The High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, H.E. Andalib Elias paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 15th of June at the Temple Trees premises.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and the contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh during the tenure of H.E. Andalib Elias.

During the meeting, discussion was also focused on the importance of continued collaboration in the education sector to benefit the students of both nations.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh across areas of mutual interest.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Md. Jannatul Habib Counsellor of the High Commission of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Colombo, the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Ambassador of Belgium to Sri Lanka H.E. Didier Vanderhasselt paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 15th of June at the Temple Trees premises.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the efforts of Mr. Didier Vanderhasselt in strengthening the bilateral relations during his tenure and discussed opportunities to expand Belgian investment in Sri Lanka.

H.E. Didier Vanderhasselt expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for the opportunity to meet and reflected on the positive cooperation between Sri Lanka and Belgium during his tenure.

Both sides exchanged views on cooperation in the education sector and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and further enhancing relations between Sri Lanka and Belgium.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Jonas Heirbrant, First Secretary of the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with a delegation from UNICEF on June 12 at Temple Trees to discuss ongoing efforts to support the recovery of the education sector following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah.

Discussions focused on the implementation of activities outlined in the report titled “Cyclone Ditwah Education Emergency Response Plan: Phase 1 Progress Updates (January–April 2026).” The meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress achieved during the initial phase of the response and to discuss future interventions aimed at supporting children and schools affected by the disaster.

The Prime Minister and the UNICEF delegation also exchanged views on strengthening collaboration to ensure the continuity of education and the well-being of affected children.

The UNICEF delegation included Emma Brigham, UNICEF Representative, Begona Arellano, Deputy Representative, and other UNICEF officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the use of local organic agricultural products in bakery production would provide significant support to both local farmers and the growth of the tourism industry.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the Annual meeting of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association, held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, on 12 June.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated,

At a decisive moment when the country is moving towards a new phase of economic transformation, I believe that the bakery industry has the potential to become a key driver of the national economy, rather than remaining limited to flour-based products alone.

The food production must be mainly considered the quality and safety of food. Therefore, instead of focusing solely on taste, we should introduce nutritious and healthy products to the market that are free from artificial flavourings and colourings.

By using ingredients such as rice flour, finger millet, foxtail millet, green gram, and indigenous tubers to create value-added products, the bakery industry has the opportunity to capitalize on the growing global trend towards health-conscious diets.

The use of local organic agricultural products in food prepared for foreign tourists will provide substantial benefits to local farmers while also contributing to the growth of the tourism industry. At the same time, the government remains committed to strengthening local entrepreneurs by reducing challenges related to the importation of raw materials, providing concessionary loans for new technologies, and offering the technical assistance required to meet international standards.

The government has already launched programmes through the Ministry of Industries to provide the necessary training and market linkages to help small and medium-scale bakery owners develop and expand their businesses.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Industries Chathuranga Abeysinghe, President of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association N.K. Jayawardana, and a number of members of the Association were also present at the event.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Steps to Address Issues Relating to the Use of Traditional Indigenous Lands - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

A meeting between the Leader of the indigenous Vedda community, Uru Warige Wannila Aththo and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was held today (12) at Parliament.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the challenges faced by the indigenous community and the Leader indigenous Vedda community drew, Uru Warige Wannila Aththo drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the difficulties encountered by indigenous people in accessing and using their traditional ancestral lands.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the indigenous community has the right to enjoy and use its traditional lands without obstruction and stated that the necessary legal measures to safeguard these rights would be expedited.

The Indigenous Leader also raised concerns over the lack of relief assistance provided so far to the residents of Hennanigala who were affected by the recent Cyclone Ditwah. The Prime Minister immediately instructed the relevant officials to ensure that these families receive proper relief assistance without delay.

The discussion also focused on the shortcomings and needs of Dambana School, and the Prime Minister emphasized that the matter would be looked into and that the necessary measures would be taken.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Special Dengue Prevention Week Declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21

Decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease amid the concerns over the severe risk of spreading dengue currently prevailing in the Colombo District.

This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held today (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.

Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.

It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.

The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.

The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.

Prime Minister’s Media Division