The 75th anniversary celebration of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, was held on May 30 at the Taj Hotel in Colombo under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

As a recipient of an ICCR scholarship, the academic experience I received in India had a significant impact on my life. It was not merely structured education, it was a valuable opportunity to understand the depth and diversity of Indian etiquette, culture, and intellectual traditions. Moreover, the cultural relationship between Sri Lanka and India is deeply rooted.

The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) established i MORE >>

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Mr. Radosław Sikorski, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on May 29.

The Prime Minister welcomed the visiting delegation and expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Poland. The two sides engaged in a productive discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding collaboration in several key areas, including economic development, labour mobility, high-end tourism, and the implementation of digital administrative systems.

During the discussion, Minister Sikorski assured that immediate action would be taken to resolve visa-related challenges currently faced b MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that today’s young professionals must play a more active role in matters related to the national significance.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Organization of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPASL), held today (29) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.

During the event, senior members of the OPASL were appreciated, and a commemorative stamp marking the 50th anniversary was issued under the patronage of the Prime Minister.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that the OPASL has made continuous efforts over the past fiv MORE >>

Considering the need of providing a qualitative and quantitative solution to the prevailing drinking water issues faced by the Ruwanwella, Bulathkohupitiya, and Yatiyantota Divisional Secretariat areas in the Kegalle District, the first phase of the Ruwanwella Water Supply Project was officially handed over to the public today (29), under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

A total of USD 25.5 million has been spent on this project, which includes the construction of a water purification facility with a daily capacity of 4,000 cubic meters.

The second phase of this project is already underway and is expected to be completed by the year 2028.

Following the unveiling of the plaq MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the emphasis on evaluation in governance, accountability, and policy-making is a positive trend.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the Evaluation Conclave 2025 and the summit for the Future of Evaluation held on May 27, at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Colombo.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister stated that the increasing emphasis on evaluation in governance, accountability, and policy-making is a positive trend, and that it is a pleasure to witness the diverse participation at the event.

Highlighting the summit as a platform for a wide range of stakeholders including governments, the United Nations, Members of Parliamen MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held two high-level diplomatic meetings on May 27, at Temple Trees, engaging with visiting dignitaries from the Vatican and New Zealand.

The Prime Minister received His Excellency Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, Ambassador of the Vatican (Apostolic Nuncio) to Sri Lanka, for a farewell call marking the conclusion of his tenure in the country. The Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for Ambassador Udaigwe’s dedicated service and his significant contributions toward strengthening relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See. She highlighted the importance of 2025 as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two states and commended the Ambassador’s efforts in foster MORE >>

Principals should take necessary action as soon as such incidents are reported.

Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya states that there is an increase in violence faced by children in schools, that violence against school children should not be allowed to occur, and that principals should take necessary immediate action as soon as such incidents are reported.

The Prime Minister emphasized this at a programme held at the Ministry of Education on 27.05.2025 to inform principals in the Colombo District on this matter.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya pointed out that children are a fundamental responsibility of a Governme MORE >>

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that many women silently endure pain and distress due to the societal stigma about menstruation, which is a completely natural biological process and emphasized the need to address this matter to protect women from this situation.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the “Period Proud 2025” conference held today at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo under the project titled “Collective Action Against Period Poverty (CAAPP).”

Addressing the event, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated that

menstruation should not be something women to be ashamed of as it is a natural biological process and emphasized that the menstrual health  MORE >>

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ms. Malini Fonseka, the queen of Sri Lankan cinema, whose extraordinary talent and enduring contributions greatly enriched the national cinematic industry.

She graced her acting with more than a hundred renowned films including Nidhanaya, Siripala and Ranmenika, Bambaru Avith, Aradhana, and Hingana Kolla, leaving an indelible mark with her exceptional performances, and her remarkable artistry was honored by the Special Jury Award at the Moscow International Film Festival as well as numerous Sarasaviya Awards.

The unforgettable characters she brought to life and the commitment she demonstrated in contributing to a refined art form like cinema stand as a real-life testament  MORE >>

Offer your service with compassion.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is taking necessary actions to enhance the facilities and professional standard within the healthcare sector, and that expecting a compassionate discharge of duties from the nurses and midwives.

Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a ceremony held today (24) at Temple Trees to deliver the officially appointments to 3,147 nurses in the health sector.

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

I extend my best wishes to all those who embark on a new journey in life joining the public service as nurses today. Among the many professions in the worl MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government has no intention of acquiring the lands owned by the people of the Northern and Eastern provinces and that the aim of the government is to promptly return land ownership to those who rightfully own them.

The prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held today (23) in the Committee Room No. 1 of Parliament in regards to resolving the issues related to land ownership faced by the people of the Northern and Eastern provinces.

Members of Parliament representing the North and East pointed out that there is a prevailing suspicion among the public due to the procedures followed by previous governments in clarifying land ownership i MORE >>

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held a meeting on 22nd of May at the Parliament with H.E. Ms. Julie J. Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Ms. Maureen Hsia, Acting Mission Director and Programme Office Director for USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives. The courtesy call focused on the evolving framework of U.S. foreign assistance to Sri Lanka and potential avenues for sustained cooperation.

The delegation briefed the Prime Minister on the recent three-month moratorium imposed on all foreign assistance by the United States, pending a comprehensive review by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Discussions centered on the implications of this decision, particularly its potential impact on key development i MORE >>

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, met today with Mr. Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, at the Parliament, to reaffirm and enhance the ongoing partnership between the Government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations system.

During the meeting, Mr. Franche reiterated the UN’s continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s priorities in areas such as social protection, healthcare, and reconciliation. Mr. Franche also briefed the Prime Minister on the upcoming official visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, scheduled for June 2025.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the necessity of crafting a reconciliation proc MORE >>

Sri Lankan tea, known for generations as ’Ceylon Tea’ carries behind it a heritage and a success story like no other.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the International Tea Day, Tea for Harmony: Yaji 2025 China-Sri Lanka Cultural Gala event held 21st May at Marino Beach hotel in Colombo.

This event organized by China Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka, Department of Cultural and Tourism of XiZang Autonomous region - China, Ministry of culture and tourism -China and Embassy of China in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated,

“It is a great pleasure to address you at the Tea for Harmony: Yaji 2025 China–Sri Lanka Cultural MORE >>

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is committed to safeguarding religious and cultural heritage.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending a ceremony of donating tablet computers containing electronic versions of the Tripitaka and printed Tripitaka texts to 60 university Bhikkhus organized by the Buddha Sravaka Caring Centre in Padukka under the concept of Venerable Kurupita Dhammananda Thero today (21) at the premises of Temple Trees.

During the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented the tablets with the electronic Tripitaka to the Maha Sangha.

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

There is a shortage of 40,000 Teachers Island wide.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that there is currently a shortage of 40,000 teachers across the country, and that the government expects to recruit a certain number of the required vacancies by the end of this year.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament today (21), while responding to a question raised by the member of the opposition, Mujibur Rahuman.

The Prime Minister further stated:

There are currently 4,240 teacher vacancies in the Sinhala medium and 2,827 in the Tamil medium for Grades 1 to 5 in government schools. The number of vacancies form Grades 6 to 11 reported 11,274 in the Sinhala medium an MORE >>

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the recruitment of trainee teachers has been carried out in accordance with the prevailing system, and some issues have arisen due to the shortcomings of the existing system that are now being addressed.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament today (20) while responding to a question raised by the Opposition.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:

The decisions to recruit the trainee teachers are made by the existing vacancies of teachers due to retirement of current teachers and the differences in subject curriculum in remote areas, thereby carefully calculating the teacher vacancies based on subject requireme MORE >>