Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that overcoming the economic crisis alone should not be the country’s ultimate goal, and that a broad economic and institutional transformation is essential to ensure Sri Lanka’s sustainable progress.
The Prime Minister made these remarks on August 11 in Colombo while participating in the inauguration of the 39th Annual Convention of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA).
The convention was held under the theme “ENVISIONING SRI LANKA : BEYOND RECOVERY.” During the event, the OPA Journal was presented to the Prime Minister, while the official logo of the 39th Annual Convention was also unveiled.
Addressing at the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:
The past few years have been a challenging period for our country and its people. Sri Lanka faced numerous economic, social and institutional challenges. As a result, public confidence was weakened, while a significant sense of uncertainty emerged regarding the country’s future.
However, as we look towards the future, we need to clearly understand that overcoming the crisis cannot be our ultimate goal. Recovery only provides the foundation. A country can move forward sustainably only if that foundation is used to bring about a significant change, a transformation.
The theme of this year’s convention, “Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond recovery” clearly reflects this idea. Our goal should not be limited to simply returning to normalcy. It should be to build a country with strong institutions, a resilient economy, quality public services, and an environment in which every citizen has the opportunity to move forward.
Instead of returning to where we were, our primary objective should be to build a country capable of facing any challenge, driven by innovation and founded on fairness for all. This cannot be achieved through economic growth or physical development alone. Transparent governance, together with the effective use of the country’s knowledge and professional expertise, is essential. This is why professional organisations such as the OPA have an important responsibility to fulfil.
The contribution of professionals is vital to progress in every sector of our country. The development of a country is determined not only by its physical resources, but also by the extent to which the knowledge, skills and experience of its people are effectively utilised for the benefit of the nation. At this juncture, cooperation between the Government and the professional community are particularly important.
As a Government, we believe that the perspectives of professionals with evidence based knowledge, data and practical experience are essential to developing sound policies. A policy should not be something that remains confined to paper. It must have a positive impact on the daily lives of the people. We live in a rapidly changing world, where developments such as artificial intelligence, digital technology and climate change are taking the world in new directions.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that, in addition to technical expertise, every professional must uphold social responsibility and ethical leadership. At a time when misinformation spreads rapidly, professionals have a key responsibility to express their views based on evidence and scientific knowledge, while safeguarding democratic values.
The occasion was attended by the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, Chairman of Advocata Institute Murtaza Jafferjee, OPA President Jayanthi Gallehewa, incoming President and Convention Committee Chairman Thisara de Silva, General Secretary Engineer Ravi Rupasinghe, and members of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister’s Media Division