarly learning.

We are also prepared to extend our fullest support in enabling monks to promote Buddhist philosophy internationally by providing them with knowledge of classical languages such as Pali and Sanskrit, along with the linguistic skills and technological tools required to engage with the modern world.

The newly opened multi-purpose auditorium complex is viewed as a national asset. With seating capacity for approximately 1,100 persons, and equipped with modern sound and lighting systems, this facility will enable Sri Lanka to emerge as a centre for global Buddhist education.

Furthermore, the language training centre and the international relations unit established here will facilitate the organization of Dhamma missionary activities.

This is not merely a physical structure. We see it as a public space that will open up opportunities for research, cultural engagement, and intellectual dialogue for the people of the North Central Province in the future.

Our goal is to build an intellectually vibrant society grounded in strong values. For this purpose, effective coordination between religious institutions and universities is essential.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also expressed her confidence that the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka will become a pioneer in promoting national unity, coexistence, and an ethical society.

The event was attended by the Chancellor of the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka and Supreme Mahanayaka of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithree Murthi Thero; the Anunayake Thero of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Nayaka Thero; Mahopadhyaya Senior Professor Ven. Kanattegoda Saddharathana Anunayaka Thero; Chief Sanghanayaka of Nuwara Kalaviya and Atamasthanadhipathi of Anuradhapura, Ven. Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thero; Governor of the North Central Province Wasantha Jinadasa; Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security Wasantha Samarasinghe; Members of Parliament Sena Nanayakkara, P.D.M.K. Palihena, and Susantha Kumara Nawarathna and academic and non-academic staff of the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister’s Media Division