Asian Development Bank to Support New Education Reforms

The representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have expressed their full support for the new education reforms undertaken by the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya alongside the current government.

These remarks have been made during a discussion held today (June 20) at Parliament premises between the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Mr. Takafumi Kadono, ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka, along with other ADB representatives

During the discussion, the Prime Minister explained the ADB representatives on the steps already taken for the new education reforms and the implementation of the new reforms for the upcoming year withi MORE >>

A meeting between the Prime Minister and UNICEF Representatives

A meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche, along with representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), was held today (20) at the Parliament.

During the discussion, matters concerning the ensuing peace and the promotion and protection of human rights in Sri Lanka, as well as sectors such as health, governance and financing, gender equality and women’s empowerment, education, economic revitalization, climate change, agriculture, and fisheries were addressed.

The meeting also focused on the future plans related to the projects proposed by UNICEF and the representatives of UNICEF emphasized their willingness  MORE >>

UN Presents the 2025 Human Development Report to the Prime Minister

The Human Development Report for the year 2025, issued under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was officially presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on June 19.

The theme of this year’s Human Development Report is "People and Capabilities in the Age of AI (Artificial Intelligence)." The report discusses how artificial intelligence should be used responsibly and ethically.

The primary objective of the report is to highlight how AI can be utilized to empower public imagination, and thereby contribute to shaping the economy of a country and society in the process of development.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratna, Sri Lanka MORE >>

Support of Maha Sangha is essential in Strengthening the Pirivena Education as a Model for All - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the support of the Maha Sangha is essential to establish Pirivena education as a model for all.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the 2025 National Pirivena Day celebration held June 19 at Temple Trees, in conjunction with the commemoration of the birth anniversary of the late Most Venerable Welivita Pindapathika Asarana Sarana Saranankara Sangharaja Thero, who pioneered the revitalization of Pirivena education as a central component of the national education system.

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

The need for an environmentally conscious, sensitive, and ethically grounded future MORE >>

’Innovation for Economic Transformation’

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the Serendipity Knowledge program, ’Innovation for Economic Transformation’ organized by Asian Development Bank (ADB) today (June 19) at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo.

The "Serendipity Knowledge Program" (SKOP) is ADB’s knowledge program dedicated to share knowledge on issues relevant to Sri Lanka alongside catalyze a long-term engagement among the government, international experts, and other stakeholders to support strengthening the national innovation ecosystem.

Delivering opening remarks, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the need of innovation for overcoming economic crisis and the middle income economic trap and noted MORE >>

It is a timely need to address the food loss and food insecurity. - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarsuriya

The Prime Minister participated in the High-Level Policy Dialogue entitled Beyond Waste: Optimizing Food, Water, and Energy for Better Nutrition in South Asia held on June 18 at the ITC Ratnadipa Hotel, Colombo.

The policy dialogue was co-hosted by the World Bank and the Government of Sri Lanka through the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Livelihood, with support from the Gates Foundation and other development partners.

The two-day dialogue aims to catalyze action on reducing food waste, enhancing nutrition, and promoting sustainable resource use across the region.

Delivering the keynote speech, the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, emphasized the urg MORE >>

Childcare is not solely a women’s issue - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

nabling women to balance work and caregiving is not only the right thing to do as it is essential for economic progress.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Childcare is not solely a women’s issue, it is an economic and policy issue and by enabling women to balance work and caregiving is not only the right thing to do but also it is essential for economic progress.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in a World Bank Group event for Childcare as an Enabler of Women’s Increased Economic Participation in Sri Lanka held today (17) at Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo.

The roundtable was mainly focused on how opportunities can be granted for women in MORE >>

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, hosted a special reception for the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus of Sri Lanka on 16 June 2025 at India House.

The event served as a platform to further strengthen parliamentary ties and promote collaboration on women’s empowerment and gender equality between Sri Lanka and India.

The reception was attended by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Minister of Women and Child Affairs and the chairperson of the women parliamentarian causus, Ms. Saroja Savithri Paulraj, along with several esteemed Members of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, representing both the government and the opposition.

Prime Minister’s Media Division MORE >>

Every principal should take initiative in implementing Clean Sri Lanka program in their School as a model for the whole nation. – Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Clean Sri Lanka should become a lifestyle for everyone in the country.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that every school principal should implement the Clean Sri Lanka program in their respective school as a model initiative for the entire nation, emphasizing that Clean Sri Lanka should become a lifestyle for everyone in the country.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (16th) while attending a progress review discussion held at the Temple Trees with officials from the Ministry of Education and the Clean Sri Lanka program. During the meeting, officials shared their experiences with practical examples and made presentations to the Prime Minister.

