The veneration ceremony marking the conferral of the title of Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Southern Sri Lanka to Venerable Mapalagama Buddhasiri Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Weherahena Rajamaha Viharaya in Matara, was held today (08 June) at Ananda College, Colombo, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

We are pleased by the conferral of the Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Southern Sri Lanka to Venerable Mapalagama Buddhasiri Thero by the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siyam Maha Nikaya.

At this moment, we recall with deep respect the guidance and counsel of venerable Maha Sangha like Venerable Mapalagama Buddhasiri Thero, who have engaged in rendering Dhamma services both locally and internationally upholding the compassion, kindness, and a commitment to social justice, and the government holds such spiritual guidance in the highest regard.

Finally, with deep reverence I extend Venerable Mapalagama Buddhasiri Thero, newly appointed as the Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Southern Sri Lanka, a long life of good health and the strength to continue rendering noble service to our society, our nation, and all beings across the world.

The event was graced by the presence of Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Venerable Aggamaha Panditha Ittapane Dhammalankara Thero; Chief Sanghanayaka of Southern Sri Lanka and Head of the Dehiwala-Nedimala Buddhist Cultural Centre, Venerable Kirama Wimalajothi Thero; members of the Maha Sangha representing all three Nikayas; and a host of esteemed lay and monastic invitees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

On this day, our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka and world over celebrate the Hajj festival with deep devotion, engaging in this sacred pilgrimage in a spirit of unity and brotherhood, while embracing the values of coexistence and rising above self-interest.

This year’s Hajj holds particular significance as it is being celebrated under a government aligned with the same vision and guiding policies.

The aim of the government is also to ensure the fair distribution of resources for all and to build an altruistic society within the country.

This tradition, which symbolizes the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail in devotion to God, is a profound moment that highlights the spirit of sacrifice in Islam.

In that sense, the Hajj pilgrimage where Muslim community from across the globe come together to fulfill religious duties and pray for world peace, serves as a powerful example to all of humanity.

With the hope of a future ensured by peace, justice, and humanity with the expectation of united nation beyond ethnic differences, I wish all Muslim devotees for a joyful Eid al-Adha festival.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
07th June 2025

In accordance with Circular No. PS/SB/Circular/2/2025 issued by the Secretary to the President, the Internal Affairs Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office was officially established today (06) at Temple Trees under the leadership of Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri.

Accordingly, Additional Secretary (Administration) Mr. Ruwan Jayasundara has been appointed as the Head of the Internal Affairs Unit, and Administrative Officer Ms. K.A.S. Shripali has been appointed as the Compliance Officer.

Internal Affairs Unit has been established with a focus on confirming the integrity of officials and fostering a corruption-free public service in Sri Lanka, alongside placing the top priority on introducing robust anti-corruption measures within the public sector, implementing the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and other international anti-corruption conventions in line with the Article 156 of the Constitution, and the planning of Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023, the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2025–2029).

The aim is to serve as a key turning point in Sri Lanka’s efforts to eliminate corruption across public institutions by promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity in enabling the delivery of effective and reliable government services to all citizens.

The expected functions of the Internal Affairs Unit include: preventing corruption within the institution and fostering a culture of integrity; ensuring transparency and accountability in all institutional operations and guaranteeing public access to information related to institutional actions and decisions; promoting ethical governance; encouraging the reporting of misconduct; ensuring confidentiality; establishing a secure reporting mechanism and assist to the enforcement of laws in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption.

Two complaint boxes have been placed at Temple Trees and at the Prime Minister’s Office located in Sirimathipaya for receiving public complaints, suggestions, and allegations related to the Prime Minister’s Office. In addition, complaints can be submitted via WhatsApp to 0711130898, by phone at 0114354754, or via email to iau@pmoffice.gov.lk.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with Mr. Kenji Kuronuma, the newly appointed Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), at the Parliament of Sri Lanka on june 05th to reaffirm the longstanding development partnership between the two countries.

During the meeting, Mr. Kuronuma expressed JICA’s continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka, particularly in the education sector. The Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Kuronuma on his new appointment and emphasized the government’s dedication to accountability, transparency, and inclusive reform, values shared by JICA in its technical cooperation efforts.

The discussion focused on strengthening inclusive education, especially for children with special needs. Key areas of collaboration include establishing special education units in all divisions, revising teacher training curricula, and conducting thorough needs assessments. Vocational training, overseas employment opportunities, and Japanese language instruction for Sri Lankan job seekers were additionally explored.

The meeting was attended by senior JICA officials and key government representatives, including Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Acting Director General Ms. Ruwanthi Delpitiya, Assistant Director Ms. Gayanga Dias of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and senior officials from the Department of External Resources.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Sri Lanka is endowed with an exceptional natural ecosystem, surrounded by a unique maritime zone, enriched by over one hundred major river systems, and fertile soil layers that extend across the country creating habitants to a remarkable degree of biodiversity.

Alongside this rich environmental diversity, our nation has emerged as a distinctive point of interest on the global stage.

However, due to decades of insufficient attention and inadequate protection, we are now witnessing the degradation of our vital water resources, biological assets, and fertile soil.

The growing disconnect between humanity and the environment has led to the alarming depletion of natural resources, a matter of grave concern and deep regret.

As the newly elected government, we recognize our profound responsibility to ensure that such environmental tragedies do not recur. As the National People’s Power, we uphold the vision of a sustainable environment that secures the well-being of all living beings and hold this as a fundamental policy principle to making a significant contribution towards achieving environmental justice and equity.

The theme for this year’s World Environment Day is “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution.” I firmly believe that through the collective efforts of the government and the citizenry in the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, we can effectively halt the destruction of our environment caused by plastic pollution.

The Environment Week, which commenced on May 30th, presents a timely opportunity for all of us to re-evaluate the significance of our natural ecosystems and to take meaningful action to protect them.

"Let it Sprout" is the national theme for this year’s Environment Day. Let us all unite in our dedication to building a nation where Sri Lanka’s name continues to shine on the global stage, a country that nurtures the growth and well-being of its ecosystems, while also safeguarding the humanity, social fabric, and economic livelihoods of every citizen

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
05th June 2025

The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarsuriya, attended as the chief guest of the formal welcoming event for the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense, Richard Marles, held today (March 3) at Australia House in Colombo during his diplomatic visit to South and Southeast Asia.

While addressing the Event, The Prime Minister highlighted the long-standing and growing bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Australia, which have been strengthened through cooperation in various sectors such as political, economic, educational, defense, social, and cultural. She also emphasized the importance of Australia’s support to Sri Lanka, especially during challenging times, and expressed optimism about further expanding trade and economic ties between the two countries.

The occasion was attended by His Excellency Paul Stephens, the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, as well as officials from the Australian Defense Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, along with several Members of Parliament and chief officials of the Defense, Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister’s Media Division