A courtesy meeting between Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and H.E. Ms. Lee Miyon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, was held on 21 October 2025 at the Parliament premises. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on advancing educational reforms and the digitalization of Sri Lanka’s education sector.

A key proposal discussed was to develop the National College of Education in Kuliyapitiya as a model institution for vocational training, integrating vocational subjects into the national school curriculum and providing specialized teacher training in this stream.

Ambassador Lee Miyon reaffirmed the Republic of Korea’s continuous commitment to supporting Sri Lanka across multiple development sectors and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the field of education, particularly initiatives designed to benefit the majority of students.

Senior officials from both sides attended the meeting. The Korean delegation included Ms. Eunji Kang, Deputy Head of Mission, and Ms. Soojung Lee, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Colombo. The Sri Lankan delegation comprised Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Savitri Panabokke, Director General, East Asia & Oceania Division; and Ms. Anuradha Jayasiri, Assistant Director, East Asia & Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the 75th Annual Convention of the All Ceylon Young Men’s Muslim Association (YMMA) Conference held on 20th October at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo.

The YMMA, founded by the late Dr. A.M.A. Azeez, a distinguished civil servant and senator, was established on the belief that youth and community engagement can bring meaningful change. Over the years, this vision has been upheld. Incorporated by an Act of Parliament and recognised as a charitable organisation, the YMMA has become a pillar of social welfare and community development.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated:

“Through initiatives in education, youth development, disaster relief, empowerment of women and families in need, and community welfare, the organisation has supported thousands of individuals and communities.

It is commendable that the YMMA has played an important role in supporting Muslim women through initiatives such as the Young Women’s Muslim Association (YWMA) ’Women Empowerment Project’ and the ’Back to School Programme.’ Such programmes are valuable not only for individual development but also for society as a whole.

Your annual recognition of members and branches reflects the dedication of those who have given their time, energy, and resources to serve others.

As we reflect on 75 years of service, we must also look ahead. Challenges facing youth today, including unemployment and social exclusion, require strong partnerships between the government, civil society, and organisations like the YMMA.

Evidence shows that boys have a higher dropout rate than girls, particularly after completing the G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations. This limits opportunities for young men to pursue higher education and vocational training. It is therefore essential to encourage and support boys to continue their education through guidance, mentorship, and accessible learning pathways.

I commend the YMMA’s ongoing commitment to developing responsible and capable young citizens. It is through these efforts that we can build a society grounded in equality, understanding, and shared opportunity.”

The event was attended by Deputy Speaker Mr. Rizvie Salih, Member of Parliament M.A.L.M. Hizbullah, members of the YMMA, and other distinguished guests.

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I wish to extend my greetings to all Hindus around the world, and especially to the Hindu devotees of Sri Lanka, who are celebrating the Deepavali festival.

The Deepavali festival symbolizes the blooming of light over darkness.

At present, Sri Lanka stands at a significant turning point, a moment in which the nation is beginning to emerge from the long period of economic and social darkness and downturn, as our people hold on to renewed hope and confidence.

We have initiated on a collective journey toward the progress of our people and the dawn of a new era.

On this Deepavali day, may the light of the lamps that illuminate homes everywhere guide us toward wisdom that will sprout the seeds of economic revival and reconciliation in society.

Let us all, with respect, acceptance, and brotherhood, embrace the values of cultural diversity and unity.

May the thousands of lamps that light across the nation bring forth the light of faith, harmony, and wisdom into the hearts of all Sri Lankans.


Happy Deepavali!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
20th October 2025

Sri Lanka’s economic transformation has been recognized by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

The Prime Minister recounted the government’s commitment to build a sound society with inclusivity, and democracy followed by a future vision, and work in cooperation with India and the international community for prosperous Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the 2025 NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on 17 October 2025.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered the keynote address titled “Steering Change in Uncertain Times”. The Summit, themed “Edge of the Unknown: Risk, Resolve, Renewal,” brought together global leaders, thinkers, and innovators to discuss the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.

In her remarks, the Prime Minister reflected on Sri Lanka’s democratic renewal, economic recovery, and partnership with India. She emphasised the need for responsible leadership, resilience, and cooperation in navigating global uncertainty.

