Venerable Walpola Vimalagnana Thero was conferred the title of Mahanayaka

The ceremonial occasion of presenting the Sri Sannas Patra to the Most Venerable Panditha Walpola Vimalagnana Mahanayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Peliyagoda Gangaramaya and Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja, Dhammasenapathi, and Bhashanthara Visharada, conferring the title of Mahanayaka of the Ariyawansa Saddhamma Yukthika Chapter of the Maha Viharavanshika Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, was held on June 06 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The ceremonial occasion was held under the patronage of the Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithree Moorthi Nayaka Thero, Mahanayaka of the Maha Viharavanshika Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya. D MORE >>

The Open University is the only state university that enables working people to pursue higher education at any stage of their lives. – Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Open University is the only university within the state higher education system that allows working people to enroll in higher education at any stage of their lives, and that the Government is committed to supporting and strengthening this institution.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a discussion held on June 05 with the academic staff, administrative officers, and public officials at the Kurunegala Regional Centre of the Open University.

The meeting focused on finding permanent solutions to several issues faced by the Kurunegala Regional Centre for a long time of period, including the lack of adequate space. Discussions were held on allocating  MORE >>

As a government, we are committed to ensuring the quality of Early Childhood Education. - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that preschool education is considered the most critical stage in shaping a child’s future educational journey, and the government is committed to ensuring quality of Early Childhood Education. The Prime Minister further emphasized the need for proper supervision and monitoring of early childhood education programmes across all provinces.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a certificate awarding ceremony held on June 05 at the Kurunegala Provincial Council Auditorium for diploma holders of the 2023/2024 Preschool Teacher Training Diploma Programme conducted by the North Western Presc MORE >>

The process of empowering the school teaching and learning process with digital devices is carried out based on special student protection criteria and policies - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, stated that a main component of new educational reform process is to create a younger generation equiped with technology by empowering the school teaching and learning process with digital devices, and that a special program is being prepared to carry out this digitalization process based on student protection criteria and policies related to digitalization.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the national ceremony held at NW/Ibbagamuwa Kiribamuna Vidyalaya to hand over the smart boards given to secondary schools under the program to digitalize the education system, following an educational monit MORE >>

World Environment Day Message

The environment is the foundation of our livelihood. It is the responsibility of the government to bequeath a secure, prosperous, and green planet to future generations.

In line with the global theme, “Urgent Climate Action,” and guided by the vision of “A Sustainable Biosphere – An Evergreen Life,” Sri Lanka commemorates World Environment Day this year at a critical moment. Drawing lessons from the climate-related challenges we have recently experienced, special attention has been directed toward protecting the water catchment areas of the central highlands and restoring ecosystems.

Under the theme “Dalulanna Idadenna” ( Let it Bloom), the Ministry of Environment has organized a series of program MORE >>

UNICEF Executive Board Delegation Meets Prime Minister

Following the 3-day visit to Sri Lanka, the Executive Board delegation of the United States Children’s Fund (UNICEF) met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 04th of June at the Temple Trees premises.

Welcoming the delegation, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expressed her appreciation for UNICEF’s continued support to Sri Lanka, particularly in advancing the rights and well-being of children. She also commended UNICEF’s timely assistance and recovery efforts extended in response to Cyclone Ditwah.

Discussions focused on strengthening legal protections for children, including measures to prevent all forms of violence against children and address child malnutrition.
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Praja Shakthi Programme Exemplifies the Democratic characteristics of a People-Centred Governance – Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The Objective of this Initiative is to Develop Villages on their unique economic strengths

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Praja Shakthi Programme represents the democratic characteristics of a people-centred governance and that its objective is to develop villages by identifying and strengthening the unique economic patterns of each area.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the inaugural ceremony of the rehabilitation and recultivation project of abandoned paddy fields, implemented by the Praja Shakthi Development Council of the Nampamunuwa Grama Niladhari Division on June 2. The programme marked the launch of the Colombo District component of the “Gam Dahasak Weda  MORE >>

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya Opens ’Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Zone and Vesak Celebrations in Piliyandala and Kolonnawa

The Buddha Rashmi Vesak Festival in Colombo, organized under the guidance of Venerable Kirinde Assaji Thero of the Gangaramaya Temple, was officially inaugurated under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Following the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister also participated in the opening of the dansala held within the Gangaramaya Temple premises.

