Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that preschool education is considered the most critical stage in shaping a child’s future educational journey, and the government is committed to ensuring quality of Early Childhood Education. The Prime Minister further emphasized the need for proper supervision and monitoring of early childhood education programmes across all provinces.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a certificate awarding ceremony held on June 05 at the Kurunegala Provincial Council Auditorium for diploma holders of the 2023/2024 Preschool Teacher Training Diploma Programme conducted by the North Western Preschool Teacher Training College during her education inspection tour in the Kurunegala District.

The diploma awarding ceremony was jointly organized by the Early Childhood Education Development Authority and the North Western Provincial Council. The North Western Preschool Teacher Training College is one of Sri Lanka’s leading state training institutions dedicated to strengthening early childhood education, particularly within the North Western Province.

During the event, invited speakers briefed the newly qualified diploma holders on the Government’s policy direction regarding early childhood development.

Addressing the gathering after presenting diploma certificates to the Diploma Holders, the Prime Minister stated:

We are planning to establish stability in early childhood education over the next few years. In order to achieve this, we are working in collaboration with the National Education Commission, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, and the Ministry of Education to develop policies, standards for teacher training, and the regulatory mechanisms required for effective monitoring and implementation.

We are also making arrangements to commence preschool teacher training programmes this year. Through these efforts, we expect to introduce a common curriculum for preschools across the country by 2027. It is equally important to create a proper understanding within society about the purpose and value of preschool education.

The primary objective of preschool education is to prepare children for their future primary education. Therefore, preschool education should focus on developing essential skills such as motor abilities and other age-appropriate competencies.

As parents and adults, it is our responsibility to ensure the path for children to develop social skills and knowledge in ways that are suitable for their age, without placing unnecessary burdens on them. As preschool teachers, you play a significant role in communicating to society what we truly expect from early childhood education

The event was attended by the Governor of the North Western Province, Tissa Warnasuriya; Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Namal Sudarshana; Members of Parliament for the Kurunegala District, Dharmapriya Dissanayake and Ashoka Gunasekara; the Chief Secretary of the North Western Province; the Director and officials of the North Western Province Early Childhood Development Authority

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, stated that a main component of new educational reform process is to create a younger generation equiped with technology by empowering the school teaching and learning process with digital devices, and that a special program is being prepared to carry out this digitalization process based on student protection criteria and policies related to digitalization.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the national ceremony held at NW/Ibbagamuwa Kiribamuna Vidyalaya to hand over the smart boards given to secondary schools under the program to digitalize the education system, following an educational monitoring visit in the Kurunegala District on June 05.

This project was implemented to provide necessary smart board equipment to those schools identifying the secondary schools that do not possess smart boards across the island under the coordination of the Ministry of Education and the guidance of the Digital Task Force to the Prime Minister’s Office. Accordingly, 2890 smart boards have been provided to secondary schools across the country following the provisions of 1.6 billion rupees allocated by the Ministry of Digital Economy.

Further, under the project implemented by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, 1000 schools, and under the grants of the Republic of China, 500 schools, making a total of 4390 schools, have already been provided with smart boards.

On this occasion, the handing over of the Smart Board classroom received by Ibbagamuwa Kiribamuna Vidyalaya under the project to the students took place under the patronage of the Prime Minister. Following the distribution, the Prime Minister also observed the experience students gain when conducting educational activities using the smart boards.

The Prime Minister stated:

Today marks a special day. The provision of the smart boards is an ultimate moment where a certain victory has been achieved from a process that was carried out over a period of time. Our education reform agenda has been developed to encompass the border aspect of the education system. Our goal is to provide every student with equal access to quality education.

Accordingly, out of the 6215 schools with secondary grades existing in Sri Lanka today, 6084 schools have smart board facilities by now. Similarly, by the end of this year, we are also working to provide the necessary internet facilities for those schools and the digital equipment required for educational administrative work as well.

Likewise, we are taking steps to introduce a digital system to discharge educational administrative work efficiently, and it is expected to manage resources of the educational process through that process.

Education is not something decided only by textbooks and exam results. There are many criteria to measure the success of a school. The engagement of children, the respect between children and teachers, and that happiness that put on children’s faces are the best criteria. A school is a place that should be similar to a child’s family. Therefore, our attention should be focused on ensuring the safety of the children in schools.

Further, expressing views on the occasion of World Environment Day, the Prime Minister stated that bringing the country towards development through an eco-friendly path has become a main objective of the government, stating that the contribution made by the younger generation for that cause is immense.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Lands Mr. Namal Karunaratne, Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs Mr. Namal Sudarshana, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, along with political and education authorities of the North Western Province and officials of the Ministry of Education.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The environment is the foundation of our livelihood. It is the responsibility of the government to bequeath a secure, prosperous, and green planet to future generations.

In line with the global theme, “Urgent Climate Action,” and guided by the vision of “A Sustainable Biosphere – An Evergreen Life,” Sri Lanka commemorates World Environment Day this year at a critical moment. Drawing lessons from the climate-related challenges we have recently experienced, special attention has been directed toward protecting the water catchment areas of the central highlands and restoring ecosystems.

Under the theme “Dalulanna Idadenna” ( Let it Bloom), the Ministry of Environment has organized a series of programmes across the island to mark World Environment Day. These initiatives include environmental conservation inspired by religious values, awareness programmes on climate change, the protection of the Diyawanna Oya, the development of infrastructure in the wildlife sector, the conservation of water resources, and the promotion of medicinal plant cultivation, and through these efforts,  it is evident that environmental conservation has evolved beyond a mere concept and become a practical and active commitment.

