His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for the Holy See’s Relations with States and International Organizations (Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Holy See – Vatican), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on November 3 at Temple Trees.

During the meeting, discussions centered on education, reconciliation, and international relations. The Prime Minister outlined the new education reforms introduced under the government’s policy framework, which were warmly welcomed by Archbishop Gallagher. He also highlighted the Holy See’s global initiative, the Jubilee of World Education, noting that “education is the new name for peace, hope, and community development.”

Addressing post-conflict reconciliation, the Prime Minister emphasized the inclusive and pluralistic approach of the current government, stressing that reconciliation requires continuous dialogue, patience, and renewed thinking. Archbishop Gallagher commended this vision and underlined the importance of strengthening the justice system, trust, and transparency to sustain international confidence.

The meeting concluded with Archbishop Gallagher proposing that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV consider an official visit to Sri Lanka, a suggestion the Prime Minister welcomed, expressing readiness to extend a formal invitation. The Prime Minister also accepted Archbishop Gallagher’s invitation to visit the Holy See.

The Vatican delegation included Rev. Monsignor Roberto Lucchini, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Holy See in Colombo, and Rev. Monsignor Tomislav Zubac, Second Secretary of the Secretariat of State of the Holy See. Representing Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director General; and Mrs. Anodya Chirasrie, Deputy Director (Europe & North America) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The newly appointed Representative of the World Food Programme (WFP) – Sri Lanka, Mr. Philip Ward, and Deputy Director Mr. Robert Oliver met with the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, on 27th of October at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Operating in Sri Lanka since 1968, the World Food Programme has been supporting the country in strengthening food and nutritional security, and the resilience of communities facing economic and climate-related challenges.

During the discussion, attention was drawn to the Strategic Plan of the WFP for the period of 2023–2027 and the future course of action. Special emphasis was placed on working collaboratively with the Government of Sri Lanka in line with its upcoming programmes aimed at ensuring food and nutritional security.

The event was attended by the Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and Senior Assistant Secretary Mr. M. H. A. M. Riflan.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, along with a group of ministers and officials, participated in an inspection visit on 26 th of October to the solid waste management project initiated focusing on the Kelaniya and Puttalam–Aruwakkalu areas for managing solid waste in the Western Province.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekara, Members of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Asitha Niroshan, Aruna Panagoda, Dewananda Suraweera, Ajith Gihan, Hiruni Wijesinghe, Gayan Janaka, and Faizal Mohamed, as well as the District Secretaries of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, and Puttalam, local representatives, residents of the area, and representatives of environmental organizations.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the inaugural ceremony of the newly constructed three-storey ward complex of the H.P. Piyasiri Government Ayurvedic Hospital in Deiyandara, Belpamullla, on 25th of October.

This new three-storey ward complex was built through the financial donation of Deshamanya H.P. Piyasiri, Chairman of Phenomenal Trading Company and his children. During the event, the official deed of transfer handing over the new ward complex to the government was presented by Deshamanya Mr. H.P. Piyasiri to the Prime Minister.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister stated that this hospital serves as an excellent example of the kind of development projects and programmes that can be successfully carried out through the joint efforts of the government, the private sector, and the general public.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that society today needs entrepreneurs with a sense of social responsibility, who can serve as role models for future generations.

Expressing her gratitude, the Prime Minister commended Deshamanya H.P. Piyasiri and his family for completing and donating this fully equipped three-storey ward complex to the public.
 
Addressing the event, Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti stated:

The vision of Mr. H.P. Piyasiri who built this hospital is to economically develop this rural area by 2030 through the tourism industry. Developing the Ayurvedic and tourism sectors together to promote wellness tourism is extremely valuable. It is not only a form of treatment but also of hospitality. This is a visionary entrepreneurial concept that can take our country further in the global platform. Mr. Piyasiri’s foresight in this regard is truly commendable. Moreover, an Ayurvedic hospital is not just a government institution but an essential part of the people’s lives. Mr. Piyasiri has fulfilled his role in this noble endeavor, and as the government, we will intervene to complete the rest of his mission.
 