Later in the afternoon of 31 May, the Prime Minister attended the inauguration of the Sri Sarvajna Sacred Relic Exhibition held at the Dharma Shasthrodaya Pirivena Temple in Piliyandala. Upon arriving at the temple, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya paid her respects to the Chief Incumbent and received blessings. She then offered gilanpasa to the Sacred Relics  MORE >>

Prime Minister Delivers Bishop Cyril Abeynayake Memorial Lecture, Calling for Transformative Education Reforms to Combat Inequality and AI Challenges

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered the Bishop Cyril Abeynayake Memorial Lecture at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, addressing a distinguished gathering on the theme, “Shaping the Future of Education in 21st Century Sri Lanka and Beyond.” Attending the memorial ceremony on 30 May at the invitation of the Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo, the Prime Minister highlighted Sri Lanka’s rich tradition of multi-faith collaboration and plurality, as embodied by the Anglican Church.

In her address, the Prime Minister re-evaluated the historical trajectory of Sri Lanka’s educational policy. She referenced the landmark 1971 ILO Seers Report, which diagnosed the country’s economic challenges  MORE >>

Prime Minister Opens Two Vesak Pandals in observance of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day

Marking the Vesak Full Moon Poya Day observed on today - 30th May 2026, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the ceremonial occasions of opening of two Vesak pandals erected in Colombo.

Following the opening of Vesak pandal depicting the “Sambula Jataka”, organized by the Sri Vaishakya Society of the Magazine United Traders of Borella, the Prime Minister attended the opening of the pandal of the “Samudra Vanija Jataka” at Kosgas Junction, Grandpass, where she ceremonially lit the traditional oil lamp to inaugurate the illumination of the pandal.

The event was graced by the presence of members of the Maha Sangha, clergy representing other religions, and attended by the Members of Parliam MORE >>

Vesak Day Message from the Prime Minister

It is an honor to extend Vesak day felicitations to all citizens of the nation during this sacred period in which lives are shaped in accordance with the noble teachings preached by the Lord Buddha, and upholding the practice of Dhamma.

Just as the external world is illuminated by lanterns, this Vesak season should also be an opportunity to illuminate our own hearts with compassion, kindness, and wisdom. Let us dispel the roots of greed, hatred, and delusion, and transform our lives into a nobel period that brings peace and serenity.

“abhittharetha kal‍yāṇē” – Let us hasten towards the common good. The theme for this year’s State Vesak festival reflects the social needs of the present time. Wh MORE >>

Courtesy call on Prime Minister by H.E. the Ambassador of Holy See to Sri Lanka

Ambassador designated of Holy See to Sri Lanka H.E. Monsignor Andrzej Jozwowicz paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister on 29 May 2026 at Temple Trees Premises.

Welcoming H.E. Monsignor Andrzej Jozwowicz, Apostolic Nuncio, the Prime Minister extended congratulations and best wishes to His Excellency on his appointment as the Apostolic Nuncio (Ambassador) of the Holy See to Sri Lanka conveying appreciation for the longstanding friendship and spiritual solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka over the past five decades.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between two nations through the continued engagement.

The occasion was attended by the Se MORE >>

Prime Minister and United Nations Resident Coordinator Discuss Post-Ditwah Recovery and Humanitarian Cooperation

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Mr. Marc-André Franche, at Temple Trees(29 May) to discuss post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery efforts and continued humanitarian cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Nations.

Particular attention was drawn to the Humanitarian Priority Plan (HPP), launched in December 2025 to support communities affected by the cyclone. The initiative concluded on 30 April 2026 after providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations across 25 districts through the collective efforts of 81 partner organizations.

The discussions highlighted the Government recognized the substantial international support mobilized throu MORE >>

Sri Lanka’s strength lies in its position as an open, reliable, and constructive partner committed to regional cooperation and international engagement. - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Building on the development and the expanding framework of trade, investment and governance reforms, Sri Lanka continues to create new platforms for international economic engagement.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the main conference of the Sri Lankan-German Business Forum 2026 as the Chief Guest on 28 th of May at ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo.

Organised by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) with the support of the German Embassy in Colombo, the three-day forum is aimed at promoting Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in the maritime and logistics sectors.

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Message of Felicitations from the Hon. Prime Minister on the Occasion of Hajji Festival

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 un MORE >>

The “Sadaham Abhiwandana” Vesak Bhakthi Gee Recital Held Under the Patronage of the Prime Minister

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 Kal MORE >>

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 met with Secretary to the Prime Minister

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  MORE >>