The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, emphasized that vocational education and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that an adequate attention is not drawn towards vocational education, but moving forward, necessary action will be taken to position it as a decisive subject in the country.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the inaugural ceremony of the "Shrama Meheyuma" programme launched today (July 4) at the Gampaha Technical College, centering vocational training institutions across the island with the aim of establishing a well-structured and attractive institutional system.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister further stated:

I am grateful for forwarding the concept of Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage in initiating the ’Shrama Meheyuma’ across the country, focusing on vocational education. Even though the mission is initiated by ’Shrama Meheyuma’ programme, we aim at focusing the attention to vocational education and highlight its significance to the entire nation. Vocational education becomes a decisive subject of the country in the future. It is the Ministry of Education that is responsible for producing the human resources needed for the labour market. However, the portion that often goes unnoticed is the role of vocational education in creating that workforce.

Currently, there is a societal misconception that vocational education is a fallback option and something only pursued when one fails to enter a university. That notion is completely wrong. Choosing vocational education is a smart, meaningful, and highly relevant decision for both individual growth and national development.

The decision to pursue vocational education should not be a coincidence, nor should it be made in ignorance or at the last moment. It must be a conscious, informed decision based on one’s capabilities, interests, and understanding of the world.

That is why, in the upcoming 2026 education reforms, we have allocated a special focus on vocational education. These reforms are not minor adjustments. They go far beyond simply revising a subject stream.

We are planning to integrate vocational training from the school level itself. Through that, the government aims to develop and produce the human resources needed for a new era of national revival.

The Prime Minister affirmed that steps are being taken to elevate vocational education to a higher position in the country.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, Mr. Nalin Hewage,

Major reforms are currently underway to achieve the policy of the government to guide the country toward a prosperous future and a dignified life in a national revival.

In order to realize this transformation, our institutions must first undergo modernization. Young people must evolve in their thinking. Although today’s youth have advanced with technology, our institutional systems lag far behind. Therefore, it is crucial to create a modern institutional environment that aligns with today’s youth. That is why we have launched this massive labour mission across 311 institutions in Sri Lanka, involving over 160,000 participants. This is just the beginning; we aim to create major national transformation through this sector.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Labour, Mr. Mahinda Jayasinghe,

There are numerous courses offered by vocational training institutions under government, and students from all over the country, including the North and East are enrolling in them. However, some training centers are facing a shortage of students. We believe this is due to shortcomings in our education system. While several institutions operate under the Ministry of Labour, we plan to strengthen them further and ensure they deliver effective training.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Withanage, Member of Parliament Lasith Bhaskantha, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwawa, Mayor of Gampaha, District Secretary of Gampaha, Principal of the Gampaha Technical College Mr. P.M.K. Gomes, Government officials, parents, and students.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

A high-level delegation of Chief Executive Officers from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) met with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka on June 30.

The Prime Minister conveyed her appreciation for the continued partnership between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in advancing the country’s ongoing economic recovery and development.

The Indian delegation reaffirmed the robust and evolving economic relationship between the two countries, noting the positive momentum generated by the recent state visit of the President of Sri Lanka to India. Discussions focused on expanding trade and investment opportunities across key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, education, innovation, entrepreneurship, agriculture, energy, and tourism.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of inclusive and equitable investment strategies that support youth empowerment, women entrepreneurs, and the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector.

The meeting was attended by leading Indian CEOs and officials from the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr. Niluka Kadurugamuwa, Director General of the South Asia and SAARC Division, and Ms. Prashanthi Krishnamoorthy, Deputy Director of the South Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, arrived in Canada on June 24, 2025, to attend the Meeting of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors in Vancouver.

Upon her arrival, she was warmly received by senior officials from the Government of the Province of British Columbia, the Commonwealth of Learning, and the Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa, in coordination with and facilitated by Global Affairs Canada.

Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya graced the special community event titled “An Evening with Dr. Harini Amarasuriya” in Surrey, British Columbia. The event offered a unique opportunity for the religious leaders and members of the Sri Lankan origin community to interact with the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed for Canada this early morning (24) to participate in the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors as the representative of the South Asian region.

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors will be held from June 24 to 26 in Vancouver, Canada.

The summit will primarily focus on key sectors of education and training of children and women, higher education, teacher education, lifelong learning, and the integration of digital technology to enhance active learning.

Discussions will also focus on the topics of investing in innovation and research, supporting the digital transformation of institutions and organizations, implementing effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and promoting gender equality.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, held a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office on 23 June.

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya welcomed the High Commissioner and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working constructively with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). She noted that the recent political transition marks a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s political culture, rooted in a historic mandate received from all communities.

The Prime Minister outlined the Government’s focus on three key pillars: alleviating rural poverty, advancing digitalization, and pursuing legal and political reforms alongside the necessary social transformation and institutional changes. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to protecting and promoting the full spectrum of human rights, including social, educational, health, and economic rights, and emphasized that reconciliation remains a priority, supported by strengthening domestic mechanisms such as the Office for Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for Reparations (OR), and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR).

High Commissioner Volker Türk expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s continued engagement and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in advancing human rights, democratic governance, and national reconciliation.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, and other officials from the United Nations. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism; and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Ms. Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, on 22 June at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Welcoming the Governor, the Prime Minister recalled the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Australia, particularly in the sphere of education. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration with an emphasis on education reform, vocational training, and institutional partnerships.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the Government’s priority to deliver outcomes that address the immediate needs of the people in light of the recent economic and political challenges. She elaborated on ongoing education reforms, including strengthening higher education policy and regulating non-state higher education institutions, alongside reforms in vocational education and the introduction of vacation streams in schools.

The meeting was held in the presence of H.E Paul Stephens, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, along with senior Australian officials. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewe, Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, and Ms. Udani Gunawardena, Director of the East Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister’s Media Division