No country has yet fully achieved gender equality — the road ahead demands our continued commitment.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls, and to translating principles into practical action for equality and dignity.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the Opening Ceremony of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025, held at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing on 13 October, upon the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. On her arrival at the CNCC, the Prime Minister was welcomed by President Xi Jinping and First Lady Madam Peng Liyuan. Following President Xi’s welcome address, Heads of State and Government delivered their remarks, including the address by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the forum the Prime Minister stated;

“Nearly thirty years after the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing and the Beijing Platform for Action, we still draw on that comprehensive framework for gender equality. We have made real progress: female literacy has risen, maternal mortality has nearly halved, and global life expectancy has increased from 69 years in 1995 to 76 years in 2023. Yet serious gaps remain: women’s labour-force participation stands at just 48.7% compared with 73% for men; women account for only about 35% of graduates in science and technology; 47.8 million more women than men face moderate or severe food insecurity; and movement toward political parity is far too slow. All-round development of women is, therefore, a holistic process across education, health, the economy, politics, society, and culture and it demands our continued commitment.”

The Prime Minister further emphasised Sri Lanka’s national commitments, including increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making to ensure meaningful representation at every level, and implementing the National Policy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2023–2027), in line with CEDAW and UNSCR 1325. She affirmed Sri Lanka’s resolve to ensure that women from diverse social backgrounds, including those from working-class and marginalised communities, are represented across all sectors.

After the Opening Ceremony, the Prime Minister attended the official banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping and First Lady Madam Peng Liyuan at the CNCC.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya arrived in Beijing, China, on 12 October for an official visit to attend the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025, upon the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. On her arrival, she was welcomed by Ms. Cao Shumin, Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration.

During the first day’s programme, the Prime Minister visited the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. The Forbidden City (Palace Museum), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases imperial architecture and nationally curated collections. The Great Wall, also a UNESCO site, stands as a symbol of China’s historical ingenuity and ongoing conservation efforts.

In the coming days, the Prime Minister will attend the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025 and hold high-level bilateral meetings, including with President Xi Jinping and the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departs for China tonight (11 October) to attend the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025, upon the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

The Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women 2025, which will be held in Beijing under the theme “One Shared Future: New & Accelerated Process for Women’s All-round Development,” is jointly organized by the Government of China and UN Women.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will deliver a keynote address and hold several high-level bilateral meetings, including with President Xi Jinping and the Premier of the State Council (Prime Minister) of the People’s Republic of China, Li Qiang.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

We are committed to making aesthetics a part of children’s lives.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government’s goal is to build a compassionate society where everyone feels loved, cared, and protected.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating as the Chief guest at the Dakshina Punaruda Arts Festival organized by the Ministry of Cultural and Arts Affairs of the Southern Province, together with Magam Sahurdayo, Galu Sahurdayo, and Duruthu Sahurdayo Art Associations held at the Hambantota Beach Park on 11 th of October.

The festival, held on October 10 and 11, featured a range of artistic and cultural activities, including film and drama screenings and various exhibition stalls, with the participation of numerous artists.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister commended the series of art programs conducted throughout the Southern Province over the past months in conjunction with the Dakshina Punaruda Arts Festival. The Prime Minