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

On the occasion of “Eid-ul-Adha” or the Hajji Festival, celebrated with great reverence by Muslims across the world upholding the values of selflessness, unity, and compassion, I extend my felicitations to the Muslim community in Sri Lanka and around the world.

On this special Day, the festival of Hajji commemorates the boundless devotion to God and the noble spirit of generosity demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim. This festival reflects the willingness of humanity to dedicate even its most precious possessions for the greater good of humankind and the devotion towards the God.

On this day, the most important lesson we must all understand is the value of rising above our differences and standing together in unity and solidarity. The message of Eid-ul-Adha, founded upon sharing and compassion, serves as a great example in our journey towards building a strong, peaceful, and prosperous Sri Lanka.

Therefore, setting aside narrow divisions, we must all resolve to act with respect and kindness towards one another and work together to create a society valued with peace and solidarity.

May this Hajji Festival bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and blessings to you all.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
28th of May 2026

The “Sadaham Abhiwandana” Vesak Bhakthi Gee programme, organized by the Welfare Association of the Vocational Education Division of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, was held on 27th of May at the auditorium of the Vocational Training Authority in Narahenpita under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Bakthi Gee Recital featured in commemoration of the three monumental events in the life of Gautama Buddha on Vesak Full Moon Poya Day while inspiring the devotion among listeners, were performed by officers of the Ministry.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Additional Secretary (Administration) Samanthi Mihidukula, Additional Secretary (Vocational Training) Samanthi Senanayake, and several others.

Prime Minis Media Division

The Director and Head of Division for External Economic Policy covering South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Mr. Tobias Pierlings, met with Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri at the Prime Minister’s Office today to discuss avenues for strengthening economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Germany.

Welcoming Mr. Pierlings, Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany toward Sri Lanka’s development and economic progress.

During the discussions, Mr. Pierlings highlighted the significance of the forthcoming Sri Lanka–German Business Forum 2026, organized by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka. The three-day forum is expected to bring together approximately 350 senior stakeholders, including policymakers, business leaders, industry associations, and experts representing a range of strategic sectors from both countries. He noted that the forum would serve as an important platform to deepen bilateral economic engagement and generate mutual benefits for Sri Lanka and Germany.

The meeting also focused on the emerging growth of the information technology sector as a major contributor to Sri Lanka’s export economy. Both parties indicated willingness to explore potential collaboration to further strengthen technological and innovation-driven partnerships.

The discussions further covered skills development and vocational training in Sri Lanka, with particular attention given to the contributions of the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute in advancing technical education and workforce development.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Dr. Felix Neumann, Ambassador of Germany to Sri Lanka, along with officials from the German Embassy. Representing the Sri Lankan side were Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

It has been revealed that fake news created using the name, photographs, and video footage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya along with the unauthorized use of official logos of various media institutions and news websites are being circulated on social media platforms.

Certain groups have published videos edited to appear as though the Prime Minister is expressing particular views, as well as fake social media posts featuring her photographs. Through such misleading content, false information has been circulated regarding various business and employment opportunities, as well as the country’s economy and tax policies.

These false stories have been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technological tools. As the Prime Minister’s Media Division, we kindly urge the public not to be deceived by such misinformation and to remain vigilant regarding these matters.

Legal action will be taken against all individuals who create and distribute such false news through social media in a manner that harms the Government and the reputation of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The newly equipped television studio, which had remained an incomplete component of the media complex constructed for the practical training of students at the University of Vocational Technology (UoVT), Ratmalana, was officially handed over to the students today (26 May) with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, following the installation of modern technological equipment and studio production facilities.

Following the opening of the television studio, several newly established affiliated centres aimed at expanding students’ practical and academic activities were also declared open.

Accordingly, a broadcasting studio providing opportunities for students to launch a range of educational services, including a web radio channel, an Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory, and a Centre for Gender, Equity and Equality were inaugurated during the occasion.

Coinciding with the event, several schools affected by the recent floods and other natural disasters were identified, and laptop computers were donated to support the uninterrupted continuation of the educational activities of students in those schools. In addition, the “UoVT Greening Policy,” formulated with a comprehensive understanding of technology and environmental interconnectivity, was officially launched during the occasion.

Following this policy, all construction and development activities within the university are expected to be carried out based on green concepts, with the goal of transforming the university into a carbon-neutral environmental unit by the year 2030.

One of the key objectives of this initiative is to encourage students pursuing vocational education to engage more actively in employment opportunities within industries that prioritise green concepts and sustainability.

Following the event, the Prime Minister also engaged in a discussion with representatives of the university student unions.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, Vice Chancellor of the University of Vocational Technology, Professor K.M.G. Prasanna Premadasa, along with several distinguished invitees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division