I extend my wishes to all Muslim devotees in Sri Lanka and around the world who celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the completion of a month of devoted fasting and spiritual discipline.

The season of Ramadan is not merely about fasting; it is a time to nurture the human values of patience, sacrifice, and empathy towards others. It is also important, especially today, that these values are not confined to personal life alone but are applied for the betterment of the nation.

The diversity within our country is a strength. The message of brotherhood and coexistence taught by Ramadan inspires us, as Sri Lankans, to stand united under one flag. Sustainable peace and prosperity in our country depend on strengthening religious and cultural bonds while fostering mutual trust and respect among all communities.

As we celebrate Ramadan in a spirit of unity, we must also turn our attention to those suffering due to conflicts around the world. In particular, we express our deepest concern over the extremely difficult and painful circumstances faced by people, including Muslim communities, amidst the unfortunate conflicts in the Middle East. At a time when human rights and humanitarian values are under threat, it is both the responsibility and the collective hope of the global community to provide urgent relief to those affected by the horrors of war, and to work towards establishing peace and stability in those regions.

Amidst these global challenges, standing together and supporting one another in a spirit of brotherhood forms a strong foundation for social stability. The spiritual discipline embodied in Ramadan will undoubtedly be a great source of strength for all of us as we strive to overcome present challenges and move forward as a prosperous nation.

On this noble day, which highlights social solidarity through acts of giving (Zakat), everyone should determine in building a compassionate and cooperative Sri Lanka. May this Ramadan festival mark the beginning of a life filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity for all.

Wishing you a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
21st of March 2026

The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated in Parliament on March 19 that the government aims to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of essential services, public services, and industries even during the current crisis. She also called on the opposition to support fulfilling the promises made to the public welfare.

Responding to a question raised by the Member of Parliament V. Radhakrishnan, the Prime Minister pointed out that there are numerous issues within the education sector of the estate community, with teacher shortages being a significant concern. She noted that over 23,000 teachers have been recruited to fill these vacancies in accordance with a court determination. She further stated that these issues are being raised at district-level discussions of the Ministry of Education and that steps are being taken to provide prompt solutions.

The Prime Minister further stated:

It is essential to focus on the current situation of the country and the challenges we face as a nation. After enduring a global pandemic, followed by an economic crisis and then a political crisis, the country had just begun to recover when the present situation emerged. At such a time, the opposition must deeply reflect on their responsibility. Unfortunately, opposition members are involved in futile attempts to topple the government with the aim of gaining power. They continue to create unnecessary fear among the public by fabricating weaknesses in governance and diplomacy.

Instead of presenting policies and gaining public trust through the democratic electoral system, the opposition appears intent on seizing power by any means, even if it leads the country toward destruction. The very groups that contributed to the country’s bankruptcy and economic instability are now conspiring to overthrow a democratically elected government, in order to evade allegations and investigations related to their past administrations.

Rather than helping to control the situation, the opposition seems intent on exacerbating the crisis. At times, due to their narrow political agendas, statements are made that even harm diplomatic relations.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that if the opposition seeks power, it should do so through democratic means by gaining the confidence of the people in elections. She stated that the current fuel crisis should not be misrepresented as a failure of the government, noting that it is a result of the global war situation. She added that within a short period of about twenty days since the onset of conflicts in the Middle East, the government has taken several correct decisions, resulting in Sri Lanka having one of the lowest fuel price revisions in South Asia.

Further commenting, the Prime Minister stated:

It is true that there may be some reduction in fuel supply in the future. Therefore, a QR code system was introduced to manage fuel consumption. We are continuing to streamline this system to minimize irregularities. Even in the face of this crisis, our objective is to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of essential services, public services, and industries. We also call upon the opposition to support the fulfillment of the promises made for the welfare of the people.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Steps have been taken to monitor the progress of the new education reform process introduced for Grade one.

It was emphasized at the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Education Reforms that actions are taken to initiate educational reforms for Grade 6 in 2027, and that steps have been taken to monitor the progress of the new education reform process of Grade one.

The Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Education Reforms gathered on the 17 th of March at Parliament under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the current progress of the new education reform process and the way forward.

During the meeting, the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewa stated that monitoring of the progress of the new education reform process introduced for Grade 1 in 2026 will be carried out in the future. He further noted that activity-based textbooks for the second and third school terms of Grade 1 are currently being prepared for printing, and that practical activity books for the second term are planned to be distributed to students after the school vacation in April.

Officials also emphasized that under the new education reforms, teacher training and training of trainers are currently being carried out, and that all modules relevant to Grade 6 are being thoroughly reviewed by specialized committees.

A special committee, with the participation of international experts, has been appointed to obtain recommendations on evaluation and assessment. It was also revealed that these experts are expected to visit Sri Lanka in the near future. Furthermore, following the instructions of the President, a Cabinet paper has been submitted to establish a National Steering Committee on Education, and steps will be taken to appoint district- and divisional-level steering committees in due course.

The meeting was attended by the Members of both the Government and the Opposition, along with officials from the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government’s objective is to ensure the environment for the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to function as an independent body, without influence from anyone, including Members of Parliament and Ministers.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the debate on the interim resolution concerning the determination of salaries and service conditions of the officers and employees of the Commission under the Anti-Corruption Act.

The Prime Minister stated:

Honourable Speaker, I consider the proposal presented today on determining the remuneration and service conditions of the officers and employees of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption to be highly important. Although the Anti-Corruption Act was passed in 2023, we only began to truly feel the presence of an active Commission from 2025.

Since then, we have had to experience a number of challenges in operationalizing the Commission. In particular, there were several obstacles, including limitations in recruiting officers, which hindered the Commission from functioning as required. It was necessary to establish several practical conditions, such as granting the Commission the freedom to determine allowances for its staff, to formulate the rules and regulations required for its operations, to recruit personnel, and to submit budget estimates relevant to its annual plans. At the time the new Director General assumed duties, there were over 4,000 investigation files within the Commission where investigations had been completed but cases had not yet been filed. Moreover, there were only about 31 legal officers.

Follow the adoption of this proposal, the Commission will be granted the authority to recruit officers, determine necessary allowances, and make independent decisions regarding financial matters. This will enable the Commission to effectively fulfill its intended mandate. This proposal plays a significant role in building a new political culture in our country, one that is anti-corruption and committed to a transparent public service that is free from bribery.

Further commenting, the Prime Minister also addressed the country’s response to the ongoing global energy crisis.

In the current global context, our economy and energy sector are facing multiple challenges. These conditions are constantly evolving and difficult to predict. However, it is our responsibility as a government to recognize these changes and manage their impact on our economy.

Following that, the Cabinet has decided yesterday to appoint four special committees. Accordingly, one committee will focus on ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential services to the public; while other will make decisions on maintaining public services through energy management within the public sector; a third will work with the Procurement Commission to identify new methods of energy procurement in addition to existing mechanisms; and a fourth will examine the social impacts arising from this situation, including its effects on vulnerable groups, and recommend fair solutions, relief measures, and welfare services.

This is a situation that we, as a country, must face collectively. The public service, the private sector, the political leadership regardless of party differences and the people of our country must come together to overcome this, just as we have faced previous challenges. We are confident that, we will be able to successfully face this situation through proper leadership and management, and by making timely decisions.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the freedom had long been limited to only a privileged segment of society, and that the government’s objective is to create opportunities for all citizens to equally experience and enjoy that freedom.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on the 15th of March while opening the multi-purpose development project associated with the Angunakolapelessa Tank, developed under the “Pohosath Gamak” programme of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment for public.

In parallel with the multi-purpose development project carried out associating the Angunakolapelessa Leisure Island, a boating facility and the Leisure Island cafeteria were also officially opened.

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

The multi-purpose development project associated with the Angunakolapelessa Tank has received voluntary support from the community for more than 700 days. It is extremely significant in this regard. With the funding from the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, the Angunakolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha, together with divisional councils, public safety committees, youth societies, trade associations, and many others in the community, was able to transform this site into a major development project within a remarkably short period of time.

