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

Marking the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day observed on today - 30th May 2026, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the ceremonial occasions of opening of two Vesak pandals erected in Colombo.

Following the opening of Vesak pandal depicting the “Sambula Jataka”, organized by the Sri Vaishakya Society of the Magazine United Traders of Borella, the Prime Minister attended the opening of the pandal of the “Samudra Vanija Jataka” at Kosgas Junction, Grandpass, where she ceremonially lit the traditional oil lamp to inaugurate the illumination of the pandal.

The event was graced by the presence of members of the Maha Sangha, clergy representing other religions, and attended by the Members of Parliament Dr. Najith Indika, Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra, and Dilith Jayaweera, along with other public representatives and the Deputy Inspector General of Police Nihal Thalduwa, former Member of Parliament Thilanga Sumathipala, presidents and members of trade associations, local residents, and a large gathering of devotees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

It is an honor to extend Vesak day felicitations to all citizens of the nation during this sacred period in which lives are shaped in accordance with the noble teachings preached by the Lord Buddha, and upholding the practice of Dhamma.

Just as the external world is illuminated by lanterns, this Vesak season should also be an opportunity to illuminate our own hearts with compassion, kindness, and wisdom. Let us dispel the roots of greed, hatred, and delusion, and transform our lives into a nobel period that brings peace and serenity.

“abhittharetha kal‍yāṇē” – Let us hasten towards the common good. The theme for this year’s State Vesak festival reflects the social needs of the present time. While eliminating narrow beliefs and mindsets, this Vesak festival should become a source of blessings and strength for us to build a nation dedicated to the common good and radiant with the values of the Dhamma.

Followed by the guidance of the Mahanayake Theros and the All Island Sasanarakshaka Mandalaya, I extend wishes for the State Vesak Festival, jointly organized by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government.

Through the deep bond that exists between the state and Buddhism, the progress and prosperity of the country can be achieved through righteous governance. It is essential that we cultivate the patience needed to overcome the economic and social challenges we face as a nation, founded on the noble ideal of “May all beings be well, happy and at peace” where justice is ensured for all regardless of caste, race, or religion.

I respectfully invite all of you to join in celebrating an environmentally conscious and nature-friendly Vesak, walking the Middle Path. Let us move forward together towards a society grounded in principled conduct.

May everyone be blessed with a peaceful and meritorious Vesak!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
30th of May 2026

Ambassador designated of Holy See to Sri Lanka H.E. Monsignor Andrzej Jozwowicz paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister on 29 May 2026 at Temple Trees Premises.

Welcoming H.E. Monsignor Andrzej Jozwowicz, Apostolic Nuncio, the Prime Minister extended congratulations and best wishes to His Excellency on his appointment as the Apostolic Nuncio (Ambassador) of the Holy See to Sri Lanka conveying appreciation for the longstanding friendship and spiritual solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka over the past five decades.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between two nations through the continued engagement.

The occasion was attended by the 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 and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Mr. Marc-André Franche, at Temple Trees(29 May) to discuss post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery efforts and continued humanitarian cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Nations.

Particular attention was drawn to the Humanitarian Priority Plan (HPP), launched in December 2025 to support communities affected by the cyclone. The initiative concluded on 30 April 2026 after providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations across 25 districts through the collective efforts of 81 partner organizations.

The discussions highlighted the Government recognized the substantial international support mobilized through the HPP and noted the importance of sustained collaboration to ensure that recovery gains are maintained.

During the discussion the United Nations delegation formally presented to Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, the latest SRI LANKA Cyclone Ditwah Situation Report.

discussions were attended by Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri (Secretary to the Prime Minister), Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta (Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister), Ms. S.U.A. Weerasinghe (Senior Assistant Secretary for Strategic Affairs), and Ms. Sashini Anupama (Assistant Secretary for Development) representing the Prime Minister’s Office. The United Nations delegation included Mr. Marc-André Franche (United Nations Resident Coordinator) and Mr. Andreas Karpati (Head of Office). Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka were Ms. Shashika Somarathne (Director General of the United Nations & Human Rights Division) and Ms. Samanmalee Atulugamma (Director of International Security Cooperation).

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Building on the development and the expanding framework of trade, investment and governance reforms, Sri Lanka continues to create new platforms for international economic engagement.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the main conference of the Sri Lankan-German Business Forum 2026 as the Chief Guest on 28 th of May at ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo.

Organised by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) with the support of the German Embassy in Colombo, the three-day forum is aimed at promoting Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in the maritime and logistics sectors.

This main conference brought together Government officials, international experts, and corporate leaders for discussions centred on maritime development, export competitiveness, infrastructure financing, and investment opportunities.

During the occasion, the invitation for the Asia Pacific conference 2026 was officially presented to the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya by the delegation accompanied by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sri Lanka and Maldives, H.E. Dr. Felix Neuman.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya highlighted the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and Germany emphasizing that the partnership between the two countries extends to tourism, trade, investment, technology, transfer, development cooperation and strong private sector collaboration.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged Germany’s longstanding contribution to Sri Lanka’s development, particularly in technical and vocational education and training, renewable energy, and development cooperation while stating that this longstanding partnership continues to serve as a vital pillar in strengthening skills development and advancing inclusive economic transformation.

The Prime Minister further stated,

’Sri Lanka is undergoing a period of economic recovery and reform aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability and restructuring the economy towards a more resilient and competitive model. The Government has undertaken a comprehensive programme of fiscal consolidation, structural adjustments, and governance reforms directed towards long-term economic sustainability. While these measures are intended to ensure stability and growth, they also raise important considerations regarding the social costs of adjustment, particularly for working people, women, and vulnerable communities who are often disproportionately affected during periods of economic restructuring.

’Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean, together with its connectivity through major ports and airports, positions the country as a natural hub linking East and West.

’Supported by a skilled workforce, strong regional connectivity, and a steadily improving investment climate, Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its position as a competitive destination for sourcing and investment.

’Sri Lanka’s improving performance in global governance and transparency indicators, including the Corruption Perceptions Index, reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, institutional integrity, and good governance. These reforms are central to enhancing investor confidence and creating a more predictable and enabling investment climate.’

Emphasizing Sri Lanka’s commitment to continue to create new platforms for international economic engagement building on these development and the expanding framework of trade, investment and governance reforms, the Prime Minister invited the German business community to further expand partnerships with Sri Lankan counterparts.

The occasion was attended by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sri Lanka and Maldives, H.E. Dr. Felix Neuman, Mr. Martin Klose, Chief Delegate from AHK Sri Lanka, Deputy Ministers and Government officials, international experts, Business community from both countries.

Prime Minister’s Media Division