Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that special attention will be given to the higher education of children with special needs under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.

She made this statement during a meeting held in Parliament on February 22 with representatives from various institutions advocating for the disabled community to discuss strategies for enhancing educational opportunities for individuals with special needs.

During the meeting, the representatives presented a comprehensive proposal developed in line with local and international standards. The proposal addressed several key areas, including strengthening the rights of people with special needs, improving the quality of education for children with disabilities, and introducing higher education opportunities focused to their needs.

The delegation commended the current government for allocating funds in the 2025 budget to improve education for children with autism and for establishing a social security system for orphans.

Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Amarasuriya stated:

"People with special needs must be given the social acceptance required to live normal lives within society. We aim to incorporate this principle into broader initiatives, including the ’Clean Sri Lanka’ project.

Our country has many policies, but the challenge lies in effective implementation. Allocating funds for policy execution is crucial, which is why the 2025 budget specifically earmarks resources for various initiatives.

Under the Ministry of Education’s supervision, we are determined to prioritize higher education for children with special needs and have appointed the necessary personnel to lead this effort.

We are currently preparing for a comprehensive transformation of the education system. Relevant policies will be developed in 2025, with implementation set to begin in 2026. This long-term plan is designed to bring about systemic change, with special emphasis on the education of children with special needs.

Our goal is to ensure that every child with special needs has access to inclusive education in mainstream schools. While this is a substantial process that cannot be completed overnight, we aim to achieve these goals gradually. As a starting point, we are working to make at least one school in each educational administrative zone equipped to accommodate children with special needs," she said.

The meeting was attended by officials representing the disabled community, including Member of Parliament Sugath Wasantha de Silva, former Senior Lecturer Dr. T.D.T.L. Dhanapala, and other dignitaries.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is committed to safeguarding businesses and providing the necessary support for their development.

She made these remarks while addressing the "National Industrial Excellence Awards 2024," organized by the Industrial Development Board, held on February 21 at the Eagle Lakeside Hotel, Colombo.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented awards to the three best national industry brands of 2024:

• JBRICKS PVT LTD – Small-scale category
• SINGHE Furniture Manufacturer PVT LTD – Medium-scale category
• EARTHFOAM PVT LTD – Large-scale category

In her address, Prime Minister Amarasuriya commended the resilience and dedication of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, especially amid challenging economic times. "It is a pleasure to join you at this occasion. Witnessing your commitment to industry during these difficult times is a source of strength for us. The government is dedicated to protecting businesses and providing the necessary support for their development. Your involvement in these industries is crucial for our economic recovery," she stated.

She further emphasized the importance of inclusive industrial growth, highlighting the significance of women’s entrepreneurship in building economic resilience. "Industries not only strengthen the economy but also generate vital employment opportunities. Despite challenges such as resource constraints, cultural barriers, and gender disparities, you continue to drive progress. We must amplify Sri Lanka’s brand globally. To the award-winning entrepreneurs: this is not the end of your journey but the beginning. Let us work together to rebuild our economy through industry," the Prime Minister concluded.

Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of promoting Sri Lankan products globally. "Having a brand is vital, but it is even more valuable when it is recognized as Sri Lankan-made. Our goal should be to elevate the rupee to the strength of a dollar,"he remarked. The Minister highlighted initiatives in the recently presented 2025 budget that favor industrial growth, announcing plans for a national tax policy by the end of the year. "We aim to foster an industrial culture from the school level, enhance export revenue, and develop all sectors of industry. We call upon you to join us in this national endeavor,"he urged.

The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary of the Ministry Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara, and numerous entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, all united in their commitment to drive Sri Lanka’s industrial advancement.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that innovation is a crucial element in the discussion on how to create a proud future. The Prime Minister made this statement on the 21st while participating in the closing ceremony of the 2025 Innovation Islands Summit.

The Innovation Islands Summit 2025, jointly organized by the Observer Research Foundation—an India-based global think tank—and the Capital Maharaja Group, was held at the ITC Ratnadeepa Hotel in Colombo on February 20–21. Diplomatic representatives and officials from nearly 50 countries participated in the summit.

