Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the special event organized to commentate the International Mother Languages Day 2026 on 13 March 2026 at the New Arts Theatre of the University of Colombo. The event was held under the theme ’Languages Unite: Diverse Voices, Shared Humanity’.

The event was jointly organized by the High Commission of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka with the support of the United Nations, the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association.

During the occasion, certificates and awards were presented to school winners of the painting, essay, and short video creation competitions organized in conjunction with the celebration of International Mother Language Day 2026.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

International Mother Language Day stands as a powerful reminder of the profound connection between language, identity, and dignity.

This global observance owes its origins to the visionary initiative of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s advocacy transformed a national commemoration into a global movement one that celebrates the rich mosaic of humanity’s linguistic heritage.

Sri Lanka’s language diversity reflects the richness of our pluralistic heritage. This diversity should not be seen as a challenge to be managed, but as a strength to be valued and cherished.

When we protect language rights, we nurture social harmony. When we promote multilingual education, we empower future generations. And when we listen to one another in our own languages, we affirm each other’s humanity. At a time when divisions can easily take root, respect for linguistic diversity can instead serve as a bridge of empathy and cooperation.

In an increasingly digital age, we must also reflect on the importance of preserving linguistic diversity in cyberspace. Thousands of languages around the world remain vulnerable. Without conscious efforts in education, technology, and policy, many risk fading into silence. Safeguarding linguistic heritage is therefore not only cultural responsibility, but also a shared commitment to preserving the diversity of our world.

The Prime Minister remarked that the partnership between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh continues to grow in friendship and cooperation with the shared commitment to multilateralism, cultural understanding, and people-to-people engagement strengthens the bonds between the two nations.

The event was attended by the Bangladesh High Commissioner, Mr. Andalib Elias, Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, FAO Country Representative for Sri Lanka and Maldives Vimlendra Sharan, Chief Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association Dr. Kushantha Herath, diplomatic crops, members of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association and students.

Prime Minister’s media division

This is not an ordinary scholarship programme. It defines the future vision of our country.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government believes investments in education should be encouraged to develop highly skilled human resources essential for rebuilding the country, adding that the scholarship programme is a national initiative that reflects the country’s future vision.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the inauguration ceremony of the scholarship programme that provides opportunities for students who excelled in the 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination to pursue their undergraduate studies at the world’s leading universities. The event was held on 12 March 2026 at the Ministry of Education, Isurupaya.

An investment of Rs. 4,001 million is expected to be allocated for this project.

Under this programme, it is planned to award 200 foreign scholarships to students during the period of 2025 and 2033. As the initial phase of the programme, 32 students have been selected for the 2025/26 academic year, and 9 students have already secured admission to some of the world’s leading universities, including those in Sydney, Melbourne, Monash in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand.

A transparent selection process has been followed in selecting the students. They are required to pursue their studies in universities ranked within the top 500 of global rankings such as QS, THE, or ARWU.

For each selected student, a maximum financial allocation of Rs. 20 million per year will be provided, with a total of up to Rs. 80 million (Rs. 80,000,000) for the full four-year undergraduate programme.

Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

Today brings a great satisfaction to the Ministry of Education. As the first phase of a promise we made in our policy statement, scholarships have been awarded today to 33 students who achieved outstanding results in the Advanced Level Examination to pursue higher education abroad. Implementing this programme was not easy. We had to engage in extensive discussions regarding student selection, maintaining transparency, and identifying universities with higher academic standards.

This is not an ordinary scholarship programme. It is a programme that defines the future vision of our country. It provides students with the opportunity to study at some of the world’s leading universities. Therefore, students selected for this programme must demonstrate not only academic excellence but also leadership qualities, personality, and resilience.

To build our country, we need good citizens. We must create a human resource capable of taking the country forward. Countries such as Singapore, China, and Malaysia have progressed by investing in human resource development. We must also follow that path.

Beyond becoming graduates, these scholarship recipients should become individuals capable of making a meaningful impact on society and serving as part of the broader social transformation of our country. This is a long-term investment we are making. We expect you to support fellow students, lead teams, and demonstrate strong character.

No matter the challenges you face including the climate changes, cultural differences, or missing loved ones, you must remain determined and not abandon your journey. Use such challenges to develop your leadership qualities. Even difficult experiences can become opportunities. Learn from new cultures, technologies, and systems of knowledge. Become innovative thinkers who can apply that knowledge to the development of our country.

