The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite the fact that societal tendencies give priority to the monetary value, economics and entrepreneurship should be disciplines rooted in humanity, and the concept of a “care economy” serves as a good example of this approach.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a program held today (18) at the Ministry of Education to inform officials about the development of modules for financial literacy and entrepreneurship, which are included as subjects under the new educational reforms.

Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Harendra Dissabandara, shared his insights on the current state of financial literacy in Sri Lanka and the way forward and the Chairman of the Colombo Stock Exchange, Mr. Dimuthu Abeysekara, expressed his views on the financial literacy activities in the country.

Further addressing the event, Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

We clearly come to see that your support and bless have forwarded for the new education reforms we are trying to implement. As the Ministry of Education, it brings forward a great strength and these reforms are more than just curriculum changes.

What we need is a developed society, not just economically, but spiritually and ethically as well. Wealth is not just about money.

In that sense, the transformation we are trying to bring about through education is deeply significant.

The theft, corruption, and fraud we see in today’s society are not committed by people lacking subject knowledge but by those who know the subject very well. That is why it has been so hard to address. Therefore, we must learn financial literacy and entrepreneurship together with human values, to develop them as ethical disciplines. What we need are entrepreneurs who love the environment, society, and have compassion for one another.

The Prime Minister further emphasized the importance of considering what state society would fall into if women were only engaged in financially valuable work.

Addressing this event the Deputy Minister of Labour and Economic Development, Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, added:

Incorporating financial literacy into school education is extremely important. Many people fall victim to pyramid-like financial scams due to a lack of proper understanding. Therefore, the public must have a strong grasp of financial literacy. It is often those with high financial literacy who carry out financial fraud. Along with subject knowledge, we need to empower society with values to manage this situation

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwawa; officials from the Ministry of Finance; the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka; the Colombo Stock Exchange; and other institutional representatives.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that open discussions, suggestions, and criticisms based on factual information concerning the new education reforms are of great importance.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (17) at a special program held at the Western Provincial Council Auditorium to raise awareness among education officials of the Western Province regarding the new education reforms.

Addressing the dialogue, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

It is clear through the ongoing public discourse that society is paying close attention to the new education reforms. There is a significant public interest in this process. That is why many people are presenting various ideas, suggestions, and criticisms. This is a healthy sign, and through this, we can move forward toward better outcomes.

As a government, we have always pledged to give high priority to education, starting from the stage of policy formulation. This commitment is reflected in our policy statements and political platforms. These reforms are not something that began yesterday. Everyone stood together for the development goals of this country, but what is truly needed is not only achieving these goals but also transforming the society we live in. There must be a major transformation in education. What we aim to create is not an individual limited to a narrow journey shaped by textbooks, one subject, or one academic stream. Instead, we are trying to nurture a person with broader thinking, a free mind, and leadership skills who can view the world with a wider perspective.

These reforms are not limited to changes in the curriculum. It is a structural reform developed around five core pillars. Education has reached this state because trending decisions were made without identifying the fundamental issues.

The main transformation brought by the new reforms is developing skills among children to be equipped for the real world of work, starting from Grade 10. Some people misunderstand and criticize these reforms, spreading misinformation. We welcome constructive criticism, study, and dialogue based on proper understanding.

All stakeholders in the education sector must fully comprehend the new reforms and communicate the right message to the public. everyone’s cooperation is expected in achieving this historic task for our children. We cannot do this by dividing; we must all come together.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of opening platforms for broader public dialogue in order to implement the new education reforms to benefit children.

The discussion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senewiratne, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Western Province Governor Haniff Yusoof, Members of Parliament Lakshman Nipunarachchi, Sanjeewa Ranasinghe, Ruwan Mapalagama, Ministry of Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwawa, Chief Secretary of the Western Province Pradeep Pushpakumara, as well as officials representing the National Institute of Education, the Department of Examinations, and the Western Province Department of Education.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Do not politicize education and children’s lives and spread false propaganda.

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized to prevent from spreading false information that history and Aesthetics subjects have been removed under the new education reforms and politicizing the education and children’s lives in order to exploit for political gain.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (17) during a special program held at the Western Provincial Council Auditorium to raise awareness among Western Province education officials regarding the new education reforms.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that:

New education reforms have in fact made it mandatory to study subjects such as history, Aesthetics, and vocational studies. However, certain parties, without properly studying the national education plan, are falsely spreading the false information that the subjects of history and Aesthetics have been removed. These reforms have been developed after holding extensive discussions with subject experts moving forward the objective of ensuring that every student gets the opportunity to study history and the Aesthetics subjects, which enhances human values. We can do politics, but do not drag education and children’s education into it.

