The representatives from the International Monitory Find (IMF) met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on the 30th of June at Temple Trees to review Sri Lanka’s economic progress and discuss the country’s priorities for the next phase of development.

Welcoming the IMF delegation, the Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for the continued support extended by the IMF to Sri Lanka over the past one and a half years emphasizing the importance of maintaining a constructive partnership ahead.

The Prime Minister noted that, amid growing global uncertainties, Sri Lanka must continuously recalibrate its direction to ensure sustainable progress. She highlighted the need to pay particular attention to sectors that are highly influenced by global trends, including energy, ports, and agriculture, while strengthening the country’s resilience to external shocks.

The IMF representatives commended Sri Lanka’s remarkable economic turnaround, acknowledging the significant progress achieved in stabilizing the economy, including the substantial reduction in inflation. They also recognized the challenges posed by the uncertain global economic environment and assured the Government that Sri Lanka is not alone in facing these challenges. The IMF reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting Sri Lanka through partnership in line with the country’s priorities.

The discussions also focused on the importance of trade, attracting investment, strengthening social protection, promoting inclusive economic growth, and developing infrastructure.

The Prime Minister noted that economic growth and social protection must advance together, as neither can succeed in isolation. The Prime Minister noted that achieving this balance, requires stronge public infrastructure, particularly in areas such as waste management and sewerage systems. The Prime Minister further underscored the importance of addressing the existing human resource gaps affecting effective service delivery.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Director, Asia and Pacific Department, IMF Ms. Sonali Jain-Chandra, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Resident Representative to Sri Lanka, Ms. Martha Woldemichael, and Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Senior Deputy Governor Central Bank Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala and Members of Central Bank, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The representatives of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 30 June at Temple Trees.

Welcoming the UNFPA delegation, the Prime Minister commended the organization’s continued partnership and support in advancing initiatives related to women’s health and gender equality.

During the discussion, the UNFPA representatives acknowledged that gender-based violence remains a significant challenge and outlined the organization’s ongoing efforts to develop comprehensive policy solutions to address the issue.

The Prime Minister noted that while Sri Lanka has made significant progress in a number of key indicators, it is essential to sustain these achievements and continue advancing them. The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of delivering integrated services, enhancing coordination among donors, and increasing awareness of reproductive health services, particularly among the younger generation.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Aleksandar Sasha Bodiroza, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Phuntsho Wangyel, Representative a.i. including UNFPA Delegation, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Shasika Somaratne, Director General, UN & HR Division and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime minister’s Media

The “Anubudu Vandana” Poson Zone, organized by the Boralesgamuwa Urban Council was ceremonially inaugurated under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the historic Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya on 29 June.

Upon her arrival at the historic Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, the Prime Minister visited the Chief Incumbent, the Most Venerable Bellanwila Dhammarathana Nayaka Thero. The Prime then proceeded to the sacred Bodhi Maluwa, where she took part in religious observances and received blessings.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister officially declared the “Anubudu Vandana” Poson Zone open to the public by ceremonially illuminating the festival.

The Prime Minister also attended a Bakthi Gee performance presented by Dhamma school students.

The event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Chairman of the Boralesgamuwa Urban Council Nishantha Wedamulla, other distinguished invitees, local residents, and a large gathering of devotees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that true national development is achieved not merely through the advancement of physical infrastructure and material resources, but by fostering and strengthening a sense of national identity, moral values, and cultural bonds within the hearts of every citizen.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the inaugural ceremony of the “Anubuddhabhi Vandana” Divulapitiya Poson Grand Perahera , organized for the first time jointly by the Divulapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha and the Divulapitiya Divisional Secretariat, as the Chief Guest on June 28.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister stated:

“With the arrival of Arahant Mahinda Thero in Sri Lanka, we were blessed with the noble teachings of the Buddha and inherited a rich cultural heritage, noble values, and a system of governance inspired by the Dasa Raja Dharma (the Ten Royal Virtues). It was through the light of the Dhamma that our ancestors were able to demonstrate their ingenuity to the world by creating magnificent irrigation systems and towering stupas.

Festivals such as the Anubuddhabhi Vandana Poson Grand Perahera, modelled on the sacred Sri Dalada Perahera, the country’s foremost cultural festival and a unique cultural tradition of global significance, make a significant contribution to the holistic national development our country seeks to achieve.

By preserving and showcasing Sri Lanka’s proud perahera tradition through such celebrations to the world, we nurture a generation that respects others, values unity, and works collectively towards common goals with a shared sense of purpose.”

The event was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Gampaha District Members of Parliament Dharmapriya Wijesinghe and Hemamali Weerasekara, the Chairman and members of the Divulapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha, the Divisional Secretary, government officials, and a large gathering of local residents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The “Poson to Colombo too’” National Scout Poson Zone, organized for the first time by the Sri Lanka Scout Association, was inaugurated in Colombo on 28 June 2026 under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Poson Zone has been organized under the concept of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with the coordination of the Presidential Secretariat and the support of both the public and private sectors.

Religious observances were conducted under the guidance of the Chief Incumbent of Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero. Following the presentation of the ceremonial casket containing the inauguration message, the Prime Minister officially declared the Poson Zone open.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of further expanding the Scout Movement within the school system and appreciated the service rendered to society through religious and community-based programmes of this nature.

The Poson Zone will remain open to the public on 28 and 29 June, from 6.00 p.m. to 1.00 a.m. The Zone extends across the areas including the Sri Lanka Scout Headquarters on Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 02, the Lake House Roundabout to the Sri Lanka Police Headquarters Roundabout.

The occasion was attended by the President of the Sri Lanka Scout Association Ransiri Perera, Chief Commissioner Attorney-at-Law Manoj Nanayakkara, the Commanders of the Tri-Forces and the Police, government officials, and invitees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Poson Full Moon Poya Day, commemorated in remembrance of the Dhamma mission of Arahant Mahinda Thero in establishing the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka, is a sacred day that reminds us of spiritual awakening, wisdom, and social harmony.

Poson Poya Day is significant not only as a religious observance in Sri Lankan history, but also it is a symbol of transformation of culture, moral way of life and thinking of an entire nation. Buddhist philosophy introduced to the country through the arrival of Arahant Mahinda Thero in Sri Lanka, has shaped our national identity for centuries.

Poson Poya Day reminds us that true development begins within the human mind. By uphelding a society on the noble values of compassion, empathy, equality, discipline, and responsibility, we can achieve the shared vision of building a peaceful, fair, and prosperous Sri Lanka.

Today, our country is embarking on a journey with a renewed hope. In order to mark the success of this journey, economic progress let alone is not sufficient. We also need a society grounded on moral values. The true essence of the Poson Poya Day that upholds the morality, non-violence, and compassion serves as a guiding light toward the government’s vision of building a disciplined and prosperous society.

On this sacred occasion of Poson Full Moon Poya Day, I extend my wishes for all Buddhist devotees for peace, wisdom, and prosperity.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka