The 78th National Independence Day is marked with renewed hope for freedom. We have now entered a new chapter with a people’s government formed through the collective will and effort of all citizens.

The Government has begun the task of building a nation for future generations, grounded in human values, strengthened by skills, and enriched by intellectual capacity. The time has come for every citizen to fulfil their responsibility to the motherland by contributing meaningfully to the building of a nation rooted in shared values.

We remain committed to achieving national priorities, including stabilizing the country on a strong economic foundation; advancing a new political vision that transforms political practice and redefines the role of the politician through a renewed political culture; guiding society with equality, dignity, and compassion; and addressing persistent rural poverty.

The Government is also focused on strengthening welfare mechanisms to ensure access for vulnerable social groups so that no one is left behind; advancing the digital transformation of the economy through modern science and technology; and presenting Sri Lanka to the international community as a nation guided by a non-aligned foreign policy, enabling engagement based on trust with all countries and peoples.

This is a time for all of us to work together, setting aside narrow political interests in the pursuit of national progress. As we mark the 78th National Independence Day, I invite all Sri Lankans to stand united with renewed confidence and determination, and to join in the shared task of shaping a new era of national renewal.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
04th of February 2026

Prime Minister states at the Centenary Celebration of the National Institute of Mental Health

Steps has been taken to update the Mental Health Act after over-hundred-years

Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that mental health care should be delivered through both institutional and community-based approaches, and that it is essential to change societal attitudes towards recipients of mental health services.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the centenary celebration of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Angoda, Sri Lanka’s premier institution in the field of mental health held on February 3 at the institute’s auditorium.

At the commencement of the event, the Prime Minister also viewed a special photographic exhibition organized to mark the centenary, as well as an exhibition showcasing creative works by recipients of mental health services.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that while appreciating the institute’s century-long commitment and service, it is vital to further expand community-based mental health services in the future.

Mental health is not a field that can be confined solely to medical treatment. We must build a broader and more humane system of care by integrating multiple external sectors. In particular, we carry a responsibility to change the stigmatizing attitudes with which society carries on the recipients of mental health services.

Commending the exceptional dedication of hospital staff, the Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of acting with greater sensitivity and compassion towards patients.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijayamuni stated that the Government has taken steps to update Sri Lanka’s Mental Health Act, which is over one hundred years old, to suit contemporary needs.

He noted that the initial draft of the proposed legislation has already been submitted to relevant institutions, as well as to the Cabinet and Parliament, and that public consultations will be conducted in the future regarding the new Act.

The Deputy Minister further explained that the proposed legislation places special emphasis on protecting patient rights while incorporating modern medical and scientific practices into the legal framework.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, World Health Organization Representative in Sri Lanka Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health Dr. Dhammika Alahapperuma, along with invited guests, medical professionals, artists, and civil society representatives.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The decision has been finalized regarding the disputed module, and the Government has not incurred any loss due to the printing of modules

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government will ensure that Grade 6 students are not subjected to any injustice, that a decision has already been taken regarding the disputed module, and that no financial loss has been incurred by the Government as a result of printing the modules.

The Prime Minister made these remarks February 03 in Parliament while responding to a question raised by the Opposition regarding the printing of textbooks and modules.

Elaborating further, Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that from 2020 to 2022 there was no data system in place for ordering textbooks. Orders were obtained through order lists provided by schools. The remaining stocks of textbooks in schools and other institutions had not been calculated or documented. As a result, it had not been possible to determine the remaining quantities or their financial value.

From the year 2023 to 2025, textbook ordering has been carried out through a data system, enabling proper calculations. At the beginning of each year, data on the textbooks required for the following year are collected through this system. Based on this data system and the remaining stock, textbooks are printed as required for sales purposes and for use in emergency situations.

The procurement process takes into account the time required for printing and distributing textbooks. Textbook printing is carried out jointly by the public and private sectors, based on assessed needs. Distribution of textbooks is carried out promptly as printed books are received at warehouses.

Textbooks and modules are two different items. The printed textbooks have already been distributed. In line with the proposed education reforms, modules were printed for the first term of Grade 6. Not all of these modules have been withdrawn. It is proposed to implement the new education reforms for Grade 6 in 2027, and accordingly, plans are in place to use the relevant modules.

Decisions have been taken regarding the course of action to be followed in relation to the module that raised concerns. However, the modules have not been withdrawn. No decisions have been taken that would result in a loss to the Government. The required textbooks for Grade 6 students will be distributed in February.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the Government will ensure that Grade 6 students are not subjected to any form of injustice.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Members of the National Student Parliament met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on the 02nd of February at Temple Trees.

The representatives of the National Student Parliament, representing schools from across the island, visited the Temple Trees following the visit to Presidential Secretariat and the Parliament.

The student parliamentarians stated that the new education reforms are a matter that directly affects them as students, and that innovative approach introduced through education reforms is important when moving forward in line with the new technological world. They further emphasized that they stand in support of the education reforms.

