Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated in Parliament today (17) that the injustice done to religious traditions and to the people by cremating those who lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be justified.

The decision made by the previous government is completely unjustifiable. It was an extremely insensitive and cruel decision. The traditions followed after a death allow families to express their grief and alleviate their suffering. This is why such rituals hold religious significance.

These traditions are particularly important in uncertain times like the COVID pandemic. We cannot condone such a cruel decision during such a time. No political or other justification can make it acceptable. It  MORE >>

Her Excellency Ms. Qin Boyong, Vice-Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Vice Premier level, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister welcomed Ms. Qin Boyong and her delegation, appreciating the longstanding friendship and underscoring the importance of strengthening bilateral relations. Strengthening cooperation in disease control, sustainable developments, improving trade and cooperation in multilateral forums were discussed further.

Senior officials present included H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka; Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, MORE >>

Hon. Ms. Zhang Dongmei, Vice President of the All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF), met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss mutual efforts in women’s empowerment and development.

Dr. Amarasuriya welcomed Hon. Zhang and her delegation, commending the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and China. Discussions centered on shared challenges and opportunities in women’s health, education, and economic participation. Hon. Zhang highlighted China’s advancements, including increasing women’s workforce involvement and grassroots representation.

Senior officials from the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, including H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of China to Sri L MORE >>

H.E. Badli Hisham bin Adam, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss avenues for enhancing economic, cultural, and tourism ties between the two nations.

During the discussion, the high commissioner reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to the longstanding bilateral relationship. Discussions focused on investment opportunities, collaboration in sectors like telecommunications and automobile assembly, and promoting Sri Lankan tourism in Malaysia.

The Sri Lankan delegation at the meeting included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime MORE >>

Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for UNHCR’s contributions towards addressing refugee-related challenges in Sri Lanka.

Joining Ms. Menikdiwela at the meeting was Ms. Sanjitha Satyamurthy, Head of the UNHCR National Office in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government was represented by Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. B.W.G.C. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Ad MORE >>

His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office today. This meeting underscored the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between the two neighboring nations.

The discussions centered on the progress of numerous bilateral projects, which are currently at various stages of development.

The High Commission delegation accompanying H.E. Santosh Jha included senior officials from the High Commission of India. Representing Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. B.W.G.C. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minist MORE >>

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya received a courtesy call from Mrs. Anne-Marie Descôtes, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on strengthening the bilateral partnership between France and Sri Lanka.

Secretary-General Descôtes expressed France’s commitment to deepening the relationship between the two countries. The discussion highlighted the importance of the Regional Center for Maritime Studies (RCMS) agreement and explored opportunities for further cooperation in various areas.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized Sri Lanka’s desire to strengthen ties with France. The meeting identified key areas for potential cooperation; includin MORE >>

The Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) celebrated its 50th anniversary with the conferment of diplomas and degrees in international relations and related subjects. The event was held at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall under the distinguished patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The ceremony recognized the academic achievements of students who successfully completed certificate courses, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and postgraduate degrees in international studies.

The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Eva Abdullah, head of the Maldives policy think tank; former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, chairman of the BCIS; and Priyanthi MORE >>

Mr. Hari Menon, Country Director for India and Lead - Policy and Government Relations, Southeast Asia of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting commenced with Mr. Menon provided an overview of the Foundation’s work, focusing on areas such as health and nutrition, agriculture, urban sanitation, and women’s economic empowerment.

During the discussions, the Foundation highlighted its ongoing initiatives in Sri Lanka, particularly in “digital agriculture” and “digital public infrastructure”. These include funding for digital agriculture projects and technical assistance for public infrastructure MORE >>

Officials should deal with the public humanely as a group providing public services.

PrimeMinister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that policies should be formulated and decisions should be made based on data that is in the best interest of school children, and that officials should deal with the public humanely as a group providing public services.

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated this while participating in a workshop held at the Colombo Foundation Institute today (11) on “Preparing relevant strategies to transform the existing education system”.

Based on the points included in the new government’s policy st MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the government expresses its gratitude to the Chinese Government for providing uniforms to children in every school and Pirivena in the country for the year 2025.

The Prime Minister said this while participating in the event of the donation of school uniforms for the year 2025.

The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Qi Zhenhong, symbolically handed over the school uniforms received as a donation from the Chinese Government to the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, this afternoon (10) at the International Container Terminal at the Colombo Port.

The requirement for school uniforms MORE >>

“We are committed to building a future that protects the rights of all people”

Today, as we commemorate World Human Rights Day 2024, we are inspired by this year’s theme: “Our Rights, Our Future, Now.”

This theme is a call to action, reminding us that the protection and promotion of human rights are not just aspirations for a better tomorrow—they are vital responsibilities for today. Upholding the rights of every citizen is the cornerstone of a just society and the foundation for a future where dignity, equality, and freedom for all pave the way to prosperity.

As a nation, we stand united in our commitment to safeguarding these universal rights and ensuring justice and opportun MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that it is not enough to show discipline on the outside without being disciplined on the inside, and that the disciplined attitude prevailing in the Scout Movement is very important for the country.

Addressing the "National Scout Awards Ceremony - 2024" organized by the Sri Lanka Scout Association at Temple Trees, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the following.

574 adult scout leaders from all parts of Sri Lanka who have rendered excellent service to the Sri Lanka Scout Movement for more than 05 years as volunteers were awarded here. In order to improve the friendship with other countries of the world, 11 "INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP AWARDS" were also presented  MORE >>

Mr. Donald Lu, U.S. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations, addressing Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, and exploring opportunities for educational and governance collaboration.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, highlighting the importance of aligning the education system with economic needs to foster a skilled workforce. Discussions also addressed Sri Lanka’s IMF program and the role of international partnerships in stabilizing the economy.

The U.S. delegation MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the government’s commitment to reshaping the nation’s trajectory during her address at the Digital Library Conference 2024, organized by the National Science Foundation and held 6th of December at the Colombo Medical College.

While addressing the audience the Prime Minister stated "We believe that investment in research and development is critical for the government’s development agenda. Our aim is to redirect the country onto a new path, one based on research, evidence, and data, rather than continuing in the same direction as the past 75 years.

One of the greatest challenges we’ve faced in recent years is that, particularly at the highest levels of  MORE >>

His Excellency Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka (UAE), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, the Ambassador highlighted the public’s strong commitment to democratic principles. H.E. Khaled expressed pride in the longstanding friendship between the UAE and Sri Lanka and acknowledged the significant contributions of skilled and professional Sri Lankans working in the UAE.

The discussion was attended by Mr. Rashed Ali Al Mazrouei, Second Secretary of the Embassy. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahinda Gunarathne, A MORE >>

The Prime Minister’s Office organized a program to educate public servants on the importance of early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases. Held under the theme "A Healthy Workforce for a Healthy Nation", this health program aimed at raising awareness and promoting early detection among public servants. The event took place today (28) at the Main Hall of Temple Trees, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

This initiative provided a range of medical tests, including kidney function tests, blood sugar level assessments, cholesterol checks, dental examinations, and cervical cancer screenings. Both Western and indigenous medical practices were incorporated, ensuring a holistic app MORE >>

Ms. Hannan Sulieman, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday (November 26).

The Deputy Executive Director revisited key issues discussed in prior engagements, including child protection, malnutrition, and education.

Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director for UNICEF South Asia, Mr. Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, and Ms. Yuko Kusamichi, Regional Chief of Operations, attended the meeting. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahinda Gunarathna, Additional Secretary (Development), and Ms. Dilini Gunasekera, Director for UN & Human Rights a MORE >>