Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the opening of the “19th Century Views of Ceylon” exhibition, jointly organised by the George Keyt Foundation and the British High Commission in Colombo, held at Westminster House, the official residence of the British High Commissioner, on July 30, 2026.

The exhibition marks a historic milestone as the first public art exhibition to be hosted at Westminster House. It features a rare collection of 19th-century artworks depicting Ceylon by celebrated British artists, including Edward Lear, Andrew Nicholl, and Constance Gordon Cumming. Drawn largely from private collections, many of these artworks are being exhibited to the public for the first time, offering a remarkable visual record of Sri Lanka’s landscapes, architecture, and cultural heritage as interpreted by visiting artists of the period.

During the visit, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya toured the exhibition and engaged in discussions with the organisers and invited guests on the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering international cultural cooperation through the arts.

Jointly organised by the George Keyt Foundation and the British High Commission in Colombo, the exhibition reflects the longstanding cultural and historical ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom while encouraging a deeper appreciation of Sri Lanka’s rich artistic legacy.

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, Chairman of the George Keyt Foundation Malaka Talwatte, representatives of the George Keyt Foundation, members of the diplomatic community, artists, cultural personalities, and invited guests were also present at the occasion.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a nation and society can only progress with a generation of young people equipped with skills and vision, and that it is essential to build the confidence of young people that opportunities exist for them while ensuring those opportunities become a reality.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 30 July while attending the official launch of the Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2026 educational exhibition, held at the Colombo Mayor’s Official Residence.

Organised for the fourth consecutive year under the theme “Skills for Life,” the Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, alongside the Agriculture Sector Skills Council, the Industry Sector Skills Councils, and the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission.

The exhibition is scheduled to be held on 23, 24 and 25 October 2026 at the Viharamahadevi Park premises in Colombo 07.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister reiterated that the development of a nation and society depends on a generation of young people with skills and vision. She stressed that it is equally important to build the confidence among young people that opportunities are available to them and to ensure that such opportunities are translated into reality.

The Prime Minister further stated that the Government is making significant investments in the education sector over the coming years, with particular emphasis on vocational education. She noted that a dedicated steering committee has already been established to ensure these initiatives move beyond policy concepts to effective implementation.

She also emphasised that vocational education should no longer be regarded as an alternative pathway. The Prime, Minister stated that every field of study contributes not only to employment opportunities but also to economic and social development, as well as to the personal growth of individuals.

The Prime Minister further underscored that educational exhibitions of this nature should serve as platforms that contribute to both national development and social progress.

The Prime Minister also noted that the Government is committed to ensuring that young people across the country, particularly school students from all parts of the country, are provided with the opportunity to participate in the exhibition.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Colombo, Vraie Cally Balthazaar, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and other invited guests.

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The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, H.E. Miyon Lee, paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office on 28 July.

Welcoming the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, H.E. Miyon Lee Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expressed her sincere appreciation for the Ambassador’s valuable contribution towards further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea during her tenure in the country.

The Prime Minister also conveyed gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for its continued assistance through Korean-funded development projects, particularly in the fields of irrigation and education.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister underscored Sri Lanka’s interest in attracting quality investments from the Republic of Korea and further expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation for mutual benefit.

The meeting also focused on ongoing and future cooperation in the areas of agriculture and climate change, including development initiatives supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea.

Ambassador Lee expressed her appreciation for the continued support extended by the Government of Sri Lanka towards strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Head of Mission to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Colombo Ms. Eunji Kang, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

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The annual Aadi Vel festival of the New Kathiresan Kovil passed in front of Temple Trees in the afternoon of 28 July. The Prime Minister participated in the religious ceremony by offering a pooja tray during its street procession on behalf of the Prime Minister’s office.

Following a customary drum procession that escorted the Prime Minister from Temple Trees to the Vel chariot, she offered a Pooja tray to the sacred Silver chariot (Ther) carrying the Lord Murugan and received blessings.

Subsequently, the organising committee of the Vel Procession expressed their appreciation for the Prime Minister by presenting her with a floral garland and a ceremonial shawl.

The annual Aadi Vel Festival and Chariot Procession, jointly organised by the New Kathiresan Kovil of Chetty Street, Colombo, and the Nattukkottai Nagarathar New Kathiresan Kovil, Bambalapitiya, has been held continuously since 1874. This year’s event marked the 152nd Vel Procession.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that regardless of the extent of physical development achieved, the true progress and the development of a nation is measured by the values, discipline, and spiritual growth of its people.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the unveiling ceremony of the newly constructed metal Samadhi Buddha Statue at the historic Kongoda Sri Gangarama Purana Maha Viharaya in Remunagoda, Kalutara South, on July 28.

The metal Samadhi Buddha Statue was ceremonially unveiled by the Most Venerable Malegoda Nanda Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Sri Pushparama Maha Vihara of Payagala Malegoda and Chief Sanghanayaka of the Bentara-Walallawita Korale. Following the unveiling, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya offered flowers to the Buddha Statue and participated in the religious observances.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister stated:

In today’s rapidly evolving and increasingly complex society, what our people need most is restraint and spiritual peace.

We have heard that even during his imprisonment, Jawaharlal Nehru kept a Samadhi Buddha image close to him as a source of spiritual comfort.

I view the unveiling of this beautifully crafted metal Samadhi Buddha Statue within the sacred grounds of the historic Kongoda Sri Gangarama Purana Maha Viharaya as a significant contribution to the spiritual well-being of the Buddhist community in the entire area. It is commendable that this statue has been created using metal donated by the local community.

