Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government has no intention of acquiring the lands owned by the people of the Northern and Eastern provinces and that the aim of the government is to promptly return land ownership to those who rightfully own them.

The prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held today (23) in the Committee Room No. 1 of Parliament in regards to resolving the issues related to land ownership faced by the people of the Northern and Eastern provinces.

Members of Parliament representing the North and East pointed out that there is a prevailing suspicion among the public due to the procedures followed by previous governments in clarifying land ownership in these regions and that many rightful landowners lack proper documentation to prove ownership while emphasizing the need for a structured process that regains public trust.

They further stated that some individuals have fraudulently taken possession of lands and expressed that the people trust the current government to deliver a fair solution to the issue.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya reiterated that the government has agreed the granting of the land ownership to the people should be conducted in a legal and verified manner through a proper mechanism that eliminates public doubts and further emphasized that the government has no intention in acquiring the lands from the people under any circumstances.

Accordingly, the Prime Minister informed officials that the government will engage in discussions with the people and relevant sectors to find an appropriate solution and will take necessary future steps in this regard.

The event was attended by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha, Deputy Minister Susil Ranasinghe, and Secretary to the Ministry D.P. Wickramasinghe, Additional Solicitor General Vikum De Abrew, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, public representatives from the Northern and Eastern provinces, and officials representing government institutions including the Department of Land Registration and the Department of Survey, as well as District Secretaries and other participants.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held a meeting on 22nd of May at the Parliament with H.E. Ms. Julie J. Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Ms. Maureen Hsia, Acting Mission Director and Programme Office Director for USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives. The courtesy call focused on the evolving framework of U.S. foreign assistance to Sri Lanka and potential avenues for sustained cooperation.

The delegation briefed the Prime Minister on the recent three-month moratorium imposed on all foreign assistance by the United States, pending a comprehensive review by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Discussions centered on the implications of this decision, particularly its potential impact on key development initiatives such as the women’s shelter project, and broader humanitarian concerns if current support mechanisms are disrupted.

Both parties acknowledged the critical role of the United States as a global leader in development and emphasized the importance of continuing bilateral collaboration. The Prime Minister welcomed the United States’ commitment to identifying alternative modalities to ensure uninterrupted support for Sri Lanka’s development priorities. In addition, the meeting addressed tariff negotiations, recognizing their relevance in bolstering economic resilience and supporting the country’s long-term growth trajectory.

Also in attendance were Ms. Angelina Hermon, Acting Director of the Office of Governance and Vulnerable Populations, and Ms. Nirmi Vitharana, Project Management Specialist from the Office of Economic Growth. Representing the Government of Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; and Ms. Pramuditha Munasinghe, Director of the North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, met today with Mr. Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, at the Parliament, to reaffirm and enhance the ongoing partnership between the Government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations system.

During the meeting, Mr. Franche reiterated the UN’s continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s priorities in areas such as social protection, healthcare, and reconciliation. Mr. Franche also briefed the Prime Minister on the upcoming official visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, scheduled for June 2025.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the necessity of crafting a reconciliation process that addresses the genuine needs and aspirations of all communities across Sri Lanka.. Furthermore, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for greater international engagement and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Nethmini Medawala, Peace and Development Advisor, and Mr. Andreas Karpati, Head of the UN Office in Colombo. Representing the Government of Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Dayani Mendis, Director-General of the United Nations and Human Rights Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Sri Lankan tea, known for generations as ’Ceylon Tea’ carries behind it a heritage and a success story like no other.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the International Tea Day, Tea for Harmony: Yaji 2025 China-Sri Lanka Cultural Gala event held 21st May at Marino Beach hotel in Colombo.

This event organized by China Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka, Department of Cultural and Tourism of XiZang Autonomous region - China, Ministry of culture and tourism -China and Embassy of China in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated,

“It is a great pleasure to address you at the Tea for Harmony: Yaji 2025 China–Sri Lanka Cultural Gala-especially today, as we celebrate International Tea Day. This day offers a unique opportunity to reflect on and honour the rich cultural heritage, health benefits, and economic importance of tea, a beverage that has united people and cultures across centuries.

