Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government will take necessary measures to provide solutions without causing any injustice to the student of Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to a question raised by Member of Parliament Ramanathan Archchuna today (09) in Parliament.

The Prime Minister further stated:

The committee appointed for the purpose of investigating the issues relating to Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine. has submitted recommendations under two main solutions.

The first recommendation is to continue the existing courses of the university by affiliating them with other suitable universities or assigning students to similar courses available in other universities. The second recommendation is to maintain the university as it is, while providing the necessary resources and facilities to conduct the existing courses in a formal and qualitative manner.

Discussions are being held with the relevant parties to select the most appropriate recommendation from the two, and this will take some time.

It is the government’s expectation to provide solutions without causing injustice to any student. Therefore, steps will be taken to provide solutions expeditiously before the completion of the degree program of the first batch.

The committee has decided not to change the specializations of the existing course whichever recommendation is implemented from the above. If a certain course is conducted only in this university in Sri Lanka, discussions will be held with the relevant parties to provide more suitable specifications.

Respective consultations were held among the stakeholder ro appropriately revise the curricula of the BSc (Hons) in Indigenous Medicinal Resources and BHSc (Hons) in Indigenous Pharmaceutical Technology degree programs offered under the Faculty of Indigenous Health Sciences & Technology. The committee has also instructed that similar consultations be conducted for the other programs.

Measures are being taken to identify employers to ensure job opportunities related to the degree programs. For problematic programs without direct job opportunities, curricular revisions will be made or students will be assigned to programs that can ensure employment opportunities.

Currently the university is working to resolve the issue related to the inadequate infrastructure. Accordingly, the faculty currently located in Nugegoda will be relocated to a spacious building near the main university in Gampaha, while some departments of the Faculty of Indigenous Health Sciences & Technology will be shifted to another nearby location.

Instructions have been given to the University Grants Commission to temporarily suspend new admissions for the Faculty of Indigenous Health Sciences & Technology, the Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences & Management, and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

The Prime Minister further stated that investigations are being conducted into the irregularities committed in the recruitment process of academic staff, and legal action will be taken in this regards.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The national program to introduce 100 new Young Inventor Clubs into the school system, organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, was held on September 8 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chishantha Abeysena.

At this event, the official commencement of establishing the School Young Inventor Clubs was symbolically marked by presenting Innovation Tokens to nine schools representing all provinces of the country by the Prime Minister.

Key topics discussed during the event included the potential contribution of innovation promotion to the national economy, opportunities and challenges in school-based innovation, the role of teachers in establishing School Young Inventor Clubs, the importance of obtaining patents for inventions, the significance of educational reforms, and the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in contributing to a creative workforce for the nation.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of creating a new generation that is capable of seeking solutions to global challenges and she further highlighted the need for a new education system that goes beyond the traditional framework. The Prime Minister also stated that the value of an innovator is not determined by educational qualifications, academic degrees, or the number of patents they hold, but rather by the contribution they make toward building a better society.

The Prime Minister further noted that it is the responsibility of the government to create an enabling environment and to promote socially responsible, compassionate, and humanitarian innovators who have a sense of empathy and accountability toward society.

The Prime Minister further stated:

What we need is not merely a generation that knows about data. We need a generation with the creative intelligence to question the accuracy and reliability of that data, to see things differently, and to use information to change the world. We need people with curiosity about the world, people who can think outside of the box, looking at things in a new way, and pursuing knowledge, information, and data with purpose.

Addressing the event, Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena remarked that innovation should be advanced as a priority, with key responsibilities resting on both the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education. He further noted that the country’s most valuable resource is its younger generation who envision a future for the nation by engaging in innovative work. He assured that the government is committed to providing their support for children in their pursuit of innovation.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the University Grants Commission Senior Prof. Kapila Senewiratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Science and Technology Mr. W. L. Mohamed Nawawi, Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission Prof. Werenja Karunaratne, as well as invited guests, principals, teachers, and groups of school children engaged in innovation.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the President of World Aquatics and Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia ,Captain Husain Al Musallam on September 8 at the Prime Minister’s office.

During the discussion, President of World Aquatics and Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia Captain Husain Al Musallam emphasized the corporation between the government and the sport sector for the development and the betterment of the Athletes and sport sector. He further highlighted the need to introduce relevant legislation in addressing the existing issues relevant to Sport Law.

The Prime Minister also stated the importance of promoting Sports for Health, wellbeing of school children and the community. She noted that the Government is invested in prioritizing the development of sports infrastructure, ensuring zero tolerance for corruption protecting athletes, and placing a special focus on female participation. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister further stressed that the development of aquatic sports will be advanced in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

The meeting was also attended by the President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) Mr. Suresh Subramaniam.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

On this blessed occasion of celebrating the noble birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all Muslim devotees in Sri Lanka and across the world.

