Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Pankaj Khimji, and the accompanying Omani delegation met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 13 August.

The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral trade between two countries and broadening investment, opportunities in Sri Lanka considering the prevailing favorable conditions in the country for business partnerships.

H.E. Pankaj Khimji expressed Oman’s interest in funding for selected projects while exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya welcomed increased Omani investment and encouraged Omani investors to explore the diverse investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka. She also welcomed greater engagement between the business communities of the two countries.

Both sides discussed the importance of identifying new areas for trade, investment and business cooperation, as well as the possibility of further strengthening bilateral trade relations.

The Omani delegation also proposed the establishment of a Sri Lanka–Oman Business council as a platform to further strengthen private-sector engagement and facilitate business-to-business cooperation between the two countries. Discussions also included the objective of further developing trade relations, with a view to commencing enhanced trade engagements.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Ahmed Al-Rashdi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman, Mr. Moosa Al Kharusi, Projects Division Director at the Advisor’s Office; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Employment.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the need to modernize Sri Lanka’s education and assessment systems to move beyond an examination-centred model and promote skills, creativity, experiential learning and holistic development.

The Prime Minister made these remarks Aug 12 at the public lecture “250 Years of Educational Excellence: Lessons from a Sri Lankan American,” delivered by Fulbright Specialist Dr. Priyanvada Abeywickrama in Colombo.The event was organized by the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, an autonomous, bi-national commission that has promoted mutual understanding and peace between the United States and Sri Lanka through academic, cultural and professional exchanges since 1952.

The Prime Minister said that reforming the assessment system is a key component of the ongoing education reforms, aimed at reducing excessive dependence on examinations and encouraging activity-based and experiential learning.

She stressed that the reforms would not discard the strengths of the existing education system, which has produced generations of academically successful Sri Lankans, but would instead modernize the system to meet the needs of the present and future.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of strengthening digital literacy among teachers, principals and parents, while ensuring that academic and vocational education pathways receive equal recognition and validity.

Expressing appreciation for Dr. Abeywickrama’s month-long contribution to the reform process, the Prime Minister said that international expertise and collaboration are vital to successfully implementing education reforms.

She thanked the Fulbright Commission, the Postgraduate Institute of English of the Open University of Sri Lanka, the Department of Examinations and all officials and partners who supported the initiative.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continuing collaboration with local and international experts to build an inclusive, modern and future-ready education system for Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr.Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that vocational and technical education must be recognized as an equally valuable and respected pathway within Sri Lanka’s national education system, as the Government marked the successful completion of the GIZ Vocational Training in Sri Lanka (VTSL) Phase II Project Aug 12 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo.

The project was implemented by GIZ with the support of the German Government through BMZ, in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), to strengthen Sri Lanka’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.

Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister expressed her appreciation to the Governments of Germany and Switzerland, GIZ, BMZ and SDC for their longstanding partnership in developing Sri Lanka’s vocational education sector.

She emphasized that vocational education is not merely about preparing young people for employment, but about creating equal opportunities, strengthening livelihoods, reducing inequalities and enabling young people to build meaningful and productive lives.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of developing a skilled, adaptable and innovative workforce capable of responding to rapidly changing technologies and labour-market requirements. She also welcomed the project’s contribution to the digital transformation of the TVET sector, including the TVET Digital Roadmap, digital curricula, information management systems and the GuideMe App, which provides information on vocational training opportunities.

She further highlighted the Master Trainer Development Programme, through which 60 instructors were trained, noting that investment in trainers and human capital is essential to strengthening the education system.

The Prime Minister stressed that vocational education must be an integral part of the Government’s wider education reform agenda, providing pathways not only to employment but also to higher education, professional advancement and lifelong learning.

She also emphasized the need to ensure that skills development creates opportunities for women, persons with disabilities and marginalized communities, while strengthening partnerships between government, training institutions and the private sector.

The Prime Minister welcomed the project’s contribution to green skills and environmental sustainability, including Green Campus initiatives, the Mobile Green Lab and solar technician training.

The Prime Minister said that the conclusion of the project should mark the beginning of a sustained effort to build a modern, inclusive, digitally capable and future-ready TVET system, with skills development remaining a key pillar of Sri Lanka’s economic transformation.

The ceremony included the launch of the “Footprints of Change” publication, the handover of the Virtual TVET Training Kit, and the launch of the GuideMe App. A documentary on the VTSL Project was also presented, followed by addresses from Swiss Ambassador Designate Mr. Olivier Praz, German Acting Ambassador Ms. Sarah Hasselbarth, and GIZ Country Representative Ms. Paulina Campos.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Ms. Sarah Kerstin Hasselbarth, Mr. Olivier Praz, Ms. Paulina Campos, representatives of GIZ and the VTSL Project, heads and representatives of TVET institutions, master trainers, trainers, project partners and other distinguished guests.

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The Government is committed to provide maximum support for responsible investments that uphold human rights and protect the environment.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that Sri Lanka’s doors are always open to transparent, long-term investments, and that the Government will provide maximum support for responsible investments that uphold human rights and protect the environment.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 12 August in Colombo while participating in the Asia-Pacific SDG Investment Forum, organised by the United Nations Global Compact and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the forum, held under the theme “Forward Faster Now,” Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said:

We cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through the efforts of governments alone. The public sector, private sector and civil society must all come together. Today, developing countries face an annual financing gap of between USD 2.5 trillion and USD 4 trillion. In the Asia-Pacific region alone, this gap is USD 1.5 trillion. Moreover, by 2030, there is a significant risk that we will fall short of 88% of the measurable Sustainable Development Goals in this region. This is why we need to accelerate the mobilisation of finance and investment.

