PRIME MINISTER CONVENES HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON DIGITALIZING EDUCATION FOR LEARNERS WITH DISABILITIES

A high-level discussion was held on 18th August under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister to strategically plan the digitalization of special education and expand assistive technology for learners with disabilities. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne and MP Sugath Wasantha, the Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to MODE Mr. Varuna C Dhanapala and Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa participated. Officials from ministries of education, health and rural development were present.

The discussion emphasized that the pilot must be planned in every detail, taking to account of sector-specific challenges, as poorly designed implementation could result MORE >>

Bellanwila Esala Perahera,A Living Religious and Cultural Heritage — Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that religious and cultural festivals such as the Bellanwila Esala Perahera play a significant role in preserving Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural heritage from generation to generation and keeping it alive for future generations.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the 76th annual Bellanwila Esala Perahera, held yesterday (15) at the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya.

The Prime Minister noted that the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya holds a significant place not only in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage but also in the preservation of the country’s cultural and artistic heritage. She said that an Esala Perahera is not merely a colourful cultu MORE >>

The spiritual guidance and support rendered by the Maha Sangha in strengthening social values provides an invaluable strength in the Government’s efforts - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the spiritual guidance rendered by the Maha Sangha and their support in strengthening values within society provide an invaluable strength for the Government’s efforts.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the ceremony to confer the title of Mahanayaka Thero of the Shyamopali Vanavasa Nikaya on the Most Venerable Mahakande Rathanapala Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Wathuruwila Vanavasa Sangha Headquarters and Director of the Sri Gnananda Vanavasa Maha Pirivena, held on August 15.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

The service rendered by the Most Venerable Mahakande Rathanapala Ther MORE >>

Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman Meets the Prime Minister

Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Pankaj Khimji, and the accompanying Omani delegation met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 13 August.

The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral trade between two countries and broadening investment, opportunities in Sri Lanka considering the prevailing favorable conditions in the country for business partnerships.

H.E. Pankaj Khimji expressed Oman’s interest in funding for selected projects while exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya welcomed increased Omani inves MORE >>

Education Reforms Aim to Move Beyond Exam-Centred Learning – Prime Minister Dr.Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the need to modernize Sri Lanka’s education and assessment systems to move beyond an examination-centred model and promote skills, creativity, experiential learning and holistic development.

The Prime Minister made these remarks Aug 12 at the public lecture “250 Years of Educational Excellence: Lessons from a Sri Lankan American,” delivered by Fulbright Specialist Dr. Priyanvada Abeywickrama in Colombo.The event was organized by the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, an autonomous, bi-national commission that has promoted mutual understanding and peace between the United States and Sri Lanka through academic, cultural and professional exchanges since 1952. MORE >>

Vocational Education Must Be Recognized as an Equal Pathway in Education - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr.Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that vocational and technical education must be recognized as an equally valuable and respected pathway within Sri Lanka’s national education system, as the Government marked the successful completion of the GIZ Vocational Training in Sri Lanka (VTSL) Phase II Project Aug 12 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo.

The project was implemented by GIZ with the support of the German Government through BMZ, in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), to strengthen Sri Lanka’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.

Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister expressed her appreciation to the Governments o MORE >>

Sri Lanka is always open to transparent, long-term investments. — Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The Government is committed to provide maximum support for responsible investments that uphold human rights and protect the environment.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that Sri Lanka’s doors are always open to transparent, long-term investments, and that the Government will provide maximum support for responsible investments that uphold human rights and protect the environment.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 12 August in Colombo while participating in the Asia-Pacific SDG Investment Forum, organised by the United Nations Global Compact and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the forum, held under the theme “Forward Faster Now,” Prime Minister Dr. Harini MORE >>

Representatives of JICA Meets Prime Minister

Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Shohei Hara, and the accompanying delegation met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 11 August at Temple Trees.

The Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for the longstanding support extended by JICA towards Sri Lanka’s development and particularly acknowledged Japan’s assistance during the recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

The discussion focused on Sri Lanka’s post-disaster recovery and reconstruction priorities, including the rehabilitation of roads, railways and other critical infrastructure. The importance of strengthening the country’s disaster preparedness, risk reduction and read MORE >>

Assistant Secretary-General of UN and UN Global Compact CEO Sanda Ojiambo Meets Prime Minister

Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, accompanied by a delegation, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 11 August at Temple Trees.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the SDG Investment Forum, convened as a part of “Forward Faster Now 2026”, the UN Global Compact’s flagship convening event for the Asia-Pacific region, organised in collaboration with the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI).

Welcoming the delegation, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya appreciated the initiatives l MORE >>

Egyptian Ambassador pays a Farewell Call on Prime Minister

H.E. Adel Ibrahim, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 11 August at Temple Trees.