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad are not confined merely to a religious framework but stand as a universal set of humanitarian principles dedicated to the well-being of all humankind. In particular, his guidance on social justice, equality, compassion towards the oppressed, and the accountability of rulers is more relevant to contemporary society than ever before.

His noble message was a revolutionary proclamation against the unjust, tribal, and corrupt social order that prevailed at the time. It embodied a noble vision of a society where all individuals could live with dignity, free from exploitation by one another. At this juncture, when we as a nation aspire for social transformation, those ideals of fair governance, free from corruption and inequality, provide us with immense strength and inspiration.

While respectfully recalling the historic contribution made by the Muslim community towards the progress of Sri Lanka, I invite all citizens to unite in building a humane, and prosperous nation, inspired by the noble teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

May this Milad-un-Nabi be a day filled with peace and happiness for all!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
5th September 2025

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with Ms. Maria Tripodi, Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, on 4 September at Temple Trees.

Discussions focused on enhancing political consultations, expanding trade and investment cooperation, promoting tourism, and strengthening cultural and educational exchanges. The Prime Minister emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to building a resilient economy, upholding public trust, and advancing a corruption-free, stable nation. She also underlined the importance of relations with the European Union, appreciated the longstanding friendship with Italy, and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s support in international forums. Ms. Tripodi commended Sri Lanka’s recent progress, and reiterated Italy’s continued support. 

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. The Italian delegation included H.E. Damiano Francovig, Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka, along with senior officers. The Sri Lankan delegation comprised Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director General, Europe & North America Division and Ms. Isurika Karunarathna, Director, Europe & North America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the critical importance of child-focused public financing, noting that “Government budgets are among the most powerful instruments for realizing the rights and well-being of children as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. As responsible governments, we must ensure that public finance serves as a catalyst for advancing the rights of every child and securing their future.”

She made these remarks while addressing the two-day program on “Financing What Matters: Strengthening Public Financial Management for Inclusive Social Outcomes for Children and Families”, a Regional Knowledge Exchange held on 3rd and 4th September at NH Collection in Colombo under the EU-UNICEF Public Finance Facility. The event, implemented by UNICEF and supported by the European Union, served as a forum for dialogue between policymakers responsible for public financial management, budgeting, and expenditure processes across Asia, as well as international partners in this field.

In her address, the Prime Minister further stated:

“Our Government places children at the heart of our responsibilities, and as such, all our policies will reflect the best interests of the child. Being acutely aware of the continuing impact of economic challenges on our people particularly the most vulnerable, including our children the Government of Sri Lanka continues to pursue fiscal consolidation while prioritizing public investments in children and social protection.

In this regard, we have introduced specific child-focused budgetary measures in the 2025 budget. LKR 1 billion has been allocated to provide a monthly allowance of LKR 5,000 to children in institutional or guardian care—of which LKR 2,000 is credited to the child’s minor account, and LKR 3,000 provided to guardians for welfare expenses. LKR 500 million has been dedicated to improving capacity, infrastructure, and human resources in 379 certified child care institutions. A further LKR 1 billion has been proposed as a housing grant to support orphaned children in building stable homes or ensuring long-term security once they marry after the age of 18. In addition, LKR 250 million has been allocated to establish a child-friendly transport system, especially for institutionalized children required to travel to and from courts. LKR 200 million has been committed to establishing a specialized treatment center for children with Neuro-Developmental Disabilities (including autism) at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, while LKR 250 million has been allocated to develop a model daycare center supporting inclusive early childhood development for children with NDD.

These allocations, together with historic increases in health and education budgets, reflect our Government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children, strengthening families, and ensuring every child in Sri Lanka has access to education, nutrition, healthcare, and psychosocial support. By embracing innovation, supporting vulnerable populations, and aligning fiscal policy with sustainability, we aim to transform today’s challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.”

Speaking at the event, Myo Zin Nyunt, Deputy Regional Director of the UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office, said: “By offering technical advice, training, and space for policy discussion, this Facility is helping countries like Sri Lanka make better budget choices, deliver services more effectively, and involve citizens including young people in decision-making.”

H. E. Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of prioritizing social sector spending, noting that without such investment societies will not be able to withstand future challenges.

The event was attended by the UN Resident Coordinator, Marc-André Franche, UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative, Emma Brigham, Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, officials from the EU and UNICEF regional offices in Bangkok, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development.

Prime Minister’s Media Division