In 2025, we were able to formulate policies, plans, and build institutional structures that are necessary for the education sector.

Allocating funds alone is not sufficient. Policies must be implemented through a strong institutional framework.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the highest amount allocated for education has been marked in this year’s budget and in 2025, it was able to formulate educational policies, plans, and establish institutional structures for the sector. She emphasized that allocating funds alone is not sufficient and policies must be implemented through a strong institutional framework.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 25th of November in Parliament during the debate on the budget allocation for the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated,

When discussing education, it is essential to base our decisions on sound educational policies in order to establish a quality education system in the country. In order to implement policies effectively, a strong institutional structure is required and both components need adequate financial support. The longstanding failure to accomplish these three aspects has resulted in the significant challenges we see today in the education sector. Despite these challenges, the commitment of teachers, principals, and officials we have been able to maintain the quality of education.

The most important achievement in 2025 was strengthening decision-making processes within the education sector by identifying institutions, resolving existing issues, rectifying institutional structures, aligning with policy frameworks, and ensuring that funds are spent according to policy priorities. These steps were taken in preparation for the education reforms scheduled to commence in 2026.

It is not only about formulating policies but it also requires proper planning for implementing quality education. Officials need clear targets, and responsibilities must be allocated appropriately. Looking back at the policies proposed throughout history, there is no substantial change in school curricula archived. This has mainly been due to the lack of planning, weaknesses in institutional structures, and inadequate financial allocations resulting in the failure of policy implementation.

In 2025, we were able to take commendable steps to address these issues and establish a cohesive institutional system. The Ministry of Education focused its decisions on four core areas: reducing inequalities through equity, enhancing quality, strengthening governance, and formulating evidence-based policies using data and scientific analysis. I am pleased that we were able to formulate policies, prepare plans, and build institutional structures based on these four pillars.

Referring to the report presented by the committee appointed to address issues at Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, the matter revealed how past decision-making processes had deteriorated, with personal interests and political agendas replacing proper principles and policies. This had undermined the quality of the university and resulted in injustice to the students. The lack of proper planning and weaknesses in institutional structures had affected almost all institutions related to education. In 2025, the government was able to rectify these shortcomings and restore the order.

After many years, the highest allocation for education is Rs. 7.04 billion, amounting to 2.04% of GDP has been allocated in this year’s budget. At no point we claim that we would reach 6% of GDP in the first year. We recognize that achieving this target requires policy development and strengthened institutions. Allocating funds alone is not sufficient; funds must be allocated in alignment with policies, while strengthening institutions and policy implementation.

A sum of Rs. 3,000 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Education for education reforms, under which the ongoing initiatives are being implemented. The expenditures for the year 2025 were discussed. Our budget was passed at the end of April 2025, and we began expenditure from May. Accordingly, our financial progress was 18%, and by December it had reached 69%. This level of efficiency has not been demonstrated in the education sector before. This progress was possible because we set clear targets for officials, ensured close monitoring, and strengthened accountability. By 2026 and 2027, we aim to achieve even greater progress.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya sateted that there are still challenges remaining. This sector moves forward with addressing many weaknesses along with the continuous improvement. Efficiency must be further enhanced. When issues arise in schools or universities, swift and effective action is essential. We must work to minimize constraints. This involves taking responsibility, forming policies, preparing plans, and moving forward step by step.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that special attention must be directed towards ensuring the quality and safety of early childhood education for children in a critical age group and further emphasized the need to establish a systematic programme aligned with the National Early Childhood Development Curriculum Framework, to be implemented through government-registered Early Childhood Development Centres staffed with properly trained teachers.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a discussion held on November 24 at the Parliament Complex with members of the Vishva Preschool Teachers’ Association representing the Gampaha, Colombo, Kalutara, and Ratnapura districts.

The discussion focused on the selection of qualified trainers to train instructors in line with the National Early Childhood Development Curriculum Framework, providing structured training for preschool teachers, and holding discussions with the Salaries Commission on introducing allowances and a contributory pension scheme for preschool teachers.

Attention was also drawn to regulating preschools, ensuring that children receive structured early childhood education through government-registered preschools, and establishing proper coordination between the government and preschools through Early Childhood Development Officers.

The meeting further addressed matters such as developing a curriculum aligned with the National Early Childhood Development Curriculum Framework, improving preschool infrastructure facilities, resolving issues faced by preschool teachers, and enhancing their overall welfare.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Deputy Minister Namal Sudarshana, and Member of Parliament Samanmali Gunasinghe.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Coinciding with the launching ceremony of the Productivity Master Plan and Accreditation Certificate for Sri Lanka by the Asian Productivity Organization with Korean Development Institute held in Colombo, the Productivity Master Plan was presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 20th of November at the Parliamentary Premises.

The Productivity Master Plan recommendations designed to address structural challenges and improve Sri Lanka’s national productivity concerning the major industries of agriculture, fishing, tourism, and apparel in Sri Lanka along with proposing policy suggestions that will not only improve productivity of these four core industries but also support the development of new industries that can be fostered in the short to medium term.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister recognized the continued support of the Asian Productivity Organization emphasizing the need to strengthen domestic markets and identify strategic entry points into global value chains. She underscored the importance of defining Sri Lanka’s unique value proposition internationally.

In response to the representatives’ future-focused suggestions, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya underscored the importance of prioritizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an emerging and strategically vital sector, acknowledging its potential to play a central role in advancing Sri Lanka’s future development agenda.

The discussion was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Mrs. J. M. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary General, Asian Productivity Organization, Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata; Head, Ir-country Division, Asian productivity organization Mr. Arsyoni Buana and representatives of Korea Development Institute.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

On the 20th of November 2025, H.E. (Ms.) Julie Jiyoon Chung, Ambassador of the USA to Sri Lanka, met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

During the meeting Ambassador H.E. (Ms.) Julie Jiyoon Chung noted the progress of Peace Corps initiatives and other collaborative programmes in education and cultural exchange carried out by United Nations, underscoring educational ties between the two countries along with Fulbright international exchange programme.

The Fulbright Program, the United States government’s flagship program of international educational and cultural exchange, offers passionate and accomplished students and scholars in more than 160 countries the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to mutual understanding.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for technical expertise in the areas of Ministry of Education, Department of Examinations and National Institute of Education to support Sri Lankavs ongoing education reforms, particularly in shifting from an examination-based system toward formative assessments and collaborative learning environment and also further emphasized the importance of emerging scholars whose expertise aligns with the country’s human development priorities.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. The delegation included Ms. Menaka Nayyar, Public Affairs Officer; Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director, US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission; and Prof. Prabha Manurathne, Director, Centre for Gender Equity/Equality and Prevention of SGBV and Ragging. - University Grants Commission. The Sri Lankan delegation included Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Pramuditha Manusighe, Director of the Europe and North America Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

On 20th of November 2025, H.E. Matthew John Duckworth, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Parliament of Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted the long-standing people-to-people links between Sri Lanka and Australia acknowledging the significant Sri Lankan community in Australia.The Prime Minister further emphasized the importance of regional and multilateral programmes, noting Sri Lanka’s interest in furthering regional dialogue on economic and related issues.

A key focus of the discussion was collaboration in the education sector, particularly in vocational education. The Prime Minister outlined Sri Lanka’s efforts to develop a model calling for technical support in regulatory frameworks, and quality assurance of vocational education. She also highlighted the need for knowledge exchange, technical expertise, and experience-sharing to strengthen the sector.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. The delegation of High Commission of Australia to Sri Lanka included H.E. Matthew John Duckworth, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Ms. Zoe Kidd, First Secretary (Development) and Ms. Sandi Seneviratne, Director Education, Austrade, Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan delegation included Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Dhawood Amanullah, Director, East Asia & Oceania Division and Ms. Thiloma Abayajeewa, Deputy Director, East Asia & Oceania Division.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The government provides the necessary support to uplift the living standards of the fishing community.

For the first time, policies, plans, and mechanisms are being formulated for the Blue Economy to develop the fisheries sector.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that aquatic productions, aquatic plants, and innovations in value-added seafood production should be aimed at the global fisheries market.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 21 st of November while participating in the inauguration ceremony of “Aqua Planet Sri Lanka - International Expo 2025” organized by the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources under the theme “Shaping a Prosperous Tomorrow through Aquatic Resources.”

The Aqua Planet 2025 International Expo, covering all sectors related to fisheries including modern technological equipment, aquatic plants, ornamental fish, and other industry-related areas, will be held at the Nelum Kuluna premises from 21st to the 23rd of November.

Coinciding with the opening ceremony, retirement benefit entitlements granted by the government for the fishing community were awarded by the Prime Minister. The first-day cover and commemorative stamp issued to mark Aqua Planet 2025 were also launched at the event.

Further expressing her views, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

I see the Aqua Planet Sri Lanka 2025 International Exhibition as a step towards realizing our government’s vision outlined in the policy declaration ’A thriving nation – A Beautiful Life’, by transforming Sri Lanka into a global export hub in the fisheries sector.

The fisheries industry plays a significant role in the national economy and serves as the main livelihood for a larger percentage of our population. Therefore, it is essential to widely promote aquaculture and the inland fisheries industry. Innovations in aquatic productions and plant production and value-added seafood products must be introduced toward the global fish market.

In order to achieve this, it requires science-based resource management, proper packaging systems, environmentally friendly fishing gear, safety measures, and access to knowledge and technology related to modern aquaculture systems.

As a government, we are committed to provide the necessary support to make this possible.

Especially to facilitate value-added fisheries production, the government is implementing mechanisms to provide required financial assistance. At the same time, measures are being taken to uplift the living standards of small-scale rural producers dependent on the fisheries industry.

You are aware that the main topic these days is the second budget of the current government.

A special attention has been placed on developing the fisheries sector though the 2026 Budget. For the first time, funds have been allocated to formulate policies, plans, and mechanisms for the Blue Economy to advance the fisheries sector.

A sum of Rs. 500 million has been allocated for port infrastructure development and improving the livelihood of fishing communities. Additionally, Rs. 350 million has been allocated for the development of the Valachchenai fisheries harbor. Rs. 100 million has been allocated for life-saving equipment for fishermen, and another Rs. 100 million for satellite-based fish-ground tracking systems. The budget also includes provisions for establishing aquaculture development centers, improving safety and infrastructure for fishing communities, and technological advancement in the industry.

In conclusion, I expect the contribution of all those engaged in the fisheries sector towards our collective mission of ensuring a prosperous country and a beautiful life for all.

Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that a massive programme has been implemented to revive the collapsed fisheries industry, and this exhibition has been organized as one major step in that initiative. He noted that the main objective of the exhibition is to raise public awareness regarding the country’s ocean resources, encourage participation in industries related to ocean resource development, and thereby enhance national export revenue while providing benefits to the public.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Members of Parliament, the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, government officials, ambassadors, foreign delegates, and members of the fishing community.

Prime Minister’s Media Division