Welcoming the Ambassador, the Prime Minister conveyed her appreciation for his dedicated service and contribution towards strengthening relations between Sri Lanka and Egypt during his tenure.

The discussion focused on further strengthening bilateral relations, with particular attention to opportunities for enhancing investment and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Egypt.

The attention was also drawn to the cooperation in the civil aviation sector, with both sides recognising the opportunities for further collaboration in th MORE >>

The contribution of Professionals is vital to Sri Lanka’s Broad Economic and Institutional Transformation for Sustainable Progress - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that overcoming the economic crisis alone should not be the country’s ultimate goal, and that a broad economic and institutional transformation is essential to ensure Sri Lanka’s sustainable progress.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on August 11 in Colombo while participating in the inauguration of the 39th Annual Convention of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA).

The convention was held under the theme “ENVISIONING SRI LANKA : BEYOND RECOVERY.” During the event, the OPA Journal was presented to the Prime Minister, while the official logo of the 39th Annual Convention was also unveiled.

Addressing a MORE >>

Complete All 2026 Development Projects Within the Next Three Months - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that all development projects commenced under the approved allocations for 2026 must be completed within the next three months.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a progress review discussion of the Colombo District Planning Committee held today (11) at the Colombo District Secretariat.

During the discussion, extensive attention was given to the progress of projects implemented by the Colombo District Secretariat, including the Decentralized Budget Programme, Rural Road Development Programme, “Praja Shakthi” Poverty Eradication Programme, and the programme aimed at fostering a culture of sports.

The meeting also reviewed t MORE >>

Government is Committed to safeguarding the Rights and Culture of Indigenous People

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says at World Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is committed to safeguarding the rights and culture of Indigenous people, noting that a draft Indigenous Peoples’ Act, which has been a longstanding request of the Vedda community, has been submitted to the Cabinet. The Prime Minister stated that further action would be taken following consultations with Indigenous representatives and all relevant institutions.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the World Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026 celebration held today (August 9) at the Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Museum premises in Damb MORE >>

The future of South Asia will not be determined solely by shifts in global power or economic competition. - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Sri Lanka’s own transformation remains a work in progress. We remain committed to building a transparent, accountable, inclusive, and compassionate state that governs not over its people, but with them.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the International Studies Association (ISA) – South Asia in World Politics (SAWP) Conference 2026, held in Colombo on 06th of August.

The conference, being held in Sri Lanka from 6 to 8 August under the theme “South Asia in a Changing International Order,” is the first to be hosted in Sri Lanka and in South Asia.

It has brought together leading scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of international rel MORE >>

The foundation of quality engineering lies in the ability to serve every member of society without discrimination.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the foundation of quality engineering lies in the ability to serve every member of society without discrimination.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the Pera Engineers’ Day Pinnacle 2026’ Engineering Excellence Awards Ceremony of the Alumni of University of Peradeniya held at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, on 05 August.

The event was organized to recognize distinguished professionals and entrepreneurs who are alumni of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, and who have made outstanding contributions to the engineering profession.

The Prime Minister presented Engineering Excellence Awards to the distinguished alu MORE >>

The Newly Appointed Commander of the Sri Lanka Army calls on Prime Minister

The newly appointed 26th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 05 August.

This was the first official meeting between the Prime Minister and the newly appointed Army Commander following his assumption of duties.

In keeping with the longstanding tradition of meeting the Prime Minister upon assuming office, Lieutenant General Premaratne visited Temple Trees, and exchanged commemorative mementoes with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya extended her congratulations to Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne on his appointment as the Commander MORE >>

Indian Foreign Secretary met with the Prime Minister to further strengthen Bilateral Cooperation two countries

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Foreign Secretary of the Government of India, Mr. Vikram Misri, and the accompanying delegation on 05 August at Temple Trees.

The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of education, with particular attention given to Sri Lanka’s ongoing education reforms. The Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the Government’s priorities in transforming the education sector, including initiatives to advance digital education and improve access to quality learning opportunities.

The meeting also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions in the two countries. Both sides exchanged views on expan MORE >>

Government Will Ensure the Infrastructure, Financial Support, and Institutional Linkages Required for Innovation and Research – Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is fully committed to providing the necessary infrastructure, financial assistance, and institutional collaboration required to promote innovation and research in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament today (August 5) while responding to several questions raised by Member of Parliament Dr. Janaka Senarathne.

Addressing the House, the Prime Minister explained that universities and state institutions are jointly operating Technology Incubation Centres to promote entrepreneurship and the commercialization of technology.

Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC) has established Technology Incubation MORE >>