Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, on 11 March 2026, and held a bilateral discussion with **Yvonne Pinto, Director General of IRRI, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the field of rice research and sustainable agricultural development.

During the meeting, discussions centered on rice cultivation in Sri Lanka, including the key challenges faced by Sri Lankan paddy farmers. The Prime Minister highlighted issues affecting the sector such as productivity constraints, climate-related impacts, and the need to support farmers through improved agricultural practices and technological innovations.

Both sid MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of bilateral meetings with senior officials of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 10 March at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, during her official visit to the Philippines. The discussions focused on strengthening development cooperation between Sri Lanka and ADB, reviewing ongoing projects, and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

The Prime Minister first met with ADB President Masato Kanda. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the strong partnership between Sri Lanka and the Asian Development Bank. President Kanda welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit and commended Sri Lanka’s efforts to stabilise the economy and advance recovery following the r MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya participated in the International Women’s Day Flagship Event hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 10 March at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. The event brought together senior ADB leadership, representatives of the diplomatic community, and development partners to mark International Women’s Day and to reaffirm global commitments to gender equality. 

Delivering the keynote address, the Prime Minister highlighted the critical role of education in empowering women and girls, emphasising that equitable access to quality education remains one of the most powerful tools for achieving social and economic transformation. She underscored Sri Lanka’s longstanding commitm MORE >>

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of meetings with key Philippine institutions during her official visit to the Philippines from 09–11 March 2026, focusing on strengthening cooperation in education, higher education, technical skills development, and agricultural research.

On 09 March, the Prime Minister met with the Secretary of Education of the Philippines, Sonny Angara. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the education sector, including sharing best practices in education policy, teacher training, curriculum reforms, and digital learning initiatives. The Prime Minister also briefed the Philippine side on Sri Lanka’s ongoing education reforms aimed at moderniz MORE >>

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed for Manila, Philippines, at midnight on 8 March to undertake an official visit at the invitation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), where she will participate in events marking International Women’s Day.

Upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Dr. Chanaka Thalpahewa, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines, along with officials of the Government of the Philippines and representatives of the Asian Development Bank.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the International Women’s Day event hosted at the ADB Headquarters in Manila.
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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the political, economic, and social rights of women are not confined merely to laws or written documents, but are realized as a reality in the daily lives of every woman in the country.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating as the Chief Guest in the National Celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, held on March 8 at the Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium of the University of Ruhuna in Matara under the theme “The Pride of a Prosperous Country - She is the Nation’s Path Forward.”

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister further stated:
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I extend my greetings to all sisters and daughters in Sri Lanka and around the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

This year, the United Nations has declared the global theme for International Women’s Day as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the realization of rights, the delivery of justice, and meaningful action for all women and girls.

Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating w MORE >>

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that improving Bhikkhu education is not merely about producing graduates, and that the government’s objective is to nurture a generation of Bikkhu who stand for social justice and compassion, equipped with Dhamma, discipline, and scholarly learning.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the newly constructed multi-purpose auditorium complex at the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka in Anuradhapura, and the felicitation ceremony held in honour of the Atamasthanadhipathi Chief Incumbent on 07 of March.

Marking the opening of the new multi-purpose auditorium complex, the commemorative plaque was unveiled by Prime Minister Dr MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government has paid close attention to the salary anomalies prevailing within the teacher and principal services and that prompt solutions will be provided following extensive discussions held with trade unions.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions raised in Parliament today (06).

Presenting data on existing vacancies in the education sector, the Prime Minister explained the current situation.

There are 903 vacancies existing in the Sri Lanka Education Administrative Service (SLEAS) and 3,790 vacancies in Sri Lanka Principals’ Service (SLPS).

In order to fill the vacancies still remain due  MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya rejected the opposition’s allegations that the enforcement of emergency regulations has led to repression in the country, stating that such claims are baseless. She challenged the opposition to point out even a single specific incident of repression that has occurred during the past three months.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (06) in Parliament while responding to allegations raised by the opposition regarding the implementation of emergency regulations.

Speaking during the debate on regulations related to the maintenance of essential services, the Prime Minister further stated:

The government has not placed any restrictions on the democr MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that establishing a National Care policy is essential in achieving a fair Society where it values Women’s Labour and a care Economy.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament on 05th of March expressing her views on the proposal submitted by the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus advocating for the development of a National Care Policy.

Elaborating further, the Prime Minister stated:

On this International Women’s Day, I am truly pleased to have the opportunity to speak on the proposal presented by the Women’s Caucus advocating for a National Care Policy. It is particularly meaningful to me because six years ago, when I de MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the decline in the public service has been occurring over several years, primarily due to the failure to conduct recruitments in a proper and systematic manner. She emphasized that steps are now being taken to address these issues by ensuring that appointments to the public service are made based strictly on qualifications and in accordance with correct procedures.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to a question raised by Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake regarding the Government Printing Department, in Parliament on 04th of March.

Further elaborating, the Prime Minister stated that, as there is currently no departmental officer within the Gov MORE >>

A meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and officials of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was held on 2nd of March at the Ministry of Education to discuss the Human Resource Development for Education Project (HRDEP).

Discussions focused on enhancing the quality and relevance of senior secondary education, strengthening the quality of the educator workforce, and improving a plan for education sector management.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for strengthened technical capacity and skilled human resources in the process of digitalizing the education sector. The Prime Minister highlighted the Government’s focus on comprehensive system development, noting that the ultimate goal is to MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is undertaking a significant effort to lead the country towards a new transformative era, and that the guidance, advice, and support of members of the Maha Sangha and religious leaders, who carry out extensive social service for the people, are of immense importance to this endeavour.

The Prime Minister made these remarks March 01 at the Buttala Cultural Centre while attending the ceremony to present the Sannas Pathra to Venerable Gangodagama Wimalarathana Nayaka Thero, who was conferred the title of Sanghanayake of the three regions of Uva, Wellassa, and the Eastern.

The Prime Minister presented the Sannas Pathra to the newly appointed Chief Pr MORE >>

Submit all necessary requests for School Infrastructure Development accordingly

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that the necessary financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces. She emphasized that these funds must be utilized effectively for school development and requested that relevant authorities submit proposals to address existing shortcomings in school infrastructure.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a cordial meeting with Muslim women in the Wellawaya area who were celebrating Ramadan, held on 1st of March.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with the Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Wellassa regi MORE >>

We will not take any action to restrict student freedom. Student Unions must come forward to support the efforts in ending violence and ragging based on student activities

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a committee will be appointed to formulate a national policy on medical education, following requests by student unions emphasizing the need for such a policy. She also invited student unions to submit their views and proposals toward the formulating of this policy.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a discussion held on February 27 at Temple Trees with members of the Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee.

During the meeting, the Medical Faculty Students&rs MORE >>