The Sri Lanka- China relationship is centuries old, and has been historically strengthened by shared religious and cultural values.

Sri Lanka is known to the whole world for its tea due to its unique flavour, aroma and colour. Sri Lankan tea, known for generations as ’Ceylon Tea’ carries behind it a heritage and a success story like no other.

It is therefore in the interests of the Sri Lankan Tea brand to continue to work towards ensuring dignified work conditions and protection for all those involved in the production, especially the pluckers who have historically faced many problems. This is something we are a government are committed towards.

Today, Sri Lanka stands as the world’s third-largest tea exporter, accounting for approximately 15% of global tea exports. In the face of significant challenges, our tea industry recorded impressive achievements in 2024.

Moreover, Ceylon Tea is the major supplier to the Chinese market among all tea producing nations in the world. The Chinese market ranked as the top five destination of supplying Ceylon Tea.

In conclusion, I extend sincere appreciation to the Chinese Embassy in Colombo for organizing this wonderful celebration of tea and culture. Let us continue to cherish and promote the harmony that tea brings to our peoples and our nations.”

The event was attended by Venerable Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero, H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka and chinese and Sri Lankans.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is committed to safeguarding religious and cultural heritage.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending a ceremony of donating tablet computers containing electronic versions of the Tripitaka and printed Tripitaka texts to 60 university Bhikkhus organized by the Buddha Sravaka Caring Centre in Padukka under the concept of Venerable Kurupita Dhammananda Thero today (21) at the premises of Temple Trees.

During the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented the tablets with the electronic Tripitaka to the Maha Sangha.

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

Initiatives such as this are profoundly timely and essential for the preservation of the Dhamma.

The current rapid technological advancements pose a challenge to the safeguarding of spiritual traditions. However, this initiative clearly demonstrates how technology and innovation can be meaningfully utilized to teach, preserve, and promote Buddhist philosophy.

The Tripitaka is not merely a collection of religious texts, it forms the ethical, philosophical, and spiritual foundation of Buddhist discipline. Granting young Bhikkhus quicker access to the sacred texts strengthens intergenerational bonds within the monastic order. Moreover, it provides opportunities for studying, internalizing, and integrating the Dhamma into life while aligning to the today’s world.

The government is committed to supporting such projects and to protecting religious and cultural heritage. Supporting institutions like the Buddha Shravaka Caring Centre is considered essential for the ethical and spiritual well-being of our society.

The care, rest, protection, respect, and service provided by the Buddha Shravaka Caring Centre to ailing Bhikkhus is a prime example of the highest ideals of our nation.

I extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to this meritorious endeavor.

Whether in material form or through spiritual encouragement, the support offered reflects the generosity and collective spirit of our community.

The event was graced by the presence of Venerable Kutawatte Saranankara in Malaysia, Venerable Kadahingala Dhammarakkhita Thero, and the Maha Sangha and devotees from Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

There is a shortage of 40,000 Teachers Island wide.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that there is currently a shortage of 40,000 teachers across the country, and that the government expects to recruit a certain number of the required vacancies by the end of this year.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament today (21), while responding to a question raised by the member of the opposition, Mujibur Rahuman.

The Prime Minister further stated:

There are currently 4,240 teacher vacancies in the Sinhala medium and 2,827 in the Tamil medium for Grades 1 to 5 in government schools. The number of vacancies form Grades 6 to 11 reported 11,274 in the Sinhala medium and 6,121 in the Tamil medium.

In the Western Province alone, government schools report 1,310 Sinhala medium and 302 Tamil medium teacher shortages for Grades 1 to 5. For Grades 6 to 11, the vacancies stand at 1,325 for Sinhala medium teachers and 397 for Tamil medium teachers. As a whole, nationwide there are 40,000 vacancies for teachers.

The Public Service Commission has issued a recommendation that recruitments to fill the vacancies in the Ministry of Education should be done through an examination-based process. Currently, there is an ongoing court case regarding the recruitment of graduates into the teaching profession. Taking all these matters into consideration, attention is being directed towards recruiting graduates to fill the existing teacher vacancies.

However, the Prime Minister emphasized that the government expects to fill at least a certain number of the required vacancies by the end of this year.

Prime Minister’s Media Division