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

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya concluded a successful official visit to the United Kingdom from 18 to 22 May 2026.The visit was undertaken to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 and to advance bilateral, academic, and community engagement.

The Prime Minister commenced her programme with academic engagements at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, where she addressed the 60th anniversary celebration. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister reflected on the relationship between politics, governance, and development, drawing from Sri Lanka’s recent political and economic experiences. She emphasized the challenges of balancing governance, economic recovery, social protection, and institutional reform while responding to public expectations and maintaining democratic accountability. 

The Prime Minister subsequently delivered the 2026 Annual Lecture at the St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, organized by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA). Addressing the audience comprising students, academics, and researchers from across the University of Oxford, the Prime Minister reflected on the intersections of development, governance, and politics in Sri Lanka while discussing the broader realities faced by country attempting to achieve meaningful social and economic reform. During her visit to Oxford, she also engaged with scholars and Sri Lankan fellows of the Chevening CRISP programme.

During the visit, Prime Minister Amarasuriya held bilateral discussions with Rt Hon. Yvette Cooper Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom. During the discussions, Prime Minister Amarasuriya conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the United Kingdom’s support following Cyclone Ditwah, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance, and commended the UK’s continued efforts to facilitate increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka. She also briefed the UK side on Sri Lanka’s economic developments and policy priorities, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to human rights, reconciliation, and the country’s positive growth trajectory. Both sides exchanged views on global geopolitical developments, energy challenges, and regional connectivity, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

At a discussion with Rt Hon. Bridget Phillipson, UK Secretary of State for Education Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of sustaining meaningful institutional partnerships, enhancing quality assurance in higher education, and expanding opportunities for students and educators. Both sides reaffirmed the long-standing and historic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom in education and expressed interest in further deepening collaboration in student mobility, joint programmes, and research. 

The Prime Minister also met with academic experts from the British Council at the High Commission in London to discuss strengthening cooperation in education. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills. The meeting also addressed ways to improve quality assurance, expand research collaboration, and enhance learning opportunities for students and educators.

The Prime Minister attended the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 from 21 to 22 May 2026. She met with Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, at the Commonwealth Secretariat, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation within the Commonwealth framework, including climate change, climate finance, democratic governance, and women’s political participation. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s readiness to continue supporting Sri Lanka through technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and collaboration in areas including climate finance and electoral governance.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya visited the London Buddhist Vihara ahead of its upcoming centenary celebrations, where she met with the Most Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera, Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and Head of the London Buddhist Vihara and discussed the preparations for the celebrations and the Vihara’s longstanding contribution to the Sri Lankan community. She subsequently engaged with members of the Sri Lankan community at a separate community event.

Concluding her successful official visit to the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (23 May) via Bandaranaike International Airport.

Prime Minister’s Media Division