Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that it is not enough to show discipline on the outside without being disciplined on the inside, and that the disciplined attitude prevailing in the Scout Movement is very important for the country.

Addressing the "National Scout Awards Ceremony - 2024" organized by the Sri Lanka Scout Association at Temple Trees, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the following.

574 adult scout leaders from all parts of Sri Lanka who have rendered excellent service to the Sri Lanka Scout Movement for more than 05 years as volunteers were awarded here. In order to improve the friendship with other countries of the world, 11 "INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP AWARDS" were also presented to the Scout Commissioners of those countries on this occasion.

Plaques of appreciation were presented to the tri-forces and 09 government and non-government institutions that support the Scout Movement, and the highest award, the ’Silver Lion’, was presented to eight individuals at this ceremony.

Prime Minister’s Secretary Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, Chief Scout Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Scout Association Attorney Janaprith Fernando and many local and foreign guests attended the event.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Mr. Donald Lu, U.S. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations, addressing Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, and exploring opportunities for educational and governance collaboration.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, highlighting the importance of aligning the education system with economic needs to foster a skilled workforce. Discussions also addressed Sri Lanka’s IMF program and the role of international partnerships in stabilizing the economy.

The U.S. delegation included Ms. Anjali Kaur, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia, Mr. Robert Kaproth, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Pacific at the U.S. Department of Treasury, and H.E. Ms. Julie Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan representatives included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Ms. S. Vijitha Basnayake, and Ms. Shobini Gunasekara. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to mutual goals in education, gender equality, and economic equity.

Prime Minister’s Media Division.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the government’s commitment to reshaping the nation’s trajectory during her address at the Digital Library Conference 2024, organized by the National Science Foundation and held 6th of December at the Colombo Medical College.

While addressing the audience the Prime Minister stated "We believe that investment in research and development is critical for the government’s development agenda. Our aim is to redirect the country onto a new path, one based on research, evidence, and data, rather than continuing in the same direction as the past 75 years.

One of the greatest challenges we’ve faced in recent years is that, particularly at the highest levels of decision-making, choices are often not informed by science, evidence, or data. This must change. Moving forward, it is essential that decision-makers and the research community collaborate more closely to ensure informed and effective governance, prime minister further added.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the National Science Foundation, Professor Saman Seneweera, Director General Dr. Sepalika Sudasinghe, Head of the National Science Library Resource Center, Manjula Karunaratne, and a group of researchers, librarians and scholars.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

His Excellency Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka (UAE), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, the Ambassador highlighted the public’s strong commitment to democratic principles. H.E. Khaled expressed pride in the longstanding friendship between the UAE and Sri Lanka and acknowledged the significant contributions of skilled and professional Sri Lankans working in the UAE.

The discussion was attended by Mr. Rashed Ali Al Mazrouei, Second Secretary of the Embassy. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahinda Gunarathne, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Yasoja K. Gunasekera, Additional Secretary - Middle East & Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister’s Office organized a program to educate public servants on the importance of early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases. Held under the theme "A Healthy Workforce for a Healthy Nation", this health program aimed at raising awareness and promoting early detection among public servants. The event took place today (28) at the Main Hall of Temple Trees, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

This initiative provided a range of medical tests, including kidney function tests, blood sugar level assessments, cholesterol checks, dental examinations, and cervical cancer screenings. Both Western and indigenous medical practices were incorporated, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare.

Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, along with Additional Secretaries Harsha Wijewardene, Mahinda Gunaratne, and a significant number of public officials participated in the event.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Ms. Hannan Sulieman, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday (November 26).

The Deputy Executive Director revisited key issues discussed in prior engagements, including child protection, malnutrition, and education.

Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director for UNICEF South Asia, Mr. Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, and Ms. Yuko Kusamichi, Regional Chief of Operations, attended the meeting. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahinda Gunarathna, Additional Secretary (Development), and Ms. Dilini Gunasekera, Director for UN & Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division