Student Welfare in the University System Requires Urgent Attention - Deputy Minister of Higher Education Dr. Madura Seneviratne

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the need for immediate measures to minimize the challenges faced by university students.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a discussion held on January 2 with officials from the University Grants Commission (UGC), following concerns raised by Deputy Minister of Higher Education Dr. Madura Seneviratne regarding the welfare and education of university students.

Dr. Amarasuriya directed UGC officials to investigate and address vacancies impacting students’ education and highlighted the underutilization of fu MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, also the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, emphasized the importance of establishing a unified education system for all children in the country under a common examination framework. She stated that education is a priority for the government and plays an important role in driving the nation’s progress.

Speaking at a meeting with provincial education heads at Temple Trees on January 2, the Prime Minister outlined the government’s vision for a transformative era. She remarked:

"Education is a very sensitive topic. When implementing such a transformation, we must act with agreement and understanding to avoid potential crises. While  MORE >>

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, emphasized that 2025 should be a year of fulfilling the hopes of the people by adhering to the pledges made as public servants.

The Prime Minister made this statement during the inauguration of the new year at the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, as well as its Vocational Education Division and the University Grants Commission. During her visit, the Prime Minister toured all units of the ministry premises and addressed the challenges faced by officials in their duties.

In her address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated: “Building a country cannot be achieved MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated her appreciation for the support extended by public servants in recent months and emphasized the importance of everyone dedicating themselves with greater effort and enthusiasm to fulfilling the services that the government is responsible for providing to the people in the new year.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while inaugurating the operations of the Prime Minister’s Office in conjunction with the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, launched today under the patronage of President Anura Dissanayake.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister’s Secretary, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, remarked: "We have been entrusted with a significant responsibility to deliver the ch MORE >>

This year has been a truly transformative year for us Sri Lankans. The citizens of this country have chosen change: a clean and people centered political culture and empathetic society, unity as opposed to division.

As a responsible government, we remain committed to uplifting the nation in various critical areas, including the economy, industry, and education. Our vision is to create a future where every citizen can live a peaceful, free, dignified and fulfilling life, transcending barriers of race, gender, ethnicity, or religion.

We have had several opportunities in the past to unite as a nation, but we failed to fully realize the benefits of those moments. However, we must now ensure that this opportunity is MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that children studying in the Advanced Level should be investigated for their absence from school and emphasized that no child should miss out on educational opportunities for any reason.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during an observation tour of the Maharagama National Institute of Education.

Speaking further, Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted the concerning trend of declining attendance in Advanced Level classrooms, particularly among boys, and noted that increasing numbers of students are withdrawing from the education system. She stressed that education should be accessible to every child, free from social or economic barriers, ensuring opportunities for hig MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya paid her respects by leaving a note in the condolence book opened by the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka to honor the late former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, at the High Commission on Galle Road, Colombo 03, today (30).

As a mark of respect for Dr. Manmohan Singh, India has declared a seven-day period of state mourning from 26 December 2024 to 1 January 2025. In parallel, the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka will keep the condolence book open from 30 December 2024 (today) to 1 January 2025.

Prime Minister’s Media Division MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of both local and global labor markets is a key objective of the government’s development vision.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 27th December at the Bandaranaike memorial International Conference Hall during the certificate awarding ceremony for students who completed diploma programs under the Sri Lanka Vocational Training Authority.

At the event, certificates were awarded to 761 young individuals who successfully completed diploma courses across thirteen subjects.

Speaking further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated: “For a country, a nation, or a s MORE >>

H.E. Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta to Sri Lanka based in New Delhi, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo. This meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to deepening bilateral relations as they approach the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic partnership in 2025.

During the discussion, high commissioner Reuben Gauci underscored Malta’s dedication to strengthening collaboration with Sri Lanka. In turn, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya acknowledged the opportunities for enhanced cooperation and emphasized the importance of creating employment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s IT and tourism sectors, highlighting the nation&r MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya affirmed the government’s commitment to creating a suitable environment for all individuals to live a happy and quality life, free from discrimination.

Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya made this statement on 27th December, during a ceremony held in the Batariwatta, Moratuwa, to inaugurate the first phase of a housing project funded by Chinese financial assistance amounting to Rs. 22 billion. This initiative aims to enhance the living standards of low-income families.

The project envisions the construction of 1,996 houses under Chinese financial assistance. The phase inaugurated in the Batariwatta area, Moratuwa, will provide 575 houses for low-income earners, while th MORE >>

As we celebrate this joyous season, let us take a moment to reflect on the true essence of Christmas togetherness, gratitude, and peace.

In this time of transition and rebuilding for our nation, the importance of spending quality time with family and friends cannot be overstated. Coming together, sharing meals, and supporting one another strengthens not only our bonds but also our resilience. These moments remind us that building a healthy community and a strong nation begins at home.

We also acknowledge those who cannot be with their loved ones during this festive season. To those working far from home, both within our country and overseas, to support their families, and to the essential service workers who su MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the Chinese Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" at the Port of Colombo this morning (December 24) as part of its Mission Harmony-2024 initiative. The visit was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Qi Zhenhong and the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr.Pradeep Saputhanthri.

The Peace Ark arrived at the Port of Colombo on December 21 and will provide free medical examinations and treatment services to the people of Sri Lanka from December 22 to December 27, 2024.

During her visit, the Prime Minister commended the humanitarian efforts of the Peace Ark and expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for extending this gesture of goodwill to the Sri La MORE >>

Her Excellency Ms. Steluta Arhire, Ambassador of Romania to Sri Lanka, paid a farewell visit to the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office on 23 December marking the conclusion of her tenure in Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed her appreciation to Ambassador Arhire for her dedicated efforts in strengthening the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Romania. The Prime Minister commended the Ambassador’s contributions and conveyed her best wishes for Ms. Arhire’s future endeavors. Dr. Amarasuriya also reaffirmed her commitment to further enhancing the close ties between the two nations in the years to come.

Also present at the MORE >>

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, met with Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Sri Lanka Resident Mission, at the Prime Minister’s Office today. The discussions underscored ADB’s role as a key development partner and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing Sri Lanka’s national development priorities.

During the discussion Prime Minister emphasized the importance of developing school infrastructure, teacher training, and assessment mechanisms. ADB reaffirmed its commitment to addressing challenges in the education sector through ongoing projects, including initiatives to enhance teacher and principal training.

 MORE >>

The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, welcomed H.E.May-Elin Stener, the Ambassador of Norway to Sri Lanka, during a courtesy call at the Prime Minister’s Office today.

The discussion focused on fostering a collaborative partnership between the two nations, with key topics including poverty alleviation, social protection measures, tax reforms, renewable energy, and employment generation. Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of transforming Sri Lanka’s education system and highlighted ongoing efforts to digitize governance for improved public service delivery.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both the Norwegian Embassy and the Sri Lankan government, including Mr. Pradee MORE >>

Develop a proper system to regulate private degree institutions

The gap between schools should be closed

The people are demanding a comprehensive transformation beyond education reforms, the gap between schools should be closed and a systematic program is needed to regulate private degree institutions, said the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister said this during discussions with senior officials of institutions affiliated to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, namely the Asian Teacher Development Center, the National Education Commission, and the Non-Governmental Higher Educa MORE >>

A meeting was held today (18th) at the Prime Minister’s Office between Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister and a delegation led by Mr. Yuan Ruidong, Counselor of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

During the meeting the commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, particularly in enhancing human capital development and economic growth was discussed. Further, exploring potential areas for future collaboration between the Sri Lankan and Chinese governments were discussed under the framework of the Silk Road Village to Village Initiative and the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiatives MORE >>

The Opposition is Creating Issues That Even the Chinese Government Does Not Have and Spreading False Opinions Through the Media

The Opposition is Focusing on Educational Qualifications Because There is No Theft in the Government

The opposition is engaged in a narrow political agenda by focusing on educational qualifications because there is no theft in the current government, said Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the Parliamentary debate on the supplementary estimate to provide an allowance for school children to purchase stationery.

Speaking further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:< MORE >>