The history of the Sri Lankan labour movement is a remarkable journey, shaped over decades by the blood, sweat, and sacrifices made in the pursuit of rights, justice, and dignity.

Beginning with the printers’ strike of 1893, the working people of this country emerged as an organised force. Through the trade union movement led by A. E. Goonesinha and the emergence of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, the voice of labour gained political strength. The Railway Workers’ Strike of 1923 and the public service strike of 1947 reaffirmed that the true ’driving force’ behind the country’s economic and social transformation was its working people. I respectfully acknowledge the invaluable contributions of workers in the plantation sector, ports, railways, and across both the public and private sectors, whose dedication laid the foundation for many of the labour rights we benefit from today.

As we commemorate International Workers’ Day with dignity once again, we pay tribute to all working people across the world, including the heroic workers who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for an eight-hour workday in Chicago in 1886. This year’s May Day holds special significance as it is being celebrated under a government built through the power of the people, in honour of the entire working community of Sri Lanka.

Granting due respect to labour and safeguarding the rights of all working people are core policy commitments of our government. Accordingly, we remain dedicated to creating a fair and safe working environment by expanding existing services and implementing new programmes aimed at improving the living standards of working people.

Ensuring fair and equal access for all citizens is a fundamental objective of the government. Following that, it is our responsibility to create an environment in which everyone can lead a dignified professional life. Establishing a national social protection system that recognises unpaid labour and guarantees social security for unpaid labours is among the foremost priorities of our government.

On this May Day, we must reaffirm the importance of moving forward together in unity to build a country where all labour is valued, rights are protected, and equality prevails. With the strength and dedication of all working people, may we soon achieve the vision we all share: “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”

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

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, in the face of the turbulent global environment prevailing today, agriculture is confronting significant challenges, and that food security is a crucial factor affecting a country’s stability, sovereignty, and national security.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 28of April at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, while addressing the National Youth Agripreneur Showvase and B2B connect Conference organised under the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership Programme (SAPP), funded jointly by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Sri Lanka. The programme aims to empower rural youth to engage in agribusiness ventures.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister further stated:

I commend the organisers for successfully conducting this event despite the various challenges faced by the country.

You are playing an important role in both the agricultural sector and the national economy. I am happy to witness talented agri-entrepreneurs such as yourselves.

Food security, founded on agriculture, directly impacts a nation’s national security. Concepts such as ’Grow and Sell’ contribute significantly to strengthening the production economy.

During the COVID crisis, as well as amidst the current conflicts in the Middle East, it has become evident that if countries lack food security, their economies become vulnerable. Even a minor decision taken by leaders can disrupt supply chains.

Climate change also poses serious challenges to agriculture. When climatic and environmental conditions become difficult to predict, agriculture itself is threatened. In such a context, your contribution as agri-entrepreneurs goes beyond earning an income. It is also a direct contribution to the nation’s food security and, consequently, to national security. Your talents and innovations are important not only to yourselves, but to the people of the country as a whole.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude for the support extended by institutions such as IFAD and SAPP, and conveyed best wishes to the country’s creative entrepreneurial youth.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha; Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation D.P. Wickramasinghe; Additional Secretary of the Ministry Lathisha Priyanthi; Director of SAPP Sunimal Chandrasiri; and several other distinguished guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited and paid homage to the historic sacred city of Kataragama on 26 April.

Following the visit to the sacred Kataragama Kiriwehera Rajamaha Viharaya, the Prime Minister visited the Chief Incumbent, the Chief Sanghanayake of Ruhunu Magampattuwa, Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Nayaka Thero, and received blessings and engaged in religious observances at the historic Kiriwehera premises.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister attended the evening pooja at the historic Vishnu Kataragama Maha Devalaya. She also received blessings from the Maha Sangha, including the Chief Incumbent of Kataragama Sri Abhinawarama Viharaya, the Chief Judicial Sanghanayake of Ruhunu Magampattuwa, Shasthrapathi Venerable Kapugama Saranathissa Nayaka Thero.

This occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development R. M. Jayawardena, Monaragala District Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijeweera, proprietor of Horana Wasana Bakers Dayananda Bombuwala, Chairman of the Kataragama Pradeshiya Sabha H. M. Herath, and the Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Arachchige Thilina Madushanka, along with several others.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The “Avurudu Gathering,” organized by the Welfare Association of the Prime Minister’s Office, was held on April 25 at Temple Trees under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister extended New Year wishes to all, hoping for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead. She expressed appreciation for the dedication, commitment, and support rendered in service. The Prime Minister also stated that she wished everyone strength and courage to continue delivering greater service from the Prime Minister’s Office for the benefit of the people.

The “Avurudu Gathering,” organized by the Welfare Association of the Prime Minister’s Office, featured a range of traditional games and cultural performances throughout the day.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretaries, officers, and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the new education reforms will be introduced to Grade 6 in 2027, that necessary measures have already commenced to develop Piriven education, and that steps are being taken to formulate a national policy for higher education.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while paying respects to the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Abhidana Mahanayake Thero of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya, following the peace walk which commenced near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on April 24.

Speaking to the media afterwards, the Prime Minister stated:

It is a matter of happiness for us as a country that the internationally recognized peace walk is being held in Sri Lanka. At the same time, world peace is a shared aspiration of all of us, and therefore I am pleased to have the opportunity to be associated with this occasion.

While responding to questions raised by journalists, the Prime Minister further stated:

The government is taking the necessary legal action regarding the financial fraud that has taken place. Investigations have already commenced in this regard. International assistance has also been offered for the investigations. In particular, the Government of Australia has informed us of its willingness to support the investigative process, as stated by the Australian High Commissioner.

A democratic country needs an opposition. However, the opposition still seems not to understand what the people expect from it. As a result, they continue attempting to inconvenience the government by raising baseless arguments. They are making false allegations against ministers. They even said they would bring a no-confidence motion against me. I am also waiting for the opportunity to present my facts.

We are continuing the education reform process. We are also working to formulate a national policy for higher education. In addition, a committee has been appointed regarding medical education to carry forward future activities.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The third day of the “Walk for Peace” pilgrimage, which began from Dambulla to the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, commenced this morning (24) in front of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Maha Sangha of both monastic chapters. The Most Venerable Pannakara Thero, who previously led a 110-day peace walk in the United States from Texas to Washington covering ten states, arrived in Sri Lanka together with members of the Maha Sangha to lead this peace walk.

Prior to the commencement of the third day’s pilgrimage, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Maha Sangha, including Venerable Pannakara Thero, paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic and engaged in religious observances. Thereafter, the Maha Sangha chanted pirith and invoked blessings from a special platform set up near the Pattirippuwa of the Temple.

The third day’s peace walk, which commenced near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, will conclude at the Vidyawardhana Pirivena Pothgul Viharaya in Mawanella. The peace walk is scheduled to conclude on April 28.

The occasion was graced by the presence of members of the Maha Sangha of both monastic chapters, and attended by Central Province Governor S.B. Abayakoon, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara, public representatives, state officials, and a large gathering of devotees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division