Marking a noble cultural tradition that expresses gratitude for the dignity of labour and the protection bestowed by nature, the National celebration of the Thai Pongal Celebration observed by Tamil people around the world was held today (January 15) at Temple Trees with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The event was organized by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs.

During the ceremony, Thai Pongal rituals were performed under the patronage of the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi. The celebration was enriched with a range of vibrant cultural performances of Hindu culture and traditions.

Speaking on the occasion while delivering the President’s Thai Pongal Mesaage, the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated:

This marks as an important religious occasion for the Tamil community. This historic Thai Pongal celebration, organized with the contribution of many institutions including the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Prime Minister’s Office, brings enthusiasm to all of us. At this moment that reflects Sri Lanka’s unique national identity, I wish that the blessings of Thai Pongal be bestowed upon all Sri Lankans and people around the world who aspire towards building Sri Lanka.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated that on this Thai Pongal Day, all Sri Lankans are invited to work with determination towards building a Sri Lanka that uphold unity, mutual respect, and the rights of cultural and religious rights of every community.

The Prime Minister further emphasized the importance of moving forward as a nation by upholding the core values embodied in Thai Pongal perseverance, patience, and respect for the environment.

The Prime Minister further stated, at a time when the country is moving towards a new era, the government has undertaken the responsibility of restoring the nation through policy-based and attitudinal transformation, acknowledging the fact that the task is challenging, yet essential.

Thai Pongal reminds us of the importance of collectivity, our bond with nature, and the value of gratitude in our daily lives. I am pleased that we are able to celebrate this national festival in this manner today, and I extend my best wishes for a Happy Thai Pongal to all of you present here and to the entire Tamil community, the Prime Minister added.

The event was attended by Maha Sangha and Hindu religious leaders including interreligious representatives, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, local and foreign diplomats, distinguished invitees, Tamil community, schoolchildren, and a large gathering of participants.

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I extend my heartfelt greetings to the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and abroad who celebrate the ThaiPongal festival, marking a pride tradition that expresses gratitude for the dignity of labour and the protection bestowed by nature.

This noble festivity manifests the world the inseparable bond between human life and nature. We are all creations of nature. There is no path we can take in defiance of nature or beyond it. In that sense, showing respect and gratitude in return for the blessings we receive from nature can be regarded as one of the highest human virtues.

As a nation, we stand today at a decisive turning point. We bear the collective responsibility of steering the country towards a “new era of revival" by bringing about a transformation in attitudes through policy and structural reforms. As a government we have accepted this responsibility and embarked with determination on a new year dedicated to the advancement of our nation even amidst numerous challenges,

As the saying goes, “We can place rice on our plate only if the farmer steps into the mud,” the commitment we make today for the future prosperity of the country is akin to preparing fertile fields in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. This ThaiPongal festival, which honours and expresses gratitude to nature, serves as a guiding light in nurturing citizens enriched with cultural values.

On this ThaiPongal Day, let us all resolve together to build a new Sri Lanka upholding harmony, noble qualities such as mutual respect and the protection of the religious and cultural rights of others.

I sincerely extend my wishes that all the hopes and aspirations of the Tamil people celebrating ThaiPongal may be fulfilled, and that this new beginning may bring happiness and prosperity to everyone.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
15th of January 2026

H.E. Ms. Julie Jiyoon Chung, Ambassador of the United States of America to Sri Lanka, paid a farewell call on the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on the 14th of January, marking the conclusion of her tenure in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed H.E. the Ambassador and expressed sincere appreciation for her service and significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the United States during her tenure. The Prime Minister conveyed special thanks to the Government of the United States for the timely assistance extended to Sri Lanka during the emergency situation following Cyclone Ditwah.