Addressing further, the Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya recounted Sri Lanka’s recent journey through crisis to recovery, highlighting the aragalaya movement as a turning point in citizens’ demand for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

The Prime Minister outlined the government’s economic reform agenda under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, including debt restructuring, sound fiscal management, and digital transformation. The IMF and World Bank have recognised Sri Lanka’s fiscal consolidation as one of the largest in its history.

The Prime Minister noted the unprecedented increase in women’s representation in Parliament—now nearly 10%—and the inclusion of diverse voices, including persons with disabilities and members of the Malayagam community.

Prime minister Dr. Amarasuriya underscored the deepening partnership between India and Sri Lanka, grounded in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision. She acknowledged India’s vital support during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis and the ongoing collaboration in areas such as energy, connectivity, education, defence, trade, and technology.

She acknowledged the need for upgrading the India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (1998) and exploring integration into India’s manufacturing and service value chains, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision.

The Prime Minister highlighted initiatives such as GovPay, e-identity systems, and open data portals to promote transparency and eliminate corruption. She stressed that laws alone cannot rebuild nations—values and civic ethics are essential.

Addressing young people across South Asia, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya urged them to view innovation not only as technological but as moral—shaping systems that are fair, inclusive, and humane.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to building a clean, inclusive, and forward-looking democracy, and to working in partnership with India and the international community to promote shared prosperity in the region

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, today (Friday 17 October 2025) in New Delhi during her official visit to India.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular attention to education reforms and development priorities.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to Dr. Amarasuriya and appreciated her visit which adds fresh momentum to bilateral relations and the multi-faceted partnership that prevails between the two countries.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya shared with Prime Minister Modi, details of her poignant and inspiring visit to Hindu College, University of Delhi, where she had been a student on an ICCR scholarship in the early 1990s.

She also shared with the Prime Minister, the highlights of her visit to a model school in Delhi earlier in the day as a meaningful opportunity to observe innovative education practices.

Prime Minister Modi expressed support for Sri Lanka’s education reform agenda, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya shared Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and equitable education system addressing challenges faced by youth, especially school dropouts emphasising on the increasing need to also address social issues faced by male students in this regard.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed matters pertaining to the welfare of fishermen in both countries, and Dr Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of protecting the livelihoods and safety of fishermen on both sides.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to work together in partnership in the shared development journey of the two countries and reiterated support to Sri Lanka in advancing its Unique Digital ID initiative and strengthening digital governance. He also reiterated India’s continued support for development of the Sacred City Complex in Anuradhapura.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya stated that she conveys to Prime Minister Modi, the warm wishes of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka especially in the context of the auspicious festive season of Diwali.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi on 16 October 2025, during her first official visit to India as Prime Minister.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and exploring opportunities for collaboration across key sectors including energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, fintech, AI-driven business development, skilling and innovation, wellness tourism, fertilizer production, and port development.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing an inclusive and knowledge-driven economy through education reform, digital transformation, and skill development initiatives. She underscored that Sri Lanka’s new education and innovation policy framework places strong emphasis on AI, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and competency-based learning, with the aim of building a future-ready workforce.

The Prime Minister invited Indian businesses to expand their engagement in Sri Lanka, particularly in areas of manufacturing, infrastructure, education technology, and renewable energy, and proposed collaboration in AI and innovation hubs, vocational training partnerships, and EdTech-based learning models.

Discussions also centered on potential cooperation in developing agri-innovation systems, fertilizer technology, wellness tourism ventures, and fintech solutions aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem. The Prime Minister further noted Sri Lanka’s strategic focus on digital economy growth, targeting USD 15 billion by 2030 with a skilled workforce of 200,000 professionals and digital exports worth USD 5 billion.

Highlighting the importance of private-sector collaboration, Dr. Amarasuriya stated that both nations share a long history of partnership rooted in mutual respect and cooperation, and emphasized that expanding bilateral trade and investment remains central to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and sustainable development agenda.

Prime Minister’s Media Division