Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held important diplomatic meetings on 25 July at the Parliament premises, engaging with the Ambassador of Bhutan to Sri Lanka, H.E. Dasho Karma Hamu Dorjee (based in Dhaka), the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka, H.E. Sergey Viktorov (resident in Colombo), the Ambassador of Jordan to Sri Lanka, H.E. Yousef Mustafa Abdelghani (based in New Delhi), the Ambassador of the State of Eritrea to Sri Lanka, H.E. Alem Woldemariam (based in New Delhi), and the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Sri Lanka, H.E. Alisher Tukhtaev (based in Islamabad). These engagements reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with both regional and international partners.

The Prime Minister welcomed all ambassadors for discussions focused on mutual interests, cooperation in governance, and support for Sri Lanka’s development and democratic transition.

Key areas of focus included textile manufacturing, education, cultural exchange, exports, healthcare, and the expansion of tourism.

The meetings were attended by Mrs. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Ruvini Munadasa, Director Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government will initiate steps to establish a National Industrial Planning Think Tank centered on revitalizing the rural economy and the necessary technical, scientific, and advisory support would be provided through that initiative to strengthen businesses across Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Regional Development Bank (RDB) held on July 25 at the Bandaranayaka Memorial International Conference Hall.

At the event, the official launch of "RDB Quick App" online banking facility and the opening of the exhibition on business product stalls held for three consecutive days were initiated by the Prime Minister to the public in line with the anniversary celebration.

A commemorative stamp issued by the Department of Posts to mark the anniversary was also presented to the Prime Minister during the occasion.

Delivering her address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

"The hand extended by the Regional Development Bank to small and medium-scale entrepreneurs in uplifting the rural economy is highly commendable. Although entrepreneurial talent is inherent, the Bank’s close engagement with rural communities, who often lack the financial strength to develop their capabilities, by offering them essential capital, technical guidance, and marketing knowledge is immensely valuable in helping them reach international standards.

If we are to make our theme ’A Prosperous Country, A Beautiful Life’ a reality, a major contributor to strengthening the national economy at the rural level is indeed the Regional Development Bank.

When I arrived here today, I came to know that the majority of the Bank’s customers as well as its staff are women. Most small and medium-scale businesses in our country are run by women. Your institution provides them with significant empowerment.

I request that your continue support and assistance to the government in further strengthening the economic potential of the rural community."

The event was attended by the Colombo District Mayor Mrs. Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Chairman of the Regional Development Bank Mr. D.M.T.S. Kumara, and several bank officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Mr. H.E. Yusuf TEKIN, Minister of National Education of the Republic of Turkiye, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, on 24 July at Parliament.

Welcoming the Minister, the Prime Minister recalled the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Turkey, particularly in the sphere of economy, global trade and education. During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted the new proposals in education put forward by Turkey.

The Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration with an emphasis on education, global trade, logistics, energy, tourism and healthcare sectors between the two countries.

The Minister of National Education of Turkey to Sri Lanka expressed his sincere appreciation for the opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Prime Minister and reiterated Turkey’s commitment to further enhancing the collaboration between the two countries especially in the sector of education. He further highlighted the need for collaboration in the sphere of education in order to strengthening the peace and human vertue.

Representing the Turkey delegation, the meeting was attended by H.E. Semih Lütfü TURGUT Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. nal ERYILMAZ Director General of EU and Foreign Relations, Ministry of National Education, and secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa and Sagarika Bogahawatta Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister was also attentded the meeting representing Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, announced today that Sri Lanka is shifting away from an education system solely focused on pass/fail examination outcomes. The government’s objective is to deliver quality education to children through the introduction of a module-based system.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya made these remarks while addressing a media briefing held at the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya today (23), regarding the new education reforms scheduled for implementation in 2026.

The awareness session for media personnel representing various media organizations on the upcoming educational reforms was conducted by Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, and Dr. Ashoka de Silva, Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Prime Minister stated, "We, as teachers, parents, and students, have grown accustomed to an education system designed primarily around examinations. However, with this module-based system, students will engage in diverse learning activities and undergo continuous assessments."

The General Certificate of Education (G.C.E.) Ordinary Level examination under the new curriculum is scheduled to commence in 2029, while the module system will be introduced for Grades 1 and 6 starting in 2026.

"We have three years to observe this system," the Prime Minister explained. "Based on the evolving circumstances and needs, we are prepared to make the necessary adjustments. We have never claimed that these reforms are final. We expect to revise them in line with future developments. Furthermore, we welcome suggestions and feedback from all stakeholders."

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to reduce classroom sizes to 25–30 students, noting that some classrooms currently exceed 40 students due to admissions granted on the basis of recommendations from previous Ministers and Secretaries of Education. "Our government has entirely discontinued this practice," she affirmed. "Going forward, only the officially sanctioned number of students will be admitted into schools."

Addressing concerns about the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, the Prime Minister stated, "No decision has been made to abolish the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination. In order to do so, we must first address disparities among schools, which cannot be resolved overnight. Our aim through these reforms is to alleviate the pressure and stress this examination places on children."

She further stated that the reforms include a proposal for the Ministry of Education to assume full responsibility for the operation of early childhood development centers, including the training of early childhood educators.

Mr. Madhura Seneviratne, Deputy Minister of Education, also addressed the media briefing, stating, "These reforms place strong emphasis on teacher training. It is one of the five core pillars we have outlined. A dedicated training program for teachers has been planned and will commence in August."

Several upcoming meetings are scheduled to brief university academics, teacher unions, and education officials on the proposed reforms.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

We are in need of developing regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring efficacy, safety, data privacy, security, and other ethical considerations in digital technology.

The prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the roundtable discussion on Digital mental health with the global digital mental health network of eMHIC held today (22) at the Temples Trees.

Delivering the keynote address, the Prime Minister stated that the government is committed to integrating digital health solutions within existing mental health services, as a part of its larger agenda of digitization and emphasized the need of developing regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while ensuring efficacy, safety, data privacy, security, and other ethical considerations concerning the Digital technology.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also stressed the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary response, supported by a well-trained mental health workforce and strengthened community-level engagement. The Prime Minister further highlighted the challenges in digital mental health including the parent-child gaps in understanding digital and psychological well-being followed under inclusion of digitalization in the implementation of new educational reforms.

The event brought together professionals, policymakers in the respective area, and tech experts, representatives from international organizations to explore innovative, technology-driven solutions for addressing mental health challenges in Sri Lanka.

The event was attended by the Senator Kathy Hay of Canada, Prof Anil Thapliyal, the executive Director of eMHIC (EEMICK) and representatives of the eMental Health International Collaborative and officials representing government, academia, professional bodies.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Dr. Nadisha Chandrasena, who received the 2025 WIPO “Global Award for Intellectual Property,” presented by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a United Nations agency dedicated to intellectual property, innovation, and creativity met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on July 21.

Dr. Chandrasena’s “Smart Drainage System” concept, developed as a solution to open drainage systems clogged by plastic and polythene waste, was selected as a winner at the WIPO Awards Ceremony held in Geneva, Switzerland. Her innovation stood out among 780 organizations from 95 countries.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister extended her congratulations to Dr. Chandrasena. Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhantri was also present at the occasion.

Prime Minister’s Media Division