After a challenging period, Sri Lanka has now begun to stabilise its economy and rebuild. In 2025, our economy grew by 5%. GDP increased to USD 108.8 billion, while per capita income exceeded USD 5,000. However, our goal is not simply growth reflected in economic figures. We seek genuine economic transformation that creates job opportunities and ensures that the benefits of growth are shared fairly.

As a Government, we will provide maximum support for the development of the business sector. However, what we seek are not investments driven solely by profit, but responsible investments that uphold human rights and protect the environment. Paying workers a decent wage, providing vocational training, paying taxes properly, and being committed to environmental protection are fundamental responsibilities of every business. In particular, removing barriers that prevent women and those who have historically been marginalised from participating in the economy remains one of our key priorities.

Natural disasters caused by climate change pose a serious threat to agriculture and energy security across the region. Through the Sustainable Finance Roadmap and Green Finance Taxonomy introduced by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, we have taken steps to address these climate-related challenges and facilitate access to finance for local small and medium-sized enterprises. Sri Lanka is a country that respects the environment and values equitable growth. Therefore, our doors will always remain open to transparent, long-term investments

Speaking at the event, Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and CEO and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, said:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has identified three major crises affecting both the public and private sectors around the world: the climate crisis, the energy crisis and the financing crisis. The issue is not that the world lacks capital; it is that capital is not being directed where it is needed. While there is currently a USD 4 trillion financing gap for achieving the SDGs, the private sector holds USD 22 trillion. The key challenge now is to direct this capital towards areas that can deliver strong returns while improving people’s quality of life.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, conflict, climate change and high costs, we have solutions. We need to focus on providing people with secure housing, fair wages, equality and quality education for children. Investing in clean energy can also generate rapid returns. It is equally essential to redirect investments, particularly given the continued high levels of subsidies provided to fossil fuels.

Attracting investment to developing countries is not merely a financial issue. It requires trust, transparency and strong cooperation between the public and private sectors. Businesses, banks, investors and policymakers must work together to bridge the financing gap in the Asia-Pacific region. The United Nations and the Sri Lankan team stand ready to provide continued support towards this effort.

Through the UN Global Compact, a CFO Coalition has been established with the ambition of mobilising a USD 10 trillion financing market by 2030. Blended finance mechanisms have also been introduced, bringing together governments, development institutions and the private sector to create successful investments that deliver social benefits. This discussion provides an important platform for identifying practical solutions to capitalise on the significant investment opportunities emerging across developing economies.

The occasion was attended by the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, representatives of the United Nations Global Compact, senior executives from the private sector in the Asia-Pacific region, diplomats, sustainable development experts and leaders from various sectors.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Shohei Hara, and the accompanying delegation met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 11 August at Temple Trees.

The Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for the longstanding support extended by JICA towards Sri Lanka’s development and particularly acknowledged Japan’s assistance during the recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s post-disaster recovery and reconstruction priorities, including the rehabilitation of roads, railways and other critical infrastructure. The importance of strengthening the country’s disaster preparedness, risk reduction and readiness to respond to future natural disasters was also highlighted.

During the meeting, the ongoing debt restructuring process and the importance of strengthening Sri Lanka’s economic recovery were also discussed. Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The JICA delegation expressed its continued willingness to support Sri Lanka through lending assistance while also emphasizing the importance of ensuring tangible outcomes from development projects. They also highlighted their strong commitment to inclusive education programmes.

The discussion focused on key areas of cooperation, projects including development of Bandaranaike International Airport, granting assistance for a Doppler weather system and the Digital Terrestrial Television Network projects. Special attention was also drawn to waste management and renewable energy. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in these areas to support Sri Lanka’s long-term development.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Shigeo Honzu, Chief Representative, Sri Lanka Office, Mr. Minoru Matsunoshita, Senior Representative, Sri Lanka Offic, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister and officials from Department of External Resource.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, accompanied by a delegation, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 11 August at Temple Trees.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the SDG Investment Forum, convened as a part of “Forward Faster Now 2026”, the UN Global Compact’s flagship convening event for the Asia-Pacific region, organised in collaboration with the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI).

Welcoming the delegation, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya appreciated the initiatives led by the UN Global Compact at an important juncture of Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister noted that, during the past two years, the Government’s primary focus had been on restoring stability and building confidence, while the next phase would centre on creating an inclusive, sustainable and green economy.

The Prime Minister emphasised that attracting investment should be an important component of this next phase. She highlighted the need to identify and promote what Sri Lanka can uniquely offer.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of responsible private-sector engagement, noting them to be uphold ethical, inclusive and sustainable practices and align their investments and operations with the Government’s broader development principles.

Ms. Ojiambo briefed the Prime Minister on the ongoing SDG Investment Forum and the work of the UN Global Compact to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors. She highlighted efforts to mobilise private-sector investment and encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices while supporting national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The meeting was attended by Rathika de Silva, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka; Carolina Fowler, Special Assistant, Office of the Assistant Secretary-General, UN Global Compact; Neha Das, Head of Asia & Oceania, UN Global Compact; and other representatives, 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 also participated in the meeting.

Prime Minister’s Media Division