Sri Lanka’s economic transformation has been recognized by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

The Prime Minister recounted the government’s commitment to build a sound society with inclusivity, and democracy followed by a future vision, and work in cooperation with India and the international community for prosperous Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the 2025 NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on 17 October 2025.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered the keynote address titled “Steering Change in Uncertain Times”. The Summit, themed “Edge of the Unknown: Risk, Resolve, Renewal,” brought together global leaders, thinkers, and innovators to discuss the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.

In her remarks, the Prime Minister reflected on Sri Lanka’s democratic renewal, economic recovery, and partnership with India. She emphasised the need for responsible leadership, resilience, and cooperation in navigating global uncertainty.

Addressing further, the Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya recounted Sri Lanka’s recent journey through crisis to recovery, highlighting the aragalaya movement as a turning point in citizens’ demand for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

The Prime Minister outlined the government’s economic reform agenda under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, including debt restructuring, sound fiscal management, and digital transformation. The IMF and World Bank have recognised Sri Lanka’s fiscal consolidation as one of the largest in its history.

The Prime Minister noted the unprecedented increase in women’s representation in Parliament—now nearly 10%—and the inclusion of diverse voices, including persons with disabilities and members of the Malayagam community.

Prime minister Dr. Amarasuriya underscored the deepening partnership between India and Sri Lanka, grounded in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision. She acknowledged India’s vital support during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis and the ongoing collaboration in areas such as energy, connectivity, education, defence, trade, and technology.

She acknowledged the need for upgrading the India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (1998) and exploring integration into India’s manufacturing and service value chains, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision.

The Prime Minister highlighted initiatives such as GovPay, e-identity systems, and open data portals to promote transparency and eliminate corruption. She stressed that laws alone cannot rebuild nations—values and civic ethics are essential.

Addressing young people across South Asia, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya urged them to view innovation not only as technological but as moral—shaping systems that are fair, inclusive, and humane.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to building a clean, inclusive, and forward-looking democracy, and to working in partnership with India and the international community to promote shared prosperity in the region

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, today (Friday 17 October 2025) in New Delhi during her official visit to India.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular attention to education reforms and development priorities.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to Dr. Amarasuriya and appreciated her visit which adds fresh momentum to bilateral relations and the multi-faceted partnership that prevails between the two countries.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya shared with Prime Minister Modi, details of her poignant and inspiring visit to Hindu College, University of Delhi, where she had been a student on an ICCR scholarship in the early 1990s.

She also shared with the Prime Minister, the highlights of her visit to a model school in Delhi earlier in the day as a meaningful opportunity to observe innovative education practices.

Prime Minister Modi expressed support for Sri Lanka’s education reform agenda, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya shared Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and equitable education system addressing challenges faced by youth, especially school dropouts emphasising on the increasing need to also address social issues faced by male students in this regard.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed matters pertaining to the welfare of fishermen in both countries, and Dr Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of protecting the livelihoods and safety of fishermen on both sides.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to work together in partnership in the shared development journey of the two countries and reiterated support to Sri Lanka in advancing its Unique Digital ID initiative and strengthening digital governance. He also reiterated India’s continued support for development of the Sacred City Complex in Anuradhapura.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya stated that she conveys to Prime Minister Modi, the warm wishes of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka especially in the context of the auspicious festive season of Diwali.

Prime minister’s media division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi on 16 October 2025, during her first official visit to India as Prime Minister.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and exploring opportunities for collaboration across key sectors including energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, fintech, AI-driven business development, skilling and innovation, wellness tourism, fertilizer production, and port development.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing an inclusive and knowledge-driven economy through education reform, digital transformation, and skill development initiatives. She underscored that Sri Lanka’s new education and innovation policy framework places strong emphasis on AI, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), and competency-based learning, with the aim of building a future-ready workforce.

The Prime Minister invited Indian businesses to expand their engagement in Sri Lanka, particularly in areas of manufacturing, infrastructure, education technology, and renewable energy, and proposed collaboration in AI and innovation hubs, vocational training partnerships, and EdTech-based learning models.

Discussions also centered on potential cooperation in developing agri-innovation systems, fertilizer technology, wellness tourism ventures, and fintech solutions aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s financial ecosystem. The Prime Minister further noted Sri Lanka’s strategic focus on digital economy growth, targeting USD 15 billion by 2030 with a skilled workforce of 200,000 professionals and digital exports worth USD 5 billion.

Highlighting the importance of private-sector collaboration, Dr. Amarasuriya stated that both nations share a long history of partnership rooted in mutual respect and cooperation, and emphasized that expanding bilateral trade and investment remains central to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and sustainable development agenda.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited Hindu College, University of Delhi, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, during her ongoing official visit to India.

The Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by the College administration, faculty members, and current students. In recognition of her achievements, the College inaugurated a new research facility named the “Harini Amarasuriya Social & Ethnographic Research Lab.”

During the visit, the Prime Minister revisited the classrooms where she once studied and shared reflections on her time as a student, recalling how her education at Hindu College shaped her academic journey and lifelong commitment to social justice, equality, and education reform.

In her address to the students, Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized the value of curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking, noting that “education is not merely about securing individual futures, but about equipping ourselves to transform the futures of others.” She also highlighted the importance of compassion, democracy, and active citizenship in creating inclusive and equitable societies.

Following her visit to Hindu College, the Prime Minister visited NITI Aayog – the National Institution for Transforming India, the premier policy think tank of the Government of India established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission.

The visit focused on understanding India’s policy and institutional reforms in education, innovation, and governance. As Sri Lanka is currently implementing its own new education reform agenda, discussions at NITI Aayog centered on India’s transformation experience, including the Atal Innovation Mission and its approach to fostering research, creativity, and digital learning in the education sector.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi on 16 October 2025, during her first official visit to India as Prime Minister.

The discussions focused on further strengthening the multifaceted partnership between Sri Lanka and India, with emphasis on economic cooperation, connectivity, digital transformation, education.

Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya appreciated the Government of India’s continued assistance in a wide range of development programmes in Sri Lanka, including projects related to trade, financial cooperation, and education.

She also acknowledged India’s support to Sri Lanka during challenging times and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing cooperation with India as a close neighbour and longstanding partner in the region.

Both sides discussed enhancing collaboration in digitalization, technology exchange, and innovation, key priorities under the Sri Lankan Government’s development agenda. The Prime Minister highlighted opportunities for Indian investment in Sri Lanka, particularly in manufacturing, infrastructure, education, and knowledge services, and expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in further strengthening bilateral trade.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed for New Delhi, India, on 15 October, undertaking her first official visit to India since assuming office.

Upon arrival, she was received by the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Ms. Mahishini Colonne, Indian dignitaries, and officials of the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold meetings with the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and several other senior Indian political leaders for high-level bilateral discussions aimed at further strengthening the partnership between the two nations.

The Prime Minister will also participate in the NDTV Global Summit 2025, where she will deliver the Keynote Address. The Summit will bring together global leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to deliberate on pressing international challenges and emerging opportunities.

As Minister in charge of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, the Prime Minister will visit the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and NITI Aayog to explore avenues for collaboration in education, innovation, and technology.

An alumna of Hindu College, University of Delhi, the Prime Minister will also visit her alma mater during the visit. In addition, she is expected to attend a business event focused on enhancing commercial and investment linkages between Sri Lanka and India.

This visit underscores the enduring importance of Sri Lanka–India relations and reaffirms the commitment of both countries to deepening cooperation for the mutual benefit and prosperity of their peoples.

Prime Minister’s Media Division