Arrangements have been finalized to bring the sacred bodily relics of the Buddha to Sri Lanka. The sacred bodily relics were first discovered in the 1960s in the Gujarat region of India, the birthplace of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These sacred relics, which have never before been taken outside India, will be made available for veneration by the people of Sri Lanka.

A special District Coordination Committee meeting to discuss the preliminary arrangements was held on January 31 at the Colombo District Secretariat, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the participation of the Chairman of the Colombo District Coordination Committee, Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi.

Following the discussions held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Prime Minister of India, and with the support of the Government of India, these sacred relics will be brought to Sri Lanka and displayed for seven days, from the 04th to 11th of February, at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo.

The exhibition will remain open 24 hours a day for the public veneration. A special priority queue system will also be implemented for foreign tourists, pregnant mothers, and persons with disabilities.

All relevant government institutions have jointly prepared comprehensive plans to ensure proper transport, sanitation, and security facilities for devotees attending this religious event. Accordingly, the Department of Railways, Sri Lanka Transport Board, and private bus services will operate a special transportation plan, while the Police and the Tri-Forces will implement special security and traffic management arrangements.

The steps have been taken from the District’s Business Community to organize dansal and refreshment services for devotees waiting in queues.

Taking possible weather conditions into consideration, all essential arrangements have already been completed to enable devotees to venerate the sacred bodily relics with ease.

The special meeting was attended by the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, members of the Maha Sangha, Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, Members of Parliament, local government representatives, Colombo District Secretary Prasanna Janaka Kumara, and state officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that all government strategic plans must be formulated in a manner that ensures no child in the country is deprived of vocational education or any other educational opportunity due to economic hardship.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a workshop on budget formulation and strategic planning of institutions affiliated with the vocational education sector, held on 29th and 30th of January 2026 at the Grand Monarch.

The workshop was organized with the participation of heads and senior officials of nine institutions, including two universities affiliated with the vocational education sector.

The Prime Minister pointed out that it is essential to align the development plans of key institutions and the affiliated institutions with the National Economic Development Plan.

The Prime Minister stated that while educational institutions produce individuals with vocational knowledge, reforms must also nurture compassion, empathy, care for others, and ethical values. The Prime Minister noted that the objective of this initiative is to nurture professionals enriched by humanity.

She further emphasized that it is the responsibility of the government to further expand pathways for children who are experiencing economical disadvantages to access vocational education and secure their future.

Attention was also drawn to the sectors of AI revolution and the future of vocational education. The Prime Minister observed that there is still no comprehensive global understanding of the changes taking place in the world of work and vocational fields due to artificial intelligence (AI). She stressed that integrating vocational education into the mainstream education process through educational reforms is an urgent necessity at this time.

The revolution brought about by AI technology is often driven by profit. Just as we were exploited during past industrial revolutions, we must ensure that we are not left behind or marginalized in this revolution. We must not merely confine ourselves to a data center.

The Prime Minister highlighted that while teaching and learning activities can be carried out online, the impact of technology is limited in professions involving human care and compassion, such as childcare and caregiving services underscoring the importance of developing soft skills and adopting a human-centered approach.

It was discussed that the flexible pathways should be created to enable a student to progress continuously through vocational education up to doctoral level, as well as to re-enter education while being employed (lateral entry). While ensuring such flexibility in the system, maintaining high standards and quality in education was highlighted as essential to ensuring credibility.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, Vice Chancellor of the University of Vocational Technology Professor Prasanna Premadasa, Vice Chancellor of the Ocean University Professor Nalin Rathnayake, Chairman of NIBM Dr. G. Thantirigama, Director General D.M.A. Kulasooriya, and several other officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that in order to ensure the economic, social, and cultural security of the country, it is essential to develop a quality human resource, and that education plays a vital role in achieving this goal.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is committed to bring about a transformation in the education sector, and that the government will continue to move forward by overcoming obstacles encountered along the way, guided by a clear vision and purpose.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the EDCS Sisu Nena Pranama scholarship award ceremony held today (31) at Temple Trees, organized to recognize the children of the members of the Education Co-operative Society (EDCS) who have been selected to state universities for the academic year2023/2024.

Elaborating further, the Prime Minister noted that this program, organized by the Education Service Employees– Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya Co-operative Thrift and Credit Society Ltd, is not merely about providing scholarships, but is an occasion that recognizes and appreciates the dedication of students and their parents who are preparing to shoulder the responsibility of the country’s future.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that it is a remarkable achievement that a society which began in 1930 with just 58 members and a membership fee of one rupee has today grown into the largest cooperative society in South Asia, with approximately 215,000 members.

The Prime Minister further highlighted how rapidly the world is changing, and the increasing necessity of developing human resources in the face of economic and environmental crises. She stressed that the education system must be transformed from the level of school education itself to align with the demands of the modern world, and that students entering universities should become leaders and active participants in this transformation.

Noting that out of nearly 300,000 students who enter primary education each year, only about 40,000 gain admission to universities, the Prime Minister urged students to make use of this opportunity for the development of the country.

Addressing the occasion, Deputy Minister of Labour and General Secretary of Ceylon Teachers Service Union, Mr. Mahinda Jayasinghe, stated that due to corruption-free management, it was possible to increase the financial stability of the society from Rs. 1,200 million to Rs. 1,700 million within a short period of approximately nine months.

Under this year’s program, scholarships amount to over Rs. 13.7 million were awarded to 2,292 students who have been selected to state universities.