Expressing her views further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

"Today, the world is at a crucial juncture. We have to face challenges including climate change, economic instability, technological disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainty. But with challenges come opportunities. This conference is one such opportunity. It has provided a platform to formulate solutions uniquely suited to island nations like ours.

Innovation brings fresh ideas. Innovation challenges existing ways. As Sri Lanka prepares for a transformation, it is especially fitting to host a conference centered on innovation at this moment. This is a time when there is a sense of expectation, enthusiasm, and hope in Sri Lanka.

We look to the future with confidence. For a long time, as Sri Lankans, we have spoken about our past greatness—our history, our achievements. Certainly, there is much to be proud of in our heritage: ancient irrigation systems, architecture, religious monuments, literature, and art. We can trace back 2,500 years and reflect on our past. I invite you, our foreign guests, to spend some time exploring our heritage. There is so much to see and experience on our small island.

But today, we are talking about our potential for a proud future. Innovation is a vital topic in that conversation. However, there is also a certain danger in innovation. I speak of innovation as a catalyst for meaningful transformation.

It is not just about technology or science. We need fresh visions, new ideas, innovative models, and fresh thinking. We must carefully consider why some problems have remained unresolved for so long and approach these challenges from a new perspective."

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha and Chairman of the Observer Research Foundation of India, Sameer Saran.

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Mr. Mathew Verghis, World bank Regional Director for Prosperity in South Asia, met with Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, at the Prime Minister’s Office. Discussions focused on Sri Lanka’s current economic outlook, ongoing reforms, and potential areas for enhanced collaboration between the world bank and the Government of Sri Lanka.

During the discussions, the World Bank delegation expressed appreciation for the progress made in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process and commended the government’s recent budget speech - 2025 as a positive step towards economic recovery. They underscored the importance of effective policy implementation and highlighted the Prime Minister’s Office’s crucial role in ensuring seamless interagency coordination.

Mr. Saputhanthri provided an overview of the government’s key priorities, emphasizing that the proposed budget of 2025; focuses on economic stability, good governance, and sustainable development. He outlined the government’s commitment to promoting investment, facilitating trade, and driving digital transformation.He Further highlighted that addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by vulnerable populations and maintaining a firm stance against corruption are among the government’s top priorities. The Secretary also emphasized the importance of strengthening logistics for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and the agricultural sector, with particular attention to the development of health, education, and tourism sectors. Discussion also covered the government’s focus on legal reforms to support these initiatives.

The meeting was attended by Senior government officials, including Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Mr. T.A.D.D. Premarathna, Additional Director General of the External Resources Department in addition to member of the World Bank’s Sri Lanka office, in addition to the representatives of the World Bank’s Sri Lanka office.

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Ms. Helena McLeod, Deputy Director General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka on the 20th February.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to engage in constructive discussions on key areas of cooperation, particularly in advancing green economic development and sustainability initiatives in Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya welcomed Ms. McLeod and her delegation, expressing appreciation for GGGI’s continued support toward promoting sustainable growth in the country. The discussions focused several crucial topics, including the role of sustainable financing mechanisms in facilitating large-scale agricultural projects.

The conversation also covered sustainable transport solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact, along with progress on the "Clean Sri Lanka" project, which focuses on environmental conservation and waste management.

The meeting was attended by senior Sri Lankan government officials, including Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Kulani Karunarathne, Director (International Relations) of the Ministry of Environment, and Ms. Dulanji Herath, Assistant Director of the Ocean Affairs, Environment & Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Environment.

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Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, today at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Discussions focused on further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, emphasizing the historical ties and mutual interests that continue to underpin their diplomatic engagement.

Minister Khaleel commended Sri Lanka for its remarkable progress in economic recovery and expressed confidence in the country’s resilience. Both leaders acknowledged the pivotal role of the tourism sector in their respective economies and explored potential avenues to enhance cooperation in promoting tourism between the two nations. Addressing matters of mutual interest, the two parties discussed streamlining the visa process for Maldivian nationals traveling to Sri Lanka. Both leaders agreed on the importance of facilitating smoother travel procedures to bolster people-to-people connectivity.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Masood Imad, High Commissioner of the Maldives to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr. Niluka Kadurugamuwa, Director General (South Asia and SAARC); and Ms. Prashanthi Krishnamoorthy, Deputy Director (South Asia) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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