H.E. Ms. Julie Jiyoon Chung expressed her gratitude to the new Government of Sri Lanka for the cooperation, support, and spirit of mutual understanding extended to her throughout her tenure, and reaffirmed the continuity of partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, discussions were held on ongoing cooperation under the Fulbright Scholarship Programme and the United States Peace Corps Programme, with both sides emphasizing their value in fostering strong people-to-people ties and long-term collaboration.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Jayne Howell, Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Menaka Nayyar, Counselor for Public and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director General of the Europe and North America Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Pramuditha Manusinghe, Director of the Europe and North America Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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The Government is taking steps to systematically conduct preschool teacher training and ensure the quality of preschools.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has commenced necessary measures to maintain preschool education under a framework, align preschool education with a unified curriculum, conduct teacher training in a systematic manner, and ensure quality standards.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (10) at the Temple Trees, participating in the launch of the National Communication Programme for Child Health Promotion, aimed at promoting social and behavioural change (SBCC) among early childhood children. The programme is jointly organized by the Health Promotion Bureau, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, UNICEF, and the Clean Sri Lanka Programme.

Addressing at the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

Early Childhood Development (ECD) has a major impact on a country’s human development and future progress. It is a widely accepted fact that a child’s future depends largely on early childhood development. Many aspects essential for a child’s growth occur within the first five years of life. The experiences, care, and love a child receives during this period are decisive.

The social integration, relationships, and environmental influences experienced in early childhood form the foundation for shaping an individual as an adult. Early childhood development influences life to an extent that it becomes difficult to change when it grows into the adulthood.

The responses of adults to children’s actions, the way they interact with them, and the care they provide are extremely important. Therefore, early childhood development should never be viewed as the sole responsibility of parents. It is a collective responsibility of all citizens.

No child can be raised into a good citizen by parents alone. In all our lives, beyond our parents, there have been many who influenced us, showed us love, and provided care. It is due to the collective support of all these individuals that we have reached where we are today. The Government views child care as a social responsibility. Supporting a child, providing care, ensuring protection, education, and health facilities are social responsibilities. In this regard, the intervention of the Clean Sri Lanka Programme to communicate these values to the public is important.

The role of the Preschool teachers plays a special and vital role for children. The love, care, attentive listening, and responses children receive during this stage are decisive for their development. Teachers carry out a crucial intervention in the lives of children. An education policy on early childhood development has been formulated, with UNICEF providing technical assistance. Steps are being taken to operate preschool education under a single framework, align it with a unified curriculum, systematically conduct teacher training, and ensure quality standards.

Recognising early childhood development as a specialised area within education, the Prime Minister affirmed that the relevant interventions will be made accordingly.

Addressing the event, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Ms. Saroja Paulraj, stated that the Ministry has identified the standardisation and development of early childhood development as a primary goal for the year 2026. She noted that children who leave the warmth of their mother’s embrace and father’s shoulder and come to preschool teachers expecting the same love and care from their teachers. Conveying that warmth through words and expressions is a responsibility entrusted to teachers. The love and safe environment children receive shape their ability to love the environment and respect others.

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Mr. Nalinda Jayatissa, also addressed the gathering, stating that the goal of the government is to build a beautiful future generation capable of leading the country, free from the various hardships and challenges faced today.

He emphasised that creating a healthy population is a challenge, particularly in preventing non-communicable diseases. Children aged three to five today will become a generation aged 18 to 20 by 2040. Continuous and comprehensive programmes such as this are essential to protect that generation from non-communicable diseases. In some instances, interventions are required even during the preconception and prenatal stages.

He further highlighted that preschool and early childhood development centre teachers shoulder a tremendous responsibility in driving a major transformation in the country’s future.