At this significant moment in our nation’s history, as more than 63,000 hectares of forest land have been gazetted as protected reserves through the “Wanaspathi” National Programme, which was launched last year, every citizen must resolve to live in harmony with the environment.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Following the 3-day visit to Sri Lanka, the Executive Board delegation of the United States Children’s Fund (UNICEF) met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 04th of June at the Temple Trees premises.

Welcoming the delegation, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expressed her appreciation for UNICEF’s continued support to Sri Lanka, particularly in advancing the rights and well-being of children. She also commended UNICEF’s timely assistance and recovery efforts extended in response to Cyclone Ditwah.

Discussions focused on strengthening legal protections for children, including measures to prevent all forms of violence against children and address child malnutrition.

The Prime Minister further noted that this occasion presents a valuable opportunity to further strengthen collaboration between UNICEF and the Government of Sri Lanka and emphasized that while Sri Lanka possesses a strong policy and legal framework, attention must be paid to ensuring effective implementation and enforcement in addressing existing challenges affecting children and vulnerable communities.

The UNICEF representatives commended the Government’s ongoing education reform process. UNICEF representatives also expressed their willingness to continue assistance to the government in achieving the outcomes and promoting child-sensitive programmes.

The meeting was attended by the H.E. Mr. Rein Tammsaar (Estonia) President, H.E. Sophia Tesfamariam (Eritrea) Vice President, H.E. Ms. Alejandra Hernandez Gonzalez (Dominican Republic), Vice President and the Executive Board delegation of the United States Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Objective of this Initiative is to Develop Villages on their unique economic strengths

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Praja Shakthi Programme represents the democratic characteristics of a people-centred governance and that its objective is to develop villages by identifying and strengthening the unique economic patterns of each area.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the inaugural ceremony of the rehabilitation and recultivation project of abandoned paddy fields, implemented by the Praja Shakthi Development Council of the Nampamunuwa Grama Niladhari Division on June 2. The programme marked the launch of the Colombo District component of the “Gam Dahasak Weda Dahasak” initiative under the Praja Shakthi National Programme for Poverty Alleviation, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment.

Addressing the gathering further, the Prime Minister stated:

The Praja Shakthi Programme exemplifies the democratic characteristics of a people-centred government. Beyond its title, the deeper meaning of this initiative is the recognition that people-centred governance is not solely the responsibility of the government. It is a collective effort involving the government, public officials, and the people themselves. Moving beyond the traditional model in which communication between leaders and citizens was largely confined to election periods, Praja Shakthi has established an organizational structure that extends to every Grama Niladhari Division, promoting active citizen participation in governance and strengthening democratic engagement at the grassroots level.

Similar empowerment projects have existed in the past. However, they often failed to deliver the intended benefits to the people and instead empowered politicians. Following the transformation brought about by the people in 2024, citizens have moved beyond a dependency mindset and have taken responsibility for rebuilding the country by actively participating in programmes such as this. Through these initiatives, communities can identify and strengthen the unique economic patterns of their own areas with the goal of achieving economic empowerment.

In the face of the uncertain global political and economic environment, a self-sufficient way of life is essential for ensuring economic security. We should import only what is absolutely necessary while producing as many essential goods as possible within the country. Through food security, we must build an economy capable of withstanding global challenges.

By maintaining strong cooperation among the government, public officials, and the people, these initiatives can help eradicate poverty. As poverty is reduced, a prosperous nation will emerge, and in turn, a better quality of life will be created for all.

The occasion was attended by the Colombo District Coordinating Committee Chairman and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Chairman of the Kesbewa Municipal Council Chamara Madduma Kaluge, Chairman of the Boralesgamuwa Urban Council Pradeep Nishantha Wedamulla, municipal councillors, government officials, representatives of farmer organizations, and community members.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Buddha Rashmi Vesak Festival in Colombo, organized under the guidance of Venerable Kirinde Assaji Thero of the Gangaramaya Temple, was officially inaugurated under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Following the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister also participated in the opening of the dansala held within the Gangaramaya Temple premises.

Later in the afternoon of 31 May, the Prime Minister attended the inauguration of the Sri Sarvajna Sacred Relic Exhibition held at the Dharma Shasthrodaya Pirivena Temple in Piliyandala. Upon arriving at the temple, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya paid her respects to the Chief Incumbent and received blessings. She then offered gilanpasa to the Sacred Relics enshrined in the temple’s Dharma Hall. Thereafter, the relic exhibition was ceremonially opened for public veneration.

The Kotikawatta–Mulleriyawa Vesak ZONE, organized under the guidance of Venerable Dodamgolle Pannananda Thero, Chief Incumbent of Sri Suramyaramaya Temple, Madinnagoda, was also inaugurated under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. On this occasion, the Prime Minister illuminated the Vesak pandal depicting the Yamamah Perahera, which had been organized by the Kotikawatta–Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha. Alongside the event, a Body Bethi Gee performance organized by the Kolonnawa Young Buddhist Association and the Kolonnawa East and West Sasanarakshaka Mandalayas was held. The event was sponsored by the United Traders’ Association.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Members of the Maha Sangha, Ministers Wasantha Samarasinghe and Sunil Watagala, Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipunarachchi, diplomatic core, chairpersons of local authorities, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, government officials, and a large gathering of devotees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division