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

A discussion on accelerating recovery measures and providing relief to those affected by the Cyclone Ditwah was held on March 28 at Temple Trees, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and civil society organizations.

During the meeting, a brief report on the current status of government measures including compensation payments through District Secretariats and information related to safety camps was presented to the Prime Minister by the Chief of Staff to the President and Commissioner General of Essential Services, Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi.

Special attention was given to the concerns of the estate sector Estate sector Malaiyaha Tamil community affected by the cyclone, particularly those without legal land ownership, in accessing government relief and compensation. Attention was also drawn to the need for a policy decision in coordination with the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure regarding this matter.

It was further stated by the Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Engineer L. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta , that plans have been made to accelerate the recovery process related to damages caused by the disaster in 2025. These include the construction of 20,000 new houses, the renovation of 115,000 partially damaged houses, and the provision of financial assistance amounting to Rs. 5 million for individuals who already possess safe land to build a house. Additionally, there are plans to construct apartment complexes with public facilities in major urban areas.

Officials further emphasized that the physical, psychological, and social well-being of affected communities especially women, children, and persons with special needs will continue to assess through civil society organizations, special committees, and sub-committees.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the efforts to rebuild damaged housing have focused on constructing homes in locations that are more suitable and equipped with urban public facilities over the past four months, stressing the importance of maintaining continuous communication with communities and ensuring that reconstruction takes place in safer locations that are less vulnerable to future disasters.

The discussion was attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Chief of Staff to the President and Commissioner General of Essential Services Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Engineer L. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. K.C. Dharmathilaka, co-conveners Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi and Mr. Gawthaman Balavan, along with representatives from 33 civil society organizations.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the book launch ceremony of “Intimidated?” authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Head of Department at the National University of Singapore, held on 28 March 2026 at the Lotus Hall of BMICH.

Authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the book “Intimidated?” reflects on contemporary global and personal challenges, innovation, and the importance of resilience, offering readers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective grounded in academic experience and global exposure. The publication, along with its English translation, was ceremonially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Congratulating the author on this important publication, the Prime Minister stated that such scholarly work plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, particularly students and young researchers, to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation in shaping a progressive and inclusive educational environment in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also ceremonially launched the programme to distribute 5,000 copies of the book free of charge to students and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of making knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Mr. Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, family members of Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, university Vice Chancellors, professors and lecturers, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, and invited guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held today (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.

A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and the competition was participated over 500 students, who presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.

Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:

In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.

Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork.

Sri Lanka’s participation for the first time in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.

Prime Minister’s Media Division