The event was attended by the Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province, Ms. Champa Janaki Rajarathne; the Governor of the Uva Province, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Kapila Jayasekara; the Governor of the North Central Province, Mr. Wasantha Jinadasa; the Governor of the North Western Province, Mr. Thissa Kumarsiri Warnasuriya; the Deputy Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Dr. Namal Sudarshana; the Member of Parliament, Dr. Najith Indika; the Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Sri Lanka, Ms. Emma Brigham; the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; the Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs), Mr. Russell Aponsu; the Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka), Mr. S. P. C. Sugishwara; Secretaries to Ministries; Provincial Chief Secretaries; the Commanders of the Tri-Forces; officials of subject-related ministries; provincial council officials; preschool teachers; preschool children; and parents.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government does not act to protect anyone based on their status, and that it is clearly evident through the ongoing judicial processes.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in response to a question raised by MP Ajith P. Perera in Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

The Prime Minister stated,

A system governed by the rule of law and an independent judiciary mentioned under the policy framework “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life” presented by the President as the National People’s Power presidential candidate at the 2024 Presidential Election, action is being taken to review cases that were withdrawn by the Bribery Commission and the Attorney General’s Department, and to re-file appropriate cases. From the period of 2019 to 2024, a total of 102 cases were withdrawn and steps have been taken to re-file 65 cases. A decision has been made not to re-file 34 cases, while a further 3 cases are still under consideration with regard to re-filing.

If you look into the judicial process currently in operation, it is clear that the Government is not acting to protect anyone. Legal proceedings are underway against many individuals, both those who are currently in Parliament and those who are not present. In some instances, incidents that occurred 15 to 20 years ago are being re-investigated, and prosecutions are being initiated accordingly. This process requires time.

These decisions have not been made based on status. All possible steps are being taken in accordance with the evidence available in the relevant cases. The Government does not protect anyone under any circumstances. The Prime Minister stated that it is in fact laughable for those who protected one another under previous governments to now question whether the Government is protecting individuals when the judicial process is being carried out properly.

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The Opposition’s Motion of No-Confidence will be taken as an opportunity for Dialogue on Education Reforms

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a policy is currently being formulated to ensure child protection in the use of technology.

The Prime Minister made this statement today (08) in Kandy while briefing the Most Venerable Mahanayake Theros of the Asgiriya and Malwathu Chapters on the issue that has arisen regarding the Grade 6 English module. Thereafter, printed copies of all modules were also presented to the Mahanayake Theros.

Earlier today (08), the Prime Minister visited the Malwathu Viharaya in Kandy and visited the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Nayaka Thero, the Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter, where she explained the error that had occurred in the first print run of the English module for Grade 6 .

The Mahanayake Theros emphasized that education is a sensitive subject and that such matters should be handled with greater sensitivity and proper oversight. They further advised that a formal investigation should be conducted and that education reforms should be carried forward in a systematic manner.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister visited the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya and visited the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayaka Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter, where she clarified the error related to the English module.

The Mahanayake Thero noted that education reforms are a timely necessity and should be implemented with due oversight and careful review and also pointed out that there are broader issues in Sri Lanka regarding the use of technology, which are evident in the manner in which modern tools such as AI technologies are being used on social media.

Clarifying the issue Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated,

We have appointed a committee to look into this issue, and based on the recommendations of the National Institute of Education (NIE), steps were taken to remove the relevant lesson. In addition, all printed copies of the relevant module have been stamped, and no module has been distributed to schoolchildren. A formal investigation into this matter has been initiated by the Ministry, and a complaint has also been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department.

At the same time, we are in the process of formulating a policy on child protection in the use of technology.

Thereafter, addressing the media and responding to the’ questions raised by journalists, the Prime Minister stated:

The Opposition is attempting to use this national task for their own political advantage. However, many in society have expressed their views on the issues that have arisen in a positive manner, with the objective of identifying and correcting mistakes. The government has decided to move forward with education reforms by recognizing the error that have occurred and rectifying them. We will take the no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition as an opportunity to further advance dialogue on education reforms

The occasion was graced by the Most Venerable Anunayaka Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter, Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Nayaka Thero; Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter, Venerable Muruddeniye Dhammarakkhita Thero; Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Chapter, Venerable Mahawela Rathanapala Thero; Members of Parliament Thushari Jayasinghe and Thanura Dissanayake; Mayor of Kandy Chandrasiri Wijenayake; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and Secretary to the Ceylon Teachers’ Union in Central Province D. D. Wimalaweera.

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