The new education reforms clearly outline how these subjects should be studied, with a focus on producing well-rounded students who are not limited to a single field. The reforms were carried out with understanding and awareness.

The Prime Minister urged everyone who becomes aware of the new education reforms to convey the true situation to society.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senewiratne, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Governor of the Western Province Haniffa Yousuf, Members of Parliament Lakshman Nipunarachchi, Sanjeeva Ranasinghe, Ruwan Mapalagama, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwaw, Chief Secretary of the Western Province Pradeep Pushpakumara, along with officials representing the National Institute of Education, Department of Examinations, and Western Province Department of Education.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The official announcement that the total required quantity of school uniform fabric worth LKR 5,171 million for the year 2025 has been fully provided as a donation by the Government of China was made on July 16 at the Ministry of Education in Battaramulla, with the participation of the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the occasion, the relevant certificate exchange took place between Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Qi Zhenhong, confirming the completion of this donation.

A formal request has already been submitted through the Department of External Resources to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, seeking assistance for the provision of school uniform fabric for the year 2026 as well.

Expressing her views at the event, the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

Sri Lanka and China share a long-standing friendship based on cooperation. The contribution of school uniforms for our schoolchildren is yet another step in this enduring friendship.

In 2023 and 2024, the Chinese government contributed a significant portion of our national requirement for school uniform fabric, and in 2025, the entire requirement has been fulfilled through their support.

This generous contribution from the Chinese government, especially during a very difficult time for Sri Lanka, is deeply appreciated as it supports the education of our children.

Our government has already requested continued support of the Chinese government for the year 2026 as well. On behalf of the children and parents of our country, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Chinese government and people.

Addressing at the event, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Qi Zhenhong, stated:

China will always act as your trustworthy partner in every moment Sri Lanka needs support. Children are not only the future of this country but also heirs to the China–Sri Lanka friendship.

Every stitch of their school uniforms tells the story of mutual cooperation between our ancient civilizations. I deeply appreciate the commitment and dedication of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to the advancement of education in this country.

The event was attended by officials from the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Education.

Prime Minister’s Division

A representative team of TikTok platform in Sri Lanka visited the secretary to the Prime Minister today (16) at the Prime Minister’s office focusing on common issues in the possible areas of using digital platforms, and how TikTok as a digital platform can be used to implement in creating opportunities in economic platforms and digital education going beyond the entertainment.

The representatives pointed out the importance of the Inclusion of Legislation, Research and amendments into the curriculum on the knowledge of digital education and addressing Digital hygiene, and Economic opportunities.

The secretary to the Prime Minister further emphasized on the need for immediate implementation of such collaborative efforts with the ongoing reforms into the education sector.

The discussion was attended by Ferdous Al Mottakin- TikTok Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs for South Asia and Additional secretary to the Prime Minister and other officials.

Prime Minister’s Division

The second day of the Seventh meeting of the International Solar Allience (ISA) Regional committee for Asia and the Pacific Region was held today focusing on advancing Regional cooperation for a Solar-powered future on 16 at Hotel ICT Rathnadeepa, Colombo with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

This year’s session was held under the theme of ’Advancing Solar Cooperation Across a Region of Diversity and Opportunity’, with Sri Lanka being the vice chair of high level dialogue.

Delivering the inaugural speech, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the country’s dedication to strengthening regional solar cooperation and achieving energy security through sustainable development.

Marking the country partnership between Sri Lanka and ISA Regional committee, the official framework of the roadmap was signed and presented to the Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakodi.

Addressing the event, Minister of Energy, Mr. Kumara Jayakodi pointed out the initiative of the government, "Battle for Solar Energy” to include the expansion of rooftop solar power systems and the government’s commitment to achieving 70% renewable energy by 2030, laying the groundwork for a greener and more resilient future.

The conference provided a platform for forging new regional partnerships, with the University of Moratuwa identified as a key knowledge and research hub for solar innovation.

The Prime Minister participated in the opening of a special solar innovation exhibition, showcasing regional advancements in solar technology and practical solutions for solar adoption across diverse socio-economic contexts.

The event was attended by the High Commissioner of India for Sri Lanka, Santhosh Jah, Director general of ISA, Ashish Khanna and delegation and representatives of 124 countries from region of asia and pacific.

Prime Minister’s Media Division