Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that true leadership is not about titles or power, but about acting responsibly, with compassion, and working for the well being of the others.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the President’s Guide Award and Prime Minister’s Award Ceremony, organized by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, one of the country’s leading voluntary organizations dedicated to empowering girls and young women. The ceremony was held on 19th July at Temple Trees in Colombo.

During the event, the Prime Minister presented medals and certificates to the award recipients.

A total of 350 awards were presented at this year’s ceremony, comprising 338 President’s Guide Awards and 12 Prime Minister’s Awards, in recognition of the recipients’ discipline, resilience, integrity, and commitment to serving others.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that one of the greatest strengths of the Girl Guides association is its commitment to providing equal opportunities to every child, regardless of their background or abilities. The Prime Minister also emphasized that true leadership is not defined by titles or power, but by acting responsibly, listening with compassion, and working for the well-being of others.

The Prime Minister further noted that while women had limited opportunities in the past, today increasing opportunities are being created for girls and women across all sectors, and young women are making remarkable progress in every field. The Prime Minister further stressed that every girl and young woman deserves equal opportunities to improve themselves, noting that the country needs young women leaders who are ready to step forward to build a better future for Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also highlighted that, particularly at a time when Sri Lanka is undertaking significant economic and democratic reforms, achieving sustainable national progress requires not only economic growth but also the development of citizens who uphold strong ethical values and social responsibility. In this regard, she commended the invaluable contribution made by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association.

Guided by its motto, ​“Be Prepared,” the Girl Guiding Movement in Sri Lanka was first established on 21 March 1917 at Kandy High School by Miss Jenny Calverley Green. Today, the movement operates through seven branches; Butterflies, the Little Friends, the Guides, the Rangers, the Youth, the Differently Abled Guides, and the Community Guiding Units, catering to different age groups and abilities. The President’s Guide Award is the highest honour that can be achieved by a Girl Guide and is awarded only to those who successfully complete the required challenges, written and oral examinations, and the BP Challenge. The Prime Minister’s Award is presented as the highest recognition within the Ranger Guide section.

The event was attended by at the President of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association Swarnika Pitigala, Chief Commissioner Dr. Kushantha Herath, President’s Guide Commissioner Pushpa Perera, Prime Minister’s Guide Commissioner Aruni Karunaratne, other senior officials of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, President’s Guides and Prime Minister’s Guides, as well as a large number of their parents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today commended the Ceylon Moor Ladies Union (CMLU) for its remarkable 90 years of dedicated service to Sri Lanka, describing the organisation as a shining example of compassion, women’s empowerment, and community leadership that has transformed countless lives across generations.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the 90th Anniversary Celebration of the Ceylon Moor Ladies Union, held today (18) at Hotel Ramada, Colombo.

Congratulating the Ceylon Moor Ladies Union on reaching this significant milestone, the Prime Minister noted that few voluntary organisations have sustained nine decades of continuous service while remaining true to their founding mission and adapting to the changing needs of society. She said the occasion was not merely a celebration of an institution’s history, but a tribute to the children whose lives have been transformed, the women whose dedication has sustained the organisation, and the communities that have been strengthened through its work.

Emphasising that the progress of a nation is closely linked to the meaningful participation of women, Dr. Amarasuriya stated that empowering women to participate equally in education, the economy, community leadership, and public life is fundamental to sustainable development, stronger families, and a more resilient society. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to realise her full potential through equal access to quality education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and leadership.

The Prime Minister further highlighted that effective welfare extends beyond immediate assistance and must empower individuals through education, skills development, protection, and opportunities that enable them to build secure and dignified lives. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening welfare systems that protect vulnerable communities while creating pathways for empowerment and independence.

Recognising the invaluable role of civil society, Dr. Amarasuriya observed that while governments formulate policies and deliver public services, many social challenges require the compassion, commitment, and volunteer spirit of community organisations. She noted that partnerships between government institutions and organisations such as the Ceylon Moor Ladies Union contribute significantly to improving child protection, strengthening families, and building more resilient communities.

Paying tribute to generations of members of the Ceylon Moor Ladies Union, the Prime Minister praised their unwavering commitment to nurturing young women of character, instilling resilience and confidence, and fostering leadership grounded in compassion and responsibility. She observed that these qualities are essential as Sri Lanka continues its journey towards sustainable development, inclusive growth, and national reconciliation.

During the event, the commemorative souvenir marking the 90th Anniversary of the Ceylon Moor Ladies Union was officially launched and presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Commemorative gifts were also exchanged to mark the occasion.The event was attended by Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Governor of the Western Province Hanif Yousuf, Mayor of Colombo Vraie Cally Balthazar, ambassadors, office-bearers and members of the Ceylon Moor Ladies Union, distinguished guests, children, and invitees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with a delegation of senior Buddhist clergy from Thailand at Temple Trees on 18 July 2026.

The delegation included the Most Venerable Phra Dhammavajirapanyacharya Mahathera, Deputy Abbot of Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan (Wat Pho), and Director of the Tipitaka Studies Centre of Mahachulalongkonrajavidyalaya University, together with other senior members of the Thai Sangha.

During the meeting, the discussions focused on the centuries-old Buddhist ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand, strengthening religious and cultural cooperation, and further enhancing the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Thai senior Buddhist clergy presented the Prime Minister with special commemorative gifts and mementoes symbolising the enduring Buddhist and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand. The commemorative gifts reflected the two nations’ shared Buddhist heritage, cultural values, and mutual respect.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony of the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026, organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) on 17 th July in Colombo.

The CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 will be held from 16th July to 19 July under the theme “Threads of Inclusion – Woven from Every Walk of Life” and this Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 aims to redefine fashion as a platform for inclusion, empowerment, entrepreneurship, and social transformation.

Bringing together women entrepreneurs, designers, artisans, creative professionals, and industry leaders from across South Asia, the summit promotes innovation, leadership, and regional collaboration while creating opportunities for women-led businesses to gain visibility, access new markets, and strengthen their contribution to sustainable economic development.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated that fashion is a powerful expression of women’s diversity and the many identities they embody. At the same time, the Prime Minister noted that fashion also mirrors the stereotypes and societal expectations imposed on women, making it an important space for dialogue and transformation.

The Prime Minister commended initiatives such as the CCWE Fashion Week and International Summit for creating opportunities to challenge conventional norms, push boundaries, and celebrate the achievements, resilience, and creativity of women.

Highlighting the economic dimension of women’s empowerment, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized that women are a driving force behind Sri Lanka’s micro and small enterprise sector.

The occasion was attended by President of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs, Dr. Ayanthi Gurusinghe and members of the Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs, diplomatic corps and women entrepreneurs, designers, artisans, creative professionals, and industry leaders from across South Asia.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that while keeping companion animals has become an important part of our culture, protecting the lives and welfare of street animals is a shared responsibility of all.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (17) while attending the inaugural ceremony of PET EXPO 2026, held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), as the Chief Guest.

The exhibition was organised by the Association of Companion Animal Practitioners of Sri Lanka (ACAPSL). During the occasion, the Prime Minister also toured the ​“Aloka” exhibition booth, which had been dedicated to raising public awareness on the protection and welfare of street animals. She officially inaugurated the activities of the booth by ceremonially handing over a rescued street puppy to its new adopter.

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

I am pleased to see that veterinary services in Sri Lanka are continuing to develop with a clear vision for the future.

Unfortunately, abandoning puppies and kittens at public places such as temples has become a concerning practice in our country. I urge the public to pay attention to the wellbeing of street animals.

The recent approval of a Cabinet paper on animal welfare has created an opportunity for the Government to implement policies that will improve the lives and wellbeing of animals.

Recalling the heartwarming story that recently gained international attention about the unique bond between a young Sri Lankan girl and a porcupine, the Prime Minister noted that the relationship between children and companion animals plays a significant role in a child’s development. She emphasised that associating with animals helps children cultivate empathy, compassion, kindness, and love through everyday experience.

The occasion was attended by the President of the Sri Association of Companion Animal Practitioners of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nuwan Wickramasinghe, members of the Association, Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Colombo District Member of Parliament Najith Indrika, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of Peradeniya, university academics, and a large gathering of invitees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya underscored the critical importance of human capital development, lifelong learning, and collaborative leadership in driving Sri Lanka’s long-term economic transformation while addressing the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Association of Human Resource Professionals (AHRP).

Congratulating AHRP on reaching a significant milestone, the Prime Minister commended the Association’s founders, past presidents, members, and partners for their invaluable contribution to advancing the human resource profession in Sri Lanka over the past quarter century.

Reflecting on the country’s economic recovery, the Prime Minister noted that while Sri Lanka has made encouraging progress in restoring confidence and strengthening institutions, sustainable national development requires a broader vision centred on competitiveness, innovation, productivity, environmental responsibility, and inclusive growth.

She emphasised that the nation’s greatest competitive advantage lies not merely in its natural resources or financial capital, but in the knowledge, skills, creativity, resilience, and ethical values of its people.

“The future strength of our economy will depend on what our people know, how they adapt, and how effectively they collaborate,” the Prime Minister stated, stressing that human resource development must remain a national priority.

Highlighting the Government’s commitment to strengthening education and workforce development, she called for closer alignment between education, vocational training, industry, and employment needs. She stressed the importance of expanding digital literacy, technical education, lifelong learning opportunities, and continuous reskilling and upskilling to prepare Sri Lanka’s workforce for rapidly evolving technologies and changing labour market demands.

The Prime Minister observed that building a future-ready workforce requires collective action, noting that government, educational institutions, employers, development partners, industry associations, and civil society all have vital roles to play in strengthening the country’s human capital.

Recognising AHRP’s contribution to transforming human resource management from an administrative function into a strategic discipline, she praised the Association’s role in enhancing organisational performance, productivity, and professional standards across Sri Lanka.

Addressing HR professionals, the Prime Minister highlighted their expanding role in shaping organisational culture, nurturing leadership, promoting inclusion, supporting innovation, preserving trust and fairness, and ensuring that technological advancement remains centred on people.

She noted that true organisational success is measured not only by financial performance but also by the ability to develop people, embrace diversity, support employee wellbeing, and create opportunities for every individual to realise their full potential.She encouraged AHRP to continue strengthening professional standards, fostering dialogue between government, academia, and industry, and preparing Sri Lanka’s workforce for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

She reaffirmed that Sri Lanka’s long-term success will ultimately be determined by the capabilities developed within its people, calling human capital development “a shared national responsibility.”

She congratulated AHRP on its 25 years of service and expressed confidence that the Association would continue making meaningful contributions towards building a resilient, inclusive, innovative, and prosperous Sri Lanka.

The Association of Human Resource Professionals (AHRP) proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary today, 16 July, at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. The milestone event brought together HR professionals, business leaders, industry partners, and distinguished guests to commemorate AHRP’s 25-year journey of advancing the human resource profession in Sri Lanka.

The event was attended by Mr. Pradeep Saputantri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Mr. Thushara Jayawardhene, President of the Association, together with other distinguished guests, association members, and invited participants.

Prime Minister’s Media Division