His Excellency Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka (UAE), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, the Ambassador highlighted the public’s strong commitment to democratic principles. H.E. Khaled expressed pride in the longstanding friendship between the UAE and Sri Lanka and acknowledged the significant contributions of skilled and professional Sri Lankans working in the UAE.

The discussion was attended by Mr. Rashed Ali Al Mazrouei, Second Secretary of the Embassy. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahinda Gunarathne, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Yasoja K. Gunasekera, Additional Secretary - Middle East & Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister’s Office organized a program to educate public servants on the importance of early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases. Held under the theme "A Healthy Workforce for a Healthy Nation", this health program aimed at raising awareness and promoting early detection among public servants. The event took place today (28) at the Main Hall of Temple Trees, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

This initiative provided a range of medical tests, including kidney function tests, blood sugar level assessments, cholesterol checks, dental examinations, and cervical cancer screenings. Both Western and indigenous medical practices were incorporated, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare.

Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, along with Additional Secretaries Harsha Wijewardene, Mahinda Gunaratne, and a significant number of public officials participated in the event.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Ms. Hannan Sulieman, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday (November 26).

The Deputy Executive Director revisited key issues discussed in prior engagements, including child protection, malnutrition, and education.

Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director for UNICEF South Asia, Mr. Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, and Ms. Yuko Kusamichi, Regional Chief of Operations, attended the meeting. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahinda Gunarathna, Additional Secretary (Development), and Ms. Dilini Gunasekera, Director for UN & Human Rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Mr. David Sislen, Regional Country Director, World Bank for Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday (November 26)

Mr. Sislen engaged in discussions focused on the ongoing Debt Restructuring process, Sri Lanka’s Social Protection policy, government’s commitment to climate change mitigation & closing the gender pay gap.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka at the World Bank, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr. Mahinda Gunaratna, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Himali Bogodagedara, Director of the World Bank & IMF Division, Department of External Resources, Mr. Ranjith Gurusinghe, Deputy Director at the Department of External Resources, and Ms. Buddhika Wimalasena, Deputy Director of the Economic Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Yesterday (November 26), Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya received several ambassadors in courtesy calls at the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighting Sri Lanka’s strong diplomatic ties and fostering cooperation on various fronts.

His Excellency Adel Ibrahim, Ambassador of Egypt to Sri Lanka; His Excellency Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, Ambassador of Iran to Sri Lanka; His Excellency ISOMATA Akio, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka; and His Eminence Archbishop Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka, met with the Prime Minister to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

Each meeting was attended by senior representatives from the respective embassies and Sri Lankan government officials, including Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister. These discussions underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering diplomatic relationships while advancing mutual interests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Colombo, Sri Lanka – November 26, 2024

The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign was officially inaugurated yesterday, November 25, 2024, with a national event held at Town Hall , Colombo. This year’s campaign, themed “Towards a GBV-Free Sri Lanka: Safe Public Spaces for All”, commenced with a keynote address by the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, development partners, diplomats, civil society activists, and the media, united in their commitment to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) and create safe, inclusive public spaces in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister underscored the government’s commitment to addressing GBV through multi-sectoral collaboration and policy enforcement. She emphasized the importance of collective action, stating "Our vision for a GBV-free Sri Lanka begins with safe public spaces for all citizens. This campaign is not just symbolic—it is a call to action for every stakeholder to take concrete steps to eliminate gender-based violence."

A highlight of the event was the awareness walk from Independence Square to the Colombo Municipal Council, where participants carried banners and placards bearing powerful thematic messages. The walk symbolized solidarity and reinforced the urgent need for safer public spaces.

Key stakeholders, including representatives from the government, private sector, and civil society, took a collective pledge to adopt and implement zero-tolerance policies against GBV, reaffirming their dedication to the campaign’s goals. The Colombo Municipal Council building was illuminated in orange to mark the official start of the 16 Days of Activism, serving as a vibrant reminder of the country’s commitment to ending GBV.

Prime Minister’s Media Division