Follow after many experiences as possible. Develop communication skills, empathy, teamwork, and the ability to understand others. Thereby you will be able to deliver the change we expect for the nation. We will never be left alone. In any challenging situation, we are ready to intervene and support you. We will facilitate the necessary coordination and assistance through embassies. If we are to take our country toward social transformation, it must be done through collective effort, protecting and supporting one another. We must create leaders who can guide not only Sri Lanka but the entire world toward a more humane future.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathna, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, officials of the Ministry of Education, and the selected students.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya who was on an official visit to the Philippines following the invitation of the Asian Development Bank, returned to Sri Lanka last night (11) through the Bandaranaike International Airport.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on 11 March 2026, and held a bilateral discussion with **Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development.

During the meeting, discussions centered on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations.

Both sides also discussed the importance of introducing modern techniques and research-driven approaches to rice cultivation in order to enhance productivity and ensure long-term food security. In this regard, IRRI shared insights on ongoing global research initiatives aimed at improving rice varieties, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The discussion further focused on the potential for expanded collaboration between Sri Lanka and IRRI, particularly in areas such as research partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building for Sri Lankan agricultural institutions and farmers. The Prime Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s interest in strengthening cooperation with IRRI to support the development of the country’s rice sector and to improve the livelihoods of paddy farmers.

The visit reaffirmed the importance of science-based agricultural innovation and international collaboration in addressing food security challenges and enhancing sustainable rice production in Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of bilateral meetings with senior officials of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 10 March at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, during her official visit to the Philippines. The discussions focused on strengthening development cooperation between Sri Lanka and ADB, reviewing ongoing projects, and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

The Prime Minister first met with ADB President Masato Kanda. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the strong partnership between Sri Lanka and the Asian Development Bank. President Kanda welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit and commended Sri Lanka’s efforts to stabilise the economy and advance recovery following the recent economic crisis.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the continued support extended by ADB, including assistance provided in response to the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the Bank’s broader development cooperation with the country. She highlighted the importance of ADB-supported initiatives across key sectors that contribute to Sri Lanka’s ongoing recovery and long-term development.

The Prime Minister also held discussions with Yingming Yang, Vice President (South, Central and West Asia) of ADB, where both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing ADB-funded projects in Sri Lanka and explored opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in areas such as health, education, and social development.

In a separate meeting with Christine Engstrom, Director General of Sectors Department 3, discussions focused on sector-specific initiatives supported by ADB, particularly in human and social development, public sector management, and financial sector reforms. The Prime Minister noted that future investments in the education sector should place greater emphasis on human resource development and improving the quality of teaching and learning, alongside infrastructure development.

Following these meetings, the Prime Minister participated in a Policy Dialogue on Education and Skills Development, which brought together representatives from ASEAN institutions, Philippine education authorities, and ADB officials. The dialogue focused on regional education systems, policy collaboration, and initiatives aimed at strengthening education and skills development frameworks.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of expanding education cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Philippines, particularly in areas of policy exchange and institutional collaboration. Participants also discussed the development of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector and explored opportunities to strengthen skills development frameworks to better align with emerging economic demands.

The engagements in Manila reaffirmed the shared commitment between Sri Lanka, the Asian Development Bank, and regional partners to deepen cooperation in advancing sustainable development, strengthening education systems, and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya participated in the International Women’s Day Flagship Event hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 10 March at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. The event brought together senior ADB leadership, representatives of the diplomatic community, and development partners to mark International Women’s Day and to reaffirm global commitments to gender equality. 

Delivering the keynote address, the Prime Minister highlighted the critical role of education in empowering women and girls, emphasising that equitable access to quality education remains one of the most powerful tools for achieving social and economic transformation. She underscored Sri Lanka’s longstanding commitment to education and noted the importance of strengthening inclusive learning systems that enable women to fully participate in national development.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to the significant contribution of women’s unpaid care work, noting that it remains largely unrecognised despite its vital role in sustaining families, communities, and national economies. She emphasised the need for policies and social protection mechanisms that acknowledge and support care work, thereby enabling women to participate more fully in economic life.

Addressing broader structural challenges, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of increasing women’s participation in political decision-making and the labour force, noting that inclusive governance and economic participation are essential for sustainable and equitable development.

She highlighted the need for continued collaboration between governments, international institutions, and development partners to remove barriers that limit women’s opportunities.

During the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was honoured with the Shireen Lateef Women’s Leadership Award in recognition of her commitment to advancing women’s leadership and empowerment.

The event was opened by the President of the Asian Development Bank and senior ADB leadership, followed by a high-level discussion on advancing gender equality across the region. The Prime Minister’s participation reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with international institutions to promote women’s empowerment and gender-responsive development policies.

Prime Minister’s Media Division