Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya received a courtesy call from Mrs. Anne-Marie Descôtes, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on strengthening the bilateral partnership between France and Sri Lanka.

Secretary-General Descôtes expressed France’s commitment to deepening the relationship between the two countries. The discussion highlighted the importance of the Regional Center for Maritime Studies (RCMS) agreement and explored opportunities for further cooperation in various areas.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized Sri Lanka’s desire to strengthen ties with France. The meeting identified key areas for potential cooperation; includin MORE >>

The Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) celebrated its 50th anniversary with the conferment of diplomas and degrees in international relations and related subjects. The event was held at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall under the distinguished patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The ceremony recognized the academic achievements of students who successfully completed certificate courses, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and postgraduate degrees in international studies.

The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Eva Abdullah, head of the Maldives policy think tank; former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, chairman of the BCIS; and Priyanthi MORE >>

Mr. Hari Menon, Country Director for India and Lead - Policy and Government Relations, Southeast Asia of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting commenced with Mr. Menon provided an overview of the Foundation’s work, focusing on areas such as health and nutrition, agriculture, urban sanitation, and women’s economic empowerment.

During the discussions, the Foundation highlighted its ongoing initiatives in Sri Lanka, particularly in “digital agriculture” and “digital public infrastructure”. These include funding for digital agriculture projects and technical assistance for public infrastructure MORE >>

Officials should deal with the public humanely as a group providing public services.

PrimeMinister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that policies should be formulated and decisions should be made based on data that is in the best interest of school children, and that officials should deal with the public humanely as a group providing public services.

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated this while participating in a workshop held at the Colombo Foundation Institute today (11) on “Preparing relevant strategies to transform the existing education system”.

Based on the points included in the new government’s policy st MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the government expresses its gratitude to the Chinese Government for providing uniforms to children in every school and Pirivena in the country for the year 2025.

The Prime Minister said this while participating in the event of the donation of school uniforms for the year 2025.

The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Qi Zhenhong, symbolically handed over the school uniforms received as a donation from the Chinese Government to the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, this afternoon (10) at the International Container Terminal at the Colombo Port.

The requirement for school uniforms MORE >>

“We are committed to building a future that protects the rights of all people”

Today, as we commemorate World Human Rights Day 2024, we are inspired by this year’s theme: “Our Rights, Our Future, Now.”

This theme is a call to action, reminding us that the protection and promotion of human rights are not just aspirations for a better tomorrow—they are vital responsibilities for today. Upholding the rights of every citizen is the cornerstone of a just society and the foundation for a future where dignity, equality, and freedom for all pave the way to prosperity.

As a nation, we stand united in our commitment to safeguarding these universal rights and ensuring justice and opportun MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that it is not enough to show discipline on the outside without being disciplined on the inside, and that the disciplined attitude prevailing in the Scout Movement is very important for the country.

Addressing the "National Scout Awards Ceremony - 2024" organized by the Sri Lanka Scout Association at Temple Trees, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the following.

574 adult scout leaders from all parts of Sri Lanka who have rendered excellent service to the Sri Lanka Scout Movement for more than 05 years as volunteers were awarded here. In order to improve the friendship with other countries of the world, 11 "INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP AWARDS" were also presented  MORE >>

Mr. Donald Lu, U.S. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations, addressing Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, and exploring opportunities for educational and governance collaboration.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, highlighting the importance of aligning the education system with economic needs to foster a skilled workforce. Discussions also addressed Sri Lanka’s IMF program and the role of international partnerships in stabilizing the economy.

The U.S. delegation MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the government’s commitment to reshaping the nation’s trajectory during her address at the Digital Library Conference 2024, organized by the National Science Foundation and held 6th of December at the Colombo Medical College.

While addressing the audience the Prime Minister stated "We believe that investment in research and development is critical for the government’s development agenda. Our aim is to redirect the country onto a new path, one based on research, evidence, and data, rather than continuing in the same direction as the past 75 years.

One of the greatest challenges we’ve faced in recent years is that, particularly at the highest levels of  MORE >>

His Excellency Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka (UAE), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, the Ambassador highlighted the public’s strong commitment to democratic principles. H.E. Khaled expressed pride in the longstanding friendship between the UAE and Sri Lanka and acknowledged the significant contributions of skilled and professional Sri Lankans working in the UAE.

The discussion was attended by Mr. Rashed Ali Al Mazrouei, Second Secretary of the Embassy. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahinda Gunarathne, A MORE >>

The Prime Minister’s Office organized a program to educate public servants on the importance of early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases. Held under the theme "A Healthy Workforce for a Healthy Nation", this health program aimed at raising awareness and promoting early detection among public servants. The event took place today (28) at the Main Hall of Temple Trees, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

This initiative provided a range of medical tests, including kidney function tests, blood sugar level assessments, cholesterol checks, dental examinations, and cervical cancer screenings. Both Western and indigenous medical practices were incorporated, ensuring a holistic app MORE >>

Ms. Hannan Sulieman, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday (November 26).

The Deputy Executive Director revisited key issues discussed in prior engagements, including child protection, malnutrition, and education.

Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director for UNICEF South Asia, Mr. Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka, and Ms. Yuko Kusamichi, Regional Chief of Operations, attended the meeting. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Mahinda Gunarathna, Additional Secretary (Development), and Ms. Dilini Gunasekera, Director for UN & Human Rights a MORE >>

Mr. David Sislen, Regional Country Director, World Bank for Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday (November 26)

Mr. Sislen engaged in discussions focused on the ongoing Debt Restructuring process, Sri Lanka’s Social Protection policy, government’s commitment to climate change mitigation & closing the gender pay gap.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka at the World Bank, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr. Mahinda Gunaratna, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Himali Bogodagedara, Director of the World Bank & IMF Div MORE >>

Yesterday (November 26), Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya received several ambassadors in courtesy calls at the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighting Sri Lanka’s strong diplomatic ties and fostering cooperation on various fronts.

His Excellency Adel Ibrahim, Ambassador of Egypt to Sri Lanka; His Excellency Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, Ambassador of Iran to Sri Lanka; His Excellency ISOMATA Akio, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka; and His Eminence Archbishop Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka, met with the Prime Minister to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

Each meeting was attended by senior representatives from the respective embassies and Sri Lankan MORE >>

Colombo, Sri Lanka – November 26, 2024

The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign was officially inaugurated yesterday, November 25, 2024, with a national event held at Town Hall , Colombo. This year’s campaign, themed “Towards a GBV-Free Sri Lanka: Safe Public Spaces for All”, commenced with a keynote address by the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, development partners, diplomats, civil society activists, and the media, united in their commitment to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) and create safe, inclusive public spaces in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minist MORE >>

"If we are to restore the Parliament as a supreme institution, which has faced public scorn and disapproval in the past, we must act with the awareness that we are the representatives of the people," stated Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during the inaugural session of the awareness workshop on parliamentary procedures for new members of the Tenth Parliament, held this morning (25).

In her address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya congratulated the newly elected members of Parliament, stating:

"I extend my congratulations to all of you who have been elected to serve as members of the Tenth Parliament. This Parliament holds a historic and s MORE >>

In exercise of the powers vested in the Minister by Section 20 (4) (b) of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978, the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, has appointed Senior Professor R.M.U.S.K. Ratnayake as the Competent Authority to continue the administrative activities of the University of Ruhuna, in place of the Vice-Chancellor, with effect from 25th of November 2024.

The relevant Gazette is enclosed herewith.

Prime Minister’s Media Division MORE >>

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