Expressing her views on the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated,

The new education reforms were recently initiated starting from Grade One. Discussions are currently underway to include students entering Grade Six this year into the new education reform process in the future. The education reforms will not be halted, and the government is committed to implementing them in a systematic manner without shortcomings. She further noted that the reforms are being carried out under five main pillars, with the government’s key objective being to reduce disparities and provide children with quality education, while also nurturing a socially responsible community enriched with human values such as compassion, love for the environment, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Director of Education Mr. Kasun Gunarathne, along with officials from the Ministry of Education and representatives of the National Student Parliament.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the South Asia Regional Conference of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC) 2026 held on 2nd of February at the Cinnamon Life, Colombo. The conference is hosted by the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka and the World Federation of Consuls. The conference held from 1st to 4th of February, brings together diplomats, business leaders, and policymakers to strengthen regional cooperation and explore new avenues for sustainable development across South Asia.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister noted that selection of Sri Lanka as the venue for this conference holds particular significance at a time when the Government is working closely with international partners to position Sri Lanka as a credible and reliable region.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to Sri Lanka’s vulnerability against climate change, citing the recent impact of Cyclone Ditwah, and commended the support extended to Sri Lanka by the international partners. The Prime Minister emphasized that climate change requires global cooperation, shared responsibility, and innovative solutions.

She further highlighted ongoing efforts to improve public sector efficiency, transparency, and accountability, promote national unity and respect for diversity, and advance digital governance to enhance service delivery and public trust.

The Prime Minister stated,

The Government of Sri Lanka is committed to addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges through a clear policy framework. Our focus is on economic stability through fiscal discipline, sustainable debt management, and reforms that enhance productivity and growth. At the same time, we are strengthening social welfare programs to support the most vulnerable.

Addressing at the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism MP Vijitha Herath also stated that, the government is committed to recognizing Sri Lanka as a sustainable tourism hotspot in the global platform while positioning Sri Lanka as a stable and reliable international partner.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Mr. Arun Hemachandra, FICAC President Nikolaos K. Margaropoulos, President of the Association of Consuls in Sri Lanka Mr.Mahen Kariyawasam and Diplomatic corps.

Prime minister’s media

We believe that a new transformative era can be built in which everyone participates in the economic process and benefits from it.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is confident in building an economy that delivers benefits to everyone, paving the way for a transformative era. The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the MILCO National Dairy Farmers’ Profit Sharing, Introducing farm/farm family insurance & Appreciation Programme - 2026 held on the 02nd of February at Temple Trees.

The MILCO National Dairy Farmers’ Profit Sharing, Introducing farm/farm family insurance & Appreciation Programme, organized under the theme, “A Nutritious and Thriving Nation Enriched by Milk,” was held to recognize the MILCO dairy farming community that contributed to the company recording its highest sales turnover in 2025 and achieving a historic net profit.

Under this programme, it has been decided to distribute performance incentives to 22,000 dairy farmers affiliated with MILCO. During the ceremony, dividend payments were symbolically awarded to 2,000 dairy farmers. Additionally, incentive payments were provided to dairy farmers across all provinces of the island, and field officers were also recognized. Membership certificates for pension entitlements under the Dairy Farmer Retirement Scheme, jointly implemented by the Social Security Fund and MILCO, were also awarded at this event.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister stated that the current Government is committed to implementing an economic system based on economic democracy, where all producers across the country are integrated into the production process and benefits are equitably shared. She emphasized that this inclusive approach is a core pillar of the Government’s economic strategy.

The Prime Minister further noted that by minimizing fraud and corruption within state institutions, ensuring proper management, and providing goal-oriented leadership, public institutions can be transformed into strong, efficient entities that deliver tangible benefits to the people. She stated that MILCO has proven this within a short period of time.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

These dividends are being distributed after 21 years. The last time this was done was during the brief period when His Excellency the President served as Minister of Agriculture. It has taken 21 years to reach this point. This clearly shows the extent of damage caused to this country by previous administrations. If we were able to achieve this within fifteen or sixteen months, it strongly proves the fraud committed by those who managed these institutions for decades. The time has now come to correct those wrongs and to build institutions properly, that involve everyone in the economic process and ensure benefits for all.

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha also expressed appreciation to the Chairman, Board of Directors, staff of MILCO, and the dairy farmers for transforming MILCO into a high-income-generating enterprise within a short time of period and emphasized the importance of assigning national value to such achievements.

The Minister stated that the development of MILCO and its significant revenue generation were made possible through the people-oriented policies and actions of the new Government, and further stated that state institutions can be developed into major revenue earners. The Minister assured continued Government support to address the challenges faced by dairy farmers and urged them to remain committed to maintaining high standards and proper procedures in the dairy industry.

The event was attended by the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunarathne, Member of Parliament to Anuradhapura District Mr. Susantha Kumara Navarathna, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation D.P. Wickramasinghe, Chairman of MILCO Hemajeewa Gotabhaya, along with ministry and institutional officials and dairy farmers from across the island.

Prime Minister’s Media Division