This scholarship program, which initiated in 1984 with 15 students and an initial fund of Rs. 3,500, has been conducted continuously for 41 years. At present, scholarships of up to a maximum of Rs. 75,000 per student are awarded, demonstrating the collective strength and solidarity of the teaching community.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Education Development Cooperative Society, Mr. Lal Kumara, the Western Province Director of Education, Ms. Darshani Iddamalgoda, along with other officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The foundation for building a future generation enriched with values and compassion begins today.

Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the new education reforms lay the essential foundation for nurturing a future generation enriched by values and compassion, and that the Government has undertaken the responsibility of providing every child with a quality education in a prosperous country.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the national programme to implement the new education reforms for Grade One in 2026, held today (29) at the WP/ Jaya / Gunasekara Primary School in Athurugiriya.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister planted a sapling together with students on the school premises and inspected the modernized Grade One classrooms developed under the new education reforms, engaging in friendly conversation with the students.

In parallel with the implementation of the new education reforms, and to symbolically mark the admission of students to Grade One across the island, the Prime Minister entered students’ names into the school admission register at the Gunasekara Primary School, Athurugiriya. Subsequently, school uniforms and text books were distributed to the students.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:

Reducing the weight of school bags and creating a pressure-free learning environment so that children come to school with joy is a remarkable feature of these new education reforms. We are committed to turning the ’Dream School’ concept, which is aimed at creating a pleasant school environment into a reality. Further, plans are currently being underway to implement the education reforms that could not be implemented for Grade Six students in 2026 in the future.

Under the new reforms, building a foundation for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), engaging in environment-related activities based on scientific principles, and strengthening the teaching of English and the second language form the core of primary education. For decades, the country followed a competitive education model limited largely to textbook-based knowledge. As this system has contributed to children becoming disengaged from education, the Prime Minister emphasized that it is the Government’s responsibility to ensure every child’s right to education.

The Government is working to establish a student-centred education system instead of a teacher-centred one. Accordingly, this education reform can be described not merely as a curriculum change, but as a transformational change across the entire education system.

Within this transformative process, special attention has been given to protecting children’s mental freedom, with the primary objective of nurturing balanced future citizens. Plans have also been developed through these reforms to safeguard the professionalism of teachers and to further enhance their capacities.

We will never allow a child’s education to be determined by their parents’ financial capacity. We confidently declare that, as a Government, we have undertaken the responsibility of safeguarding your child’s future.

The event was graced by the presence of members of the Maha Sangha and leaders of all religions, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Member of Parliament Asitha Niroshan, Mayor of Kaduwela Ranjan Jayalal, Secretary to the Ministry Nalaka Kaluwewa, Principal of Athurugiriya Gunasekara Primary School Nadika Dharmadasa, along with other officials and parents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Dear children and parents,

We hope that the first day of school becomes a cherished memory in the lives of our children. With this in mind, we are making every effort to improve school environments and strengthen the teaching–learning process, so that children can experience their school years in a safe, joyful, and meaningful manner.

We are committed to reducing the burden of heavy schoolbags, while ensuring that children continue to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed for their future and for their eventual entry into the workforce.

Dear Parents, our goal is to provide every child with a rich education in a prosperous and just society. We firmly believe that a child’s educational opportunities should not be determined by the economic circumstances of their family, and that no child should be excluded from education. Accordingly, the Government has taken responsibility for putting in place the necessary measures to guarantee equal access to education for every child. We value the constructive ideas and suggestions of all stakeholders as we work towards this shared objective.

We are committed to engaging with these ideas openly and constructively, and to making the learning experiences of children who grow through play, movement, and curiosity more practical, meaningful, and engaging, while ensuring that classrooms remain spaces of happiness and encouragement.

My dear children, as you step beyond the comfort of your mother’s embrace and place your trust in your teachers and parents, I wish you success, confidence, and fulfilment in all that lies ahead.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
29th of January 2026

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the official launch of the National Strategic Action Plan to monitor and combat human trafficking (2026-2030) held on 28th of January at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Defence, National Anti Human Trafficking Task Force ( NAHTTF), International Organization for Migration (IOM).

This five-year Action Plan was unveiled under the leadership of the Ministry of Defence, in its capacity as Chair of the NAHTTF and with the technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The National Strategic Action Plan 2026-2030 establishes a unified national framework to prevent human trafficking, protect and assist victims, strengthen law enforcement responses, and enhance accountability.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening national efforts to prevent and address human trafficking and stated that the Action Plan must transcend its symbolic launch into concrete, coordinated, and sustained implementation.

The Prime Minister also noted that the launch of the National Strategic Action Plan is timely, as it operationalizes the four internationally recognized pillars of the anti-trafficking framework namely prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership.

The Prime Minister further stated,

Caring for trafficking survivors in Sri Lanka requires a holistic, gender-sensitive, and survivor-centered approach that addresses both immediate protection and long-term recovery. This includes safe shelter, medical care, and trauma-informed psychological support, with particular attention to women and girls who experience more severe and gendered forms of violence, alongside legal assistance, economic empowerment, and skills development to prevent re-trafficking.

Human trafficking is a structural and social challenge that requires sustained, multi-sectoral action. Ministries and government agencies must embed anti-trafficking priorities into their core strategies and day-to-day operations, ensuring institutional integration and professional accountability.

The event was also attended by Parinda Ranasinghe Jnr, PC, Attorney General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Chair of the NAHTTF, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha; and Kristin Parco, IOM Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka and Maldives. Members of the NAHTTF representing 23 key government entities, along with representatives of the diplomatic community, United Nations entities and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Prime Minister’s Media Division