Prime Minister Initiates Children into Learning at the Auspicious Time While Observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held today (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances. On this occasion, she received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Mr. Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, also participated on this occasion.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the Prime Minister participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them for the sharing of the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Marking the auspicious transition of the sun from one planet to another, and the arrival of the spring season following the harvest, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated by the people of Sri Lanka since ancient times, has dawned once again.

The New Year is not merely a festive occasion; it symbolizes a renewal of prosperity, unity, coexistence, and the strengthening of mutual relationships embedded within our cultural values.

On this occasion, I extend my wishes for a peaceful and prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year to all Sri Lankans who celebrate this occasion with their families and loved ones, observing customs at the auspicious time.

A unique feature of Sinhala and Tamil New Year is the way an entire nation comes together through a shared set of customs. Despite the demands and challenges of daily life, this season offers a valuable opportunity to move forward with renewed hope as families, communities and a nation.

The true blessing of the New Year lies in setting aside differences and grievances, and embracing a fresh beginning in a spirit of solidarity and goodwill. Especially in the face of ongoing global challenges, the courage, compassion and resilience shown by our people in facing various natural and economic hardships in recent times stand as an example to the world. It is our responsibility to carry forward that collective strength.

At this auspicious moment, I extend my greetings to our fellow Sri Lankans working overseas, who dedicate themselves to securing a better future for their families and for the country. In particular, I extend my thoughts for the safety and well-being of those living in the Middle East during these tumultuous times.

Let us resolve, with renewed determination to overcome obstacles and build a better and more prosperous nation. As we undertake in a significant social and political transformations, we remain committed to striving tirelessly towards a better future.

May this Sinhala and Tamil New Year be blessed with happiness and prosperity!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

A comfortable and safe public transport service is ensured for passengers.

The Colombo Central Bus Stand, which has a history of over six decades and had remained without a proper maintenance for many years, has now been renovated under the current government’s development programme and vested to the public. Following that, the Prime Minister undertook an inspection tour of the newly renovated Colombo Central Bus Stand.

Originally constructed in 1964, the bus stand was refurbished with modern facilities to meet current needs and was officially reopened to the public on April 8. The primary objective of this initiative is to provide passengers with a higher-quality and more comfortable transportation service.

During the renovation process, special attention has been given to the comfort and safety of women, which was commended by the Prime Minister. In particular, a modern rest area designed to ensure privacy for nursing mothers travelling from distant areas received special praise.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the newly introduced passenger seat reservation system and information services established to assist commuters. In addition, the modern surveillance unit and other security measures installed within the premises to ensure passenger safety were also inspected.

During the visit, the Prime Minister engaged in conversations with passengers at the bus stand and inquired about their views on the newly renovated facilities and the quality of transport services.

It was emphasized that the government’s objective is to transform public transportation into a safe, technologically advanced service that can be used with convenience by all citizens.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

LKR 2,162 million allocated for the renovation of Colombo Fort Railway Station

Marking a new turning point in the country’s public transport sector, the large-scale project to modernize the Colombo Fort Railway Station into an international-standard transport hub was officially launched on April 9 under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Implemented under the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, this “Railway Efficiency Improvement Project” is funded by the Asian Development Bank along with government allocations, with an investment exceeding LKR 2,162 million.

The development project, which is scheduled to be completed within the next 15 months, aims to provide a higher quality service to the hundreds of thousands of daily railway commuters. Key components of the project include: Introduction of modern automated ticketing systems to replace traditional methods, construction of modern electric lifts and overhead pedestrian bridges to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly, development of new building complexes to enhance passenger safety and installation of high-standard sanitation facilities.

Upon completion, the Colombo Fort Railway Station is expected to become a passenger-centered, efficient, and technologically advanced main transport hub.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a country without a developed public transport system cannot be considered a developed nation. She emphasized that the government’s policy is to build a sustainable transport system that enables children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to access services conveniently.

The event was attended by Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake; Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih; Deputy Ministers Prasanna Gunasena and Eranga Gunasekara; as well as Colombo Deputy Mayor Hemantha Weerasinghe and Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya, along with several senior officials from the ministry and the Department of Railways.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

On this occasion of Easter, which is devoutly celebrated by Christians to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death by crucifixion, I extend wishes for for a blessed Easter filled with peace, happiness, and blessings.

The message that the resurrection of Christ conveyed to the world is that light can overcome darkness, faith can conquer fear, and happiness can triumph over suffering.

It is natural and inevitable that we have to experience various challenges, hardships, and obstacles in our lives. Yet, the Easter message reminds us that no darkness endures forever, and that the dawn of hope is always followed by challenges. It inspires us to renew our lives and to move forward with unwavering determination.

As we observe Easter with great reverence, we cannot forget the sufferings endure by many due to the unfortunate conflict prevailing in the Middle East. On this sacred day of Easter, I believe for the dawn of a peaceful world where dialogue and understanding prevail over hatred and conflicts.

Guided by the message of love and peace preached by Christ, let us nurture our hearts with love, patience, and forgiveness. Let us join hands to build Sri Lanka as one family, founded on brotherhood and peace.

Blessed Easter!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister,
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
5th of April 2026

A society must be built in which the rights of all senior citizens are safeguarded, ensuring their safety, freedom, happiness, health, mobility, as well as their spiritual well-being.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a society must be built where all senior citizens can lead lives of safety, freedom, happiness, health, mobility, and spiritual well-being, with their rights safeguarded. She further emphasized that this is a responsibility shared by both the government and society.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on the 31st of March while virtually participating in the opening of the ’Silver Age Center,’ an Elder Care, Training and Research Centre constructed with modern facilities in Kataragama. The event was held at the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, located in the new Sethsiripaya building.

During the event, the Prime Minister was presented with a draft of regulations and guidelines related to the regulation of institutions that provide residential care for senior citizens, by representatives of the National Council for Senior Citizens.

Expressing her views further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

This project, which commenced in 2022, had been halted due to various reasons. However, we have now resumed the project and are pleased to hand it over to the public today.

One of the key commitments of our policy is to create a society that ensures safety and protects the rights of all. Everyone, from the young to the elderly, deserves to enjoy these rights, freedom, and happiness.

A significant portion of our population is rapidly transitioning into senior age. However, the age of 60 still represents an active stage of life where individuals can contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. Senior citizens have needs, as well as abilities and valuable experience. We must recognize that they can continue to engage with society and remain active contributors.

Institutions that provide services for senior citizens play a vital role, and maintaining them is a social responsibility. It is essential to ensure the rights and provision of necessary services for all senior citizens, whether they live within families, independently, or in institutional settings.

We must ensure access to healthcare, transportation, lifelong learning, freedom, happiness, and spiritual well-being for senior citizens, while safeguarding their rights.

We should move beyond the traditional concept of ’elderly homes’ and instead develop institutions that cater to the diverse needs of senior citizens, enabling them to spend their later years with dignity and respect.

The opening of the ’Silver Age Center,’ Elder Care, Training and Research Centre, was carried out by Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, R. M. Jayawardhana, along with regional public representatives and government officials. The occasion was attended virtually by the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage; Secretary to the Ministry, Sampath Manthrinayake; and other ministry officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division