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

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government has paid close attention to the salary anomalies prevailing within the teacher and principal services and that prompt solutions will be provided following extensive discussions held with trade unions.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions raised in Parliament today (06).

Presenting data on existing vacancies in the education sector, the Prime Minister explained the current situation.

There are 903 vacancies existing in the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service (SLEAS) and 3,790 vacancies in Sri Lanka Principals’ Service (SLPS).

In order to fill the vacancies still remain due to various reasons, including selected officers not accepting appointments after the examinations and interviews conducted since 2021, interviews are scheduled to be held in the second week of March 2026.

Further, in order to fill the vacancies for the years 2021 and 2025, competitive examinations will be conducted in the future with the approval of the Public Service Commission.

At present, entry into the Principals’ Service is considered as a new recruitment. As a solution to the salary-related issue arising in this regard, a new Cabinet paper is being prepared seeking approval to consider appointments to the Principals’ Service as a promotion, thereby enabling appropriate salary conversion.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that sustainable solutions are required not only for salary issues in the education sector but also for salary-related concerns in several other sectors. Accordingly, the government plans to appoint a new Salary Commission. Through this commission, the government expects to provide lasting solutions to the issues faced by teachers and principals within this year.

In accordance with the service minute of the Principals’ Service, several training programmes have been made mandatory for the professional development of principals.

These include, Induction training at the beginning of service, capacity development training prior to promotion to Grade II and Grade I, and periodic awareness programmes conducted at provincial and zonal levels.

The Prime Minister further stated that discussions are undertaking with the Department of Management Services regarding the proposals submitted by principals’ associations. Based on the responses received, the government is prepared to take the necessary steps through the Cabinet of Ministers.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya rejected the opposition’s allegations that the enforcement of emergency regulations has led to repression in the country, stating that such claims are baseless. She challenged the opposition to point out even a single specific incident of repression that has occurred during the past three months.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (06) in Parliament while responding to allegations raised by the opposition regarding the implementation of emergency regulations.

Speaking during the debate on regulations related to the maintenance of essential services, the Prime Minister further stated:

The government has not placed any restrictions on the democratic right to criticize the government or to engage in protests.

Rather than repeatedly using the term “repression” as a mere concept, present details of any individuals who may have been unfairly arrested or subjected to repression under the emergency regulations during the past three months. The government and the President continue to face strong criticism through social media and newspapers, yet the government has taken no action to suppress such criticism.

She further emphasized that emergency regulations are essential to restore normalcy to public life following the prevailing disaster situation and to rebuild damaged infrastructure.

In particular, this legal framework is necessary to ensure that roads, the school system, and essential services continue to function without disruption.

The government may need to deploy the tri-forces when rebuilding disaster-affected transport infrastructure, including railway lines, and damaged school buildings. These will not merely be restored to their previous condition, but will instead be rebuilt using scientific methods so that they can better withstand future disasters. This is one of the key reasons for the use of emergency regulations.

The President has appointed a special Task Force to oversee disaster relief and reconstruction efforts. The government expects to receive its report within this month, based on which the country’s rebuilding process will be carried out in a structured manner through short-, medium-, and long-term plans.

Some people are still staying in relief camps, and instructions have already been given to the relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to resettle them as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also urged the opposition not to use the word “repression” for political gain, and instead to support the ongoing program aimed at assisting people affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister’s Media Division