The event was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra, Member of Parliament Ajantha Gammaddage, other distinguished guests, and a large gathering of residents of the area.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Sri Lanka’s heritage belongs to all of us, and its protection is a shared responsibility.

The Prime Minister participated in the inaugural ceremony of the 2025 National conference of Beyond Dr. Roland Silva Charting New Frontiers in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage on 25th of October at the Sri Lanka Foundation.

The National Conference jointly organized by ICOMOS Sri Lanka and the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) will commence for 25th and 26th of October providing a platform for both senior academics, professionals and emerging scholars to engage in meaningful dialogue and share research on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

As the present chairperson of the Central Cultural Fund, reflecting on Dr. Silva’s enduring legacy, the Prime Minister commended his pioneering work as an architect, archaeologist, administrator, and institution-builder and his unwavering efforts in establishing the Central Cultural Fund to transform Sri Lanka’s heritage sector, setting an international example for sustainable heritage financing.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further emphasized the government’s commitment to building a unified and inclusive Sri Lanka, where every citizen feels a genuine sense of belonging. Addressing the event the Prime Minister stated, ’Under the vision of the new government, we aim to build a unified and inclusive Sri Lanka, where every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, religion, language, or location, feels a sense of belonging.’

The Prime Minister underscored the need to integrate new technologies, digital tools, artificial intelligence, and climate adaptation strategies to ensure the protection of vulnerable heritage sites across the country highlighting that Sri Lanka’s heritage belongs to everyone, and its protection is a shared responsibility.

Commending the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) and ICOMOS Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted that their collective effort will enable Sri Lanka’s heritage sector to adapt to emerging global challenges while continuing to safeguard its cultural legacy for future generations.

During the inaugural ceremony, the printed painting collection entitled ’Thivanka Image House’ was officially published along with a commemorative stamp and First Day Cover marking the 35th anniversary of the historic election of Dr. Ronald Silva as the first asian president of ICOMOS international.

The event was attended by the Minister Of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural AffairsDr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Director General of Central Cultural Fund Dr. Nilan Cooray, H.E. Ambassadors, and Mrs. Roland Silva, and scholars, professionals and Heritage practicians.

Prime Minister’s Media

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while addressing the “CNCI Achiever Awards 2025” held on 23 October at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo. The annual ceremony, organized by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, aims to recognize and encourage outstanding contributions within Sri Lanka’s industrial sector.

In her address, the Prime Minister underscored that the strength of the country’s industries directly determines its ability to create jobs, reduce imports, and ensure sustainable economic growth.

“Support should focus on building capacity, encouraging innovation, facilitating expansion, and improving access to new markets. A resilient and competitive industrial base is not only an economic priority, it is a national necessity,” she noted.

The Prime Minister further emphasized the Government’s responsibility to create an enabling environment for industrial growth by expanding access to finance, technology, and skills development.

During her speech Dr. Amarasuriya also highlighted the importance of women’s participation in the industrial sector, stressing that gender inclusivity is both a matter of fairness and an economic strategy.

“The success of local entrepreneurs ultimately strengthens the foundation of our national economy. Women play a significant role in production, management, innovation, and design, yet their contributions often remain under-recognized. Increasing women’s participation whether as workers, managers, or entrepreneurs strengthens the entire industrial ecosystem through higher productivity and innovation,” she further stated.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that under the National People’s Power (NPP) Government, measures are being implemented to advance women’s economic participation through policy reforms and institutional support. She outlined ongoing initiatives, including improved access to credit and financial services, vocational and technical training, equal pay for equal work, and support for women-led enterprises.

“We are committed to addressing barriers such as unpaid care responsibilities that limit women’s participation in the workforce and to strengthening gender-responsive industrial policies that promote inclusive growth,” she added. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the role of entrepreneurs in national development, noting that their creativity and determination are essential drivers of progress.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented two Crystal Awards to Haycarb PLC and Matara Freelan Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, as well as the Top 10 Achiever Awards to outstanding industrial performers.

The event was attended by Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Mr. Sunil Hadunneththi, Deputy Minister Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Chairman of CNCI Mr. Pradeep Kahawalage, and other distinguished guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division