As a government, we are responsible for safeguarding the country’s historical, religious, and cultural heritage while supporting the development of temples. The Ministry of Buddha Sasana and the Central Cultural Fund are carrying out an important role in fulfilling this responsibility.

Recently, a number of initiatives have been launched to conserve ancient paintings, murals, stone inscriptions, and stupas located in historic temples across the island for the benefit of future generations. The Central Cultural Fund extends it’s financial and technical assistance at an accelerated pace to improve infrastructure in difficult and remote rural temples, not limiting to urban areas.

It is equally important to ensure that the younger generation receive a proper understanding of our historical heritage while protecting archaeological sites and enhancing them as heritage sites for both local and international visitors.

Preserving historic temples is not merely about maintaining buildings. It is about safeguarding our national identity, moral foundation, and invaluable cultural heritage for future generations. No matter how much physical and material development a country achieves, its true progress is measured by the values, discipline, and spiritual growth of its people. The Government’s key objective is to build an independent, fair and harmonious Sri Lankan society, enriched not only by physical development but also by strong spiritual values.

Historic temples such as Kongoda Sri Gangarama Purana Maha Viharaya play a vital role in guiding society towards righteousness and moral discipline. Therefore, the Government appreciates the guidance provided by the Maha Sangha and temples in nurturing a generation of virtuous, respectful, and knowledgeable children through Dhamma school education, while also strengthening harmony within communities.

The event was attended by the Anu Nayaka Thero of the Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Kalyani Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, the Most Venerable Makuruppe Somalankara Thero; the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Shasthrapathi Venerable Athuraliye Somananda Thero; Members of Parliament Sanjeewa Ranasinghe and Nandana Pushpakumara; public representatives, government officials, board of the temple’s Dayaka Sabha, and a large gathering of devotees and residents.

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Artists such as Dr. Sujatha Attanayake have taught us that truth...

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that great art knows no ethnicity, religion or language, and that its true language is humanity and unity. She further noted that the artistic creations of eminent artistes such as Dr. Sujatha Attanayake have powerfully conveyed this truth to generations of Sri Lankans.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a special felicitation ceremony held in honour of veteran songstress Dr. Sujatha Attanayake.

The special tribute programme, “Dr. Sujatha Attanayake Pranama,” organised by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), was held on July 28 at the Kumaratunga Munidasa Studio of the SLBC with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The event was organised to honour Dr. Sujatha Attanayake’s outstanding contribution of more than seven decades to Sri Lankan music and to the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. As part of the tribute, a portrait of Dr. Sujatha Attanayake was ceremonially unveiled at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted that Dr. Sujatha Attanayake’s musical journey, which began when she was only eight years old, had evolved into an extraordinary artistic career that has earned the admiration and affection of generations of Sri Lankans.

The Prime Minister stated that the cultural memory of a nation is shaped not only by history books but also by the songs, voices, artistic creations and memories that live in the hearts of its people. She observed that such artists become pioneers in shaping a nation’s identity and described Dr. Sujatha Attanayake as one of the finest examples of this enduring legacy.

Recalling that Dr. Sujatha Attanayake’s voice has been interwoven with the lives of Sri Lankans for more than seven decades, accompanying moments of joy, sorrow, love and devotion, the Prime Minister remarked that "Dr. Sujatha Attanayake sang not merely songs, but emotions.”

The Prime Minister further stated that Dr. Sujatha Attanayake’s life and career demonstrate the profoundly personal and transformative nature of music. She emphasized that the singer’s voice was never confined to a single ethnicity, language or culture. Through her performances of Sinhala, Tamil and Islamic cultural songs, and by fostering artistic bonds across diverse communities, Dr. Sujatha Attanayake strengthened coexistence, mutual understanding and compassion among the people of Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also recalled that the month of July is associated with many painful chapters in Sri Lanka’s history. She stressed that these difficult memories should be passed on to future generations not as a legacy of hatred, but as a reminder of the importance of reconciliation, unity and brotherhood. She further emphasized that July should transcend the memory of “Black July” and instead become “a Month of Brotherhood” that brings all Sri Lankans closer together.

Further elaborating on these sentiments, the Prime Minister stated,"Our arts and culture have never belonged to a single ethnicity or community. Sri Lanka’s national identity has been shaped by the coming together of our diverse ethnicities, languages and cultural traditions. It is because of this rich diversity that our songs have resonated so deeply with people’s hearts, our cinema has gained international recognition, and our dance and other art forms have flourished with exceptional beauty. Enduring works of art are created not through division, but when people move forward hand in hand, respecting one another’s differences. Likewise, the future of our country can only be built if all Sri Lankans advance together in a spirit of brotherhood, cooperation and mutual respect. Artists of extraordinary talent such as Dr. Sujatha Attanayake have demonstrated this truth through their lives, their art and their deep commitment to our shared humanity.”

“Our arts and culture have never belonged to a single ethnicity or community. Sri Lanka’s national identity has been shaped by the coming together of our diverse ethnicities, languages and cultural traditions. It is because of this rich diversity that our songs have resonated so deeply with people’s hearts, our cinema has gained international recognition, and our dance and other art forms have flourished with exceptional beauty. Enduring works of art are created not through division, but when people move forward hand in hand, respecting one another’s differences. Likewise, the future of our country can only be built if all Sri Lankans advance together in a spirit of brotherhood, cooperation and mutual respect. Artists of extraordinary talent such as Dr. Sujatha Attanayake have demonstrated this truth through their lives, their art and their deep commitment to our shared humanity."

Among those present at the event were the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi , Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Kaushalya Ariyarathne , Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Professor Udita Gayashan Gunasekara, Dr. Rathna Sri Wijesinghe, Dr. Navaratna Attanayake, and many other distinguished guests.

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