Addressing the discussion, Pri MORE >>

Prime Minister Meets IMF First Deputy Managing Director to Discuss Economic Recovery and Reform.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a high-level meeting with Dr. Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on June 16, at Temple Trees.

Welcoming Dr. Gopinath and the visiting IMF delegation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to working closely with international partners as Sri Lanka forges ahead on its path to economic recovery.

During the discussion, Dr. Gopinath commended the transparent and proactive approach of the new government to debt restructuring, noting that the significant progress made so far has strengthened international confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic revival.

She further highlight MORE >>

Steps are to be taken to develop the Tourism Industry by enhancing the Capacity of Local Tourism Service Providers. - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is working towards a tourism development initiative aimed at promoting tourism at rural level by strengthening the capacity of local tourism service providers.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the inaugural ceremony of the China–Sri Lanka–Maldives Tourism Forum, held on June 16 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo, under the theme "Connectivity and Collaborative Success along the Silk Road."

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:

The primary vision of this forum is not only to boost economic growth through the tourism industry but also to foster the connectio MORE >>

World Blood Donor Day Commemorated with the Participation of the Prime Minister

The National Commemorative Ceremony marking World Blood Donor Day, observed on June 14 at Temple Trees with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Coinciding with the event, a special appreciation ceremony was also held to honor blood donors.

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

The theme declared by the World Health Organization for this year is "Give Blood, Give Hope – Together we save lives." In Sri Lanka, approximately 85% of the annual blood requirement is fulfilled through the invaluable contribution of organizers of mobile blood donation campaigns. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to them.

Out of the 450,00 MORE >>

The 2025 Silver Screen Awards Ceremony held with the participation of the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The 2025 Silver Screen Awards Ceremony was held on June 13 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The aim of this year’s awards ceremony included appreciating artists who enriched the Sri Lankan cinema industry during the years 1970–1975. At the ceremony, renowned actress Iranganie Serasinghe was presented with the Sumith Bibile Memorial Gold Award by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also conferred awards to distinguished artists Padma Sri Kodikara, Dinesh Priyasad, and Indrani Perera.

Delivering the keynote address at the awards ceremony, the Prime Minister stated:

Honoring  MORE >>

The Prime Minister Participated in the Felicitation Ceremony for the launch of commemorative Volume “Upahara Manjari” Dedicated to J.B. Disanayaka

The felicitation ceremony to honor and the launch of the commemorative volume titled "Upahara Manjari" dedicated to Professor Emeritus Deshamanya J.B. Disanayaka was held on June 13 at the New Arts Theatre of the University of Colombo, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister stated that J.B. Disanayaka is an exceptional scholar among the many distinguished academics produced by Sri Lanka’s higher education sector, as his scholarly contributions extended beyond the university to reach the wider society.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Professor Disanayaka’s remarkable literary service, spanning over five decades as a university a MORE >>

Let us promote our country not only as a tourist destination, but also as a nation with a unique culinary identity. – Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that in a world where travelers seek not just destinations but experiences, it is important to elevate Sri Lanka as a country with a distinctive and appealing culinary tradition.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending as the Chief Guest to the inauguration ceremony of the Culinary Art Food Expo – 2025, South Asia’s premier culinary and hospitality exhibition, organized by the Chefs Guild of Lanka, held on June 13 at the BMICH premises.

The Prime Minister noted that food is never merely a source of nutrition, but also a powerful expression of culture, beautiful memories, local identity, and heritage of a country and further stated that Sri Lank MORE >>

By activating Vocational Training as a Strategy, it can be eradicated the Poverty and Clean the Economic Crisis. - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The primary reason why inexperienced labor force refrain from enrolling in vocational training is the lack of appealing environment in the training institutions.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the low engagement of inexperienced labor force in vocational training is largely due to the unattractiveness of training institutions and emphasized the need to address and rectify this situation.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in an awareness program held at the Orugodawatta Tech Institute which focused on the upcoming “Shrama Meheyuma” initiative, scheduled to be implemented islandwide on July 4, 2025, utilizing 311 national, district, and regional vocational training c MORE >>

Be Dedicated to Preventing Road Accidents, recognizing it as Your Responsibility to Save Lives – Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that preventing road accidents should be approached not merely as a legal obligation but as a personal responsibility to save lives while efforts must be undertaken with awareness and dedication, not just adherence to rules and regulations.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the inauguration ceremony of the awareness program held at Royal College, Colombo on road safety titled ’Take Care – Let’s Be Safe on the Road,’ organized jointly by the Clean Sri Lanka Program, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, and Sri Lanka Police.

Police officers should conduct awareness sessions on road accident prevention fo MORE >>