This project serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when people unite collectively for a noble purpose. Developing a country is not a task that the government alone can accomplish.

When intellectuals, religious leaders, youth, entrepreneurs, and the public come together with strong and responsible leadership, we can build a nation so resilient that no hostile force will be able to weaken it.

People in rural communities who live demanding and hardworking lives also deserve to enjoy freedom. For a long time, freedom was limited to only a privileged segment of society. As a government committed to fostering a dignified cultural life for all citizens, it is important to create more spaces like this where people can relax, walk, enjoy themselves, and spend time with peace of mind.

The occasion was graced by the presence of the members of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannilage, other ministers and parliamentarians, government officials, and local residents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

When appointments or transfers are granted, accept the appointments and assume duties at the respective stations

Utilize the funds allocated for 2026 properly for school development projects

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that school events should be organized in a manner that does not place a financial burden on parents. She also emphasized that when appointments or transfers are granted, they should be accepted and duties should be assumed at the respective stations, while further noting that the funds allocated for the year 2026 should be properly utilized for school development activities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing discussions held on 15 th of March to brief teachers and principals from the Hambantota, Tangalle, and Walasmulla education zones regarding the new education reforms.

Speaking further, the Prime Minister stated:

In 2027, new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 and Grade 2. A committee has already been appointed to facilitate the inclusion of students currently in Grade 6 into the new education reforms. Future actions will be taken based on the recommendations of this committee.

Measures are already underway to improve school infrastructure, classroom development, and education reforms. Plans are being implemented to maintain 25–30 students per class in the primary section and up to 35 students in secondary classes. Students should not be admitted to schools outside the provisions of the relevant circulars under any circumstances.

When developing classrooms, the Engineering Division is currently preparing plans to ensure that they are suitable for practical and activity-based learning.

Certain issues in schools can be resolved at the Provincial Council and Local Government levels. We have proposed that improvements be carried out with proper quality standards from sanitation facilities to other renovations. Funds were allocated for school development in both 2025 and 2026. Structured committees should prepare systematic plans and submit them to the District Development Committee for approval. The allocated funds must be properly used for school development activities.

By 2026, arrangements will be made to provide smart boards and internet facilities to every school. Money should not be collected from parents for this purpose. Every school has an annual plan and a budget approved for that plan. Therefore, schools should not collect additional funds from parents beyond the approved allocations. In particular, school events must be organized in a way that does not impose a burden on parents.

For many years, teacher and principal vacancies have not been properly filled, which has created numerous issues. Following the conclusion of related legal proceedings, steps are now being taken to recruit over 23,000 individuals to the teaching service in a formal manner. The relevant examinations are scheduled to be held towards the end of April or the beginning of May.

Vacancies for principal service have already been gazetted. However, the number of applications received has been very limited. We understand that there are concerns regarding salary issues in the principal service, as well as broader salary disparities. Proposals regarding these matters are being submitted to the Salary Commission. At the same time, some individuals who demand teacher appointments through protests are unwilling to accept the appointments or transfers once they are granted. While we understand that there may be personal difficulties, individuals should first accept the appointment and assume duties. There is a misconception that political intervention can help secure a preferred location, which has contributed to the crisis in the education sector.

Some individuals remain in the same school as Deputy Principals without applying for principal vacancies. This should not happen. The principal service is a dignified profession. To enhance professional recognition, a report is currently being prepared through the Parliamentary Education Council to be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.

Regarding infrastructure development, proposals have been made for structural committees to forecast the conditions in each division and submit development plans accordingly.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that when addressing issues related to students, authorities should not wait for national policy decisions but instead work at the divisional and provincial levels to provide prompt solutions.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation Aravinda Senarath, Members of Parliament Nihal Galappaththi and Athula Welandagoda, along with provincial and zonal education officials, principals, teachers, and participants.

Prime Minister’s Media Division