Steps to Address Issues Relating to the Use of Traditional Indigenous Lands - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

A meeting between the Leader of the indigenous Vedda community, Uru Warige Wannila Aththo and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was held today (12) at Parliament.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the challenges faced by the indigenous community and the Leader indigenous Vedda community drew, Uru Warige Wannila Aththo drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the difficulties encountered by indigenous people in accessing and using their traditional ancestral lands.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the indigenous community has the right to enjoy and use its traditional lands without obstruction and stated that the necessary legal measures to safeguard these rights would be expedited.

The Indigenous Leader also raised concerns over the lack of relief assistance provided so far to the residents of Hennanigala who were affected by the recent Cyclone Ditwah. The Prime Minister immediately instructed the relevant officials to ensure that these families receive proper relief assistance without delay.

The discussion also focused on the shortcomings and needs of Dambana School, and the Prime Minister emphasized that the matter would be looked into and that the necessary measures would be taken.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Special Dengue Prevention Week Declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21

Decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease amid the concerns over the severe risk of spreading dengue currently prevailing in the Colombo District.

This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held today (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.

Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.

It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.

The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.

The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the occasion of the ceremonial opening of the new Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre on 11th of June 2026.

The cultural centre, commissioned by the Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre Trust and situated at No. 85, Ward Place, Colombo 07, is a landmark development designed to promote cultural exchange, education, professional training and bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan.

The New Sasakawa Centre was ceremonially opened by Cutting the Ribbon by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA, Honorary Chairman, The Nippon Foundation, Japan, Mr. Premalal Fernando, Chairman, Sasakawa Centre Trust.

During the event, the Prime Minister unveiled the plaque inaugurating the Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre.

Following the occasion Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Sasakawa Peace Foundation in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA, Honorary Chairman.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated, the friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan is enriched by a long history of cultural and spiritual connections and that the societies are connected through a deep appreciation of nature, culture, learning, and community.

Highlighting the longstanding contribution of the Sasakawa Centre, the Prime Minister stated that it has played an invaluable role in promoting Japanese language education and strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Sri Lanka and Japan. She expressed confidence that the new Centre would emerge as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, educational cooperation, and meaningful people-to-people engagement.

The Prime Minister stated that, at a time of increasing global uncertainty, partnerships based on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to peace are more important than ever. She reaffirmed that Sri Lanka and Japan remain committed to dialogue, international cooperation, and a rules-based international order that promotes peace, prosperity, and human dignity.

The occasion was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka H.E. Akio ISOMATA, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Mr. Yohei SASAKAWA, Honorary Chairman, The Nippon Foundation, Japan, Mr. Premalal Fernando, Chairman, Sasakawa Centre Trust and Diplomatic core, distinguished guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government will introduce energy storage systems to maximise the utilisation of renewable energy.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament today (10), while responding to a question raised by Member of Parliament Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana.

The Prime Minister noted that Sri Lanka has set a target of generating 70% of its national electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030, and that the necessary plans have already been formulated and are being implemented to achieve this objective.

The Prime Minister further stated that, in accordance with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority’s Renewable Energy Development Plan 2025–2030, arrangements have been made to integrate larger volumes of renewable energy into the national grid under various procurement mechanisms and the long-term generation expansion plan following 1,264 MW of wind power and 2,071 MW of solar power generation capacity.

The Prime Minister further stated that measures are also being taken to expand the national electricity transmission and distribution network to facilitate integration of renewable energy. As an important initiative of the Government, energy storage systems will be introduced to optimise the absorption, storage and utilisation of renewable energy.

The Prime Minister also emphasised that studies are currently underway to enhance the installed capacity of the country’s existing hydropower plants.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Government is also focusing on ensuring uninterrupted 13-year education for plantation sector schoolchildren and expanding Tamil-language vocational education.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has instructed officials to submit, within one week, a report on the condition of every school affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at a special discussion held in Parliament today (09) regarding plantation sector schools.

During this meeting, special attention was given to the damage caused to plantation sector schools by Cyclone Ditwah and the measures taken in response, as well as issues relating to land ownership, teacher vacancies, school development, and reconstruction. The discussion also focused on schools in the Uva, Sabaragamuwa, and Central Provinces that had suffered complete or partial damage or needed to be relocated.

Minister Samantha Vidyarathna stated that the Government is taking necessary measures to restore the affected schools and that actions are already underway. However, it was revealed that there has been inadequate coordination between the line ministry and the Provincial Councils in obtaining accurate data on the situation.

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

Following Cyclone Ditwah, officials have had to provide various reports through the Provincial Councils. Therefore, the Ministry must pay close attention to this matter and take steps to collect accurate data. Merely assigning children from affected schools to other schools does not resolve the issue. We need to conduct proper follow-up to determine whether those children are actually attending school, whether they are receiving an education, and what difficulties they are experiencing.

Although some children have been assigned to other schools, some have not attended. We must urgently find out what has happened to those children. Immediate attention should also be given to the establishment of temporary schools. As a Government, we are committed to intervening on behalf of all children, but accurate data is essential for that purpose. There is a responsible officer for the plantation sector schools, and the Ministry should coordinate with that officer to obtain reliable information. Provincial Directors of Education, as well as Provincial Council officials, must also be properly coordinated. Members of Parliament should also play an active role in this effort.

We are taking steps to train Tamil-speaking teachers separately to address the teacher shortages in Tamil-medium schools. Further, during this round of teacher recruitment, we will fill fifty percent of the existing teacher vacancies in provincial schools. Once appointments are made, teachers will be required to serve at their assigned schools for a period of five years.

The Prime Minister further stated that the Government is focusing not only on ensuring uninterrupted 13-year education for children in estate sector schools but also on promoting Tamil-language vocational education.

The event was attended by Minister Samantha Vidyarathna, Deputy Ministers Madhura Seneviratne and Sundaralingam Pradeep, Members of Parliament, education officials, and several other participants.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has implemented a comprehensive programme to assist the fishing community and micro, small, medium, and large-scale entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah in rebuilding their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions in Parliament today (09) regarding the relief measures introduced for those affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has initiated a special assistance programme for both marine and inland fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Under this programme, new fishing vessels will be provided to replace those that were completely destroyed, while partially damaged vessels will be repaired. The distribution of fishing nets to eligible fishermen has also commenced.

To support the recovery of businesses damaged by the cyclone, the Government has introduced a concessional loan scheme carrying an annual interest rate of 3 per cent. The programme, with a total allocation of Rs. 10,000 million, is being implemented through 15 banks. As at 28 April 2026, loans amounting to Rs. 3,812 millionhad been disbursed to 2,800 entrepreneurs. The scheme offers a repayment period of up to three years, including a six-month grace period, with the objective of enabling businesses to resume operations without delay. Applicants are required to obtain recommendations from the Grama Niladhari and the Divisional Secretary certifying that the business was operational before the cyclone and that it was affected by the disaster.

The Prime Minister further stated that, on the instructions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, licensed banks have granted a moratorium on loan repayments and waived penalty interest until 31 January 2026. The Prime Minister also emphasized that compensation payments to affected entrepreneurs are continuing in accordance with the relevant ministerial circulars and disaster relief guidelines.

Prime Minister’s Media Division