A discussion organized by the Ministry of Environment on the progress of the Parliamentary bill prepared to ensure the rights of indigenous community and to resolve existing legal issues regarding their fundamental rights was held at the Parliament Complex with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 22.01.2025.

Uruwarige Vanniyalaththo, the leader of Vedda community who participated in this discussion explained the historical value of their community and drew the attention of the Prime Minister to the issues they are currently facing. He further mentioned about the Indigenous Rights Act prepared in accordance with the United Nations Charter and pointed out that the issues faced by indigenous people in t MORE >>

Mr. Martin Raiser, Vice President for the South Asia Region of the World Bank, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss the country’s key development priorities. The meeting centered on education, gender equality, and regional inclusivity, highlighting the needs to address national challenges and drive sustainable progress.

A major focus of the discussion was enhancing access to quality education, particularly through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. Both parties emphasized the importance of aligning TVET with mainstream education to create diverse career pathways for students.

Another critical topic was gend MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that former governments that exploited the people for personal agendas find it difficult to comprehend a populist political culture. She made this statement while speaking on the first day (21) of the two-day debate in Parliament on the Clean Sri Lanka program.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who spoke further, said:

"Ever since the day Parliament convened, I have been wondering what the role of this opposition is and for what purpose this opposition is speaking. To understand what their plan is. They do not take the issues seriously. They shout for no reason, they have become an opposition that cannot understand the dignity of Parliament or what the parliamen MORE >>

All together with the Chinese New Year festival, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism jointly organized a celebration to mark the occasion in Colombo. The inaugural ceremony took place on January 19 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered a congratulatory message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, for the occasion of the Chinese New Year. The celebration was attended by former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Industry Minister Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma and other pol MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that it is the Government’s intention to provide justice to the people who are deprived of the same due to rewards and sponsorships. The Premier made this statement at the occasion of declaring the renovated Court of Appeal building to the public today (18).

The renovations of the building were carried out by the expense of People’s Republic of China in the form of a total donation.

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the symbolic importance of the Court of Appeal, calling it a testament to the country’s commitment to justice, fairness, and equality. She mentioned:

“This is more than just a building; it is a symbol  MORE >>

Mr. Charles Callanan, Director of the South Asia Multi-Country Office of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between UNOPS and the Government of Sri Lanka in key development areas. The meeting covered initiatives to enhance digitalization in critical sectors, improve governance, and address environmental and logistical challenges.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to modernize Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector through digital solutions to improve accessibility and efficiency. Mr. Callanan assured UNOPS’ support for this  MORE >>

H.E. Khalid Hamoud Nasser Alkahtani, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, and Mr. José Ignacio Sánchez Amor, Chief Observer of the Election Observation Mission of the European Union (EU) and Member of the European Parliament, met with the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office on 16th January.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s primary objective in the first two years is to uplift the economy. Areas such as trade, tourism, and administration are also being prioritized.

H.E. Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka, and the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka, accompanied Mr. Sánchez Am MORE >>

A special meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and members of the Voice of plantation people organization was held at the Prime Minister’s Office today (16).

In this meeting, issues related to fundamental rights including land, housing and education of Malaiyaha plantation workers, a marginalized community of Tamils living in the Southern and Western provinces of the country were discussed.

The Prime Minister paid special attention to the declaration of basic demands of the Malaiyaha people and said that she would directly intervene in the matter of education and vocational training facilities of their children. “The demands regarding infrastructure facilities, land and housing will be  MORE >>

The newly appointed Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, called on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office today (16).

At this first official meeting between them following his appointment as the Army Commander, Prime Minister congratulated Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo on his appointment as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.

Meanwhile, the first official meeting between Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and the Prime Minister following his appointment as the 26th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy also took place at the Prime Minister’s Office today (16). The Prime Minister congratulated Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda on his appoin MORE >>

The traditional Thai Pongal festival, a celebration of the harvest, was observed at the Prime Minister’s Office on January 14 under the auspices of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya.

The event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Thai Pongal, with traditional rituals such as the preparation of Pongal rice. The celebration also featured dance and singing performances by officials from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri, and several officials of the Prime Minister’s Office were attended to the celebration.

Priminister’s media Division MORE >>

The Thai Pongal festival, celebrated annually by the Hindu community in January, embodies the noble values of appreciation and gratitude. This festival serves to express gratitude to nature, particularly to the Sun God, for providing the energy essential for agricultural activities from sowing to harvest.

As creations of nature, we cannot progress without acknowledging its role in our lives. It is a fundamental human quality to be grateful for the blessings we receive from nature. Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture, with the significant responsibility of steering the nation toward a period of renewal. This requires structural, policy, and attitudinal changes. The government has undertaken this important process and is co MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the international leaders of the Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, at the Parliament Complex on January 10.

The Commander of the Salvation Army in Sri Lanka, Colonel Nihal Hettiarachchi, and several other representatives also participated in the event.

Prime Minister’s Media Division MORE >>

The newly appointed Heads of Mission of Sri Lanka met with the Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss avenues for strengthening diplomatic collaboration.

The discussions focused on expanding trade, tourism, and other key areas of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of enhancing trade relations and exploring new opportunities for Sri Lankan products in global markets. She highlighted the need to establish a stronger presence in emerging markets while promoting greater visibility for local industries to ensure sustainable economic growth.

The Heads of Mission delegation included Ms. R.S. Khan Azard, Ambassador-d MORE >>

The government has highlighted concerns about individuals conducting business in the country while on tourist visas. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that engaging in business activities on a tourist visa is not legally permitted, and the government will take appropriate legal action against such incidents.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in response to a question raised by an opposition member during the parliamentary session held on January 8.

She elaborated:

"The number of Israeli nationals who visited Sri Lanka last year was 25,514. The Department of Immigration and Emigration’s computer system records their arrivals as Israeli nationals, but it does not classify indiv MORE >>

While responding to a question raised during the parliamentary debate on 08th January regarding the Government’s programme to provide fertilizer subsidy to farmers, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is providing a fertilizer subsidy of Rs. 25,000 and free red powder fertilizer for the Maha season.

Speaking at the event, the Premier said that, the period for providing fertilizer subsidy to each District is from 1st of October 2024 to 1st of February 2025. The fertilizer subsidy of Rs. 25,000 will be provided in two phases, in instalments of Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 and the first instalment of Rs. 15,000 has already been provided. “The Government makes every effort to implement an effective s MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the Clean Sri Lanka programme is not something that should be implemented by force, but rather it should be based on the will and participation of all.

The Premier made this statement while responding to a question raised by a member of parliament during the parliamentary debate.

The Prime Minister further stated that, the main objectives of the Clean Sri Lanka programme are to set an example, motivate, guide and emphasize the need for change. “We hope to bring about positive changes in Sri Lankan society through this initiative. We strive to integrate and facilitate all efforts made in the country with social, moral and environmental principles to restore Sri L MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that steps have been taken to conduct examinations and resume the school term as normal from the beginning of 2026.

The Prime Minister made this statement while responding to a question raised in Parliament on January 8.

Speaking further, Dr. Amarasuriya mentioned,

“I would like to inform the House that the examination schedule conducted by the Sri Lanka Examinations Department is likely to be restored to its previous status from the start of 2026. Due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic crisis, social unrest, and transportation difficulties since 2020, the school year was extended. However, plans are in place to conclude t MORE >>

“Prathibhabhisheka” Womens Entrepreneur Awards 2024 was held at the Hilton Colombo on January 7th organized by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce Sri Lanka . Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest.

In this ceremony, Dr.Dilesha Perara was awarded as the Womens Entrepreneur of the year 2024.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, “Wonderful to see the talent the amazing skills the innovation that you added to our country and to our Industry. It’s lovely to see you all like this. Most important thing is these women leading their businesses as women owned women led operations.

Recent research by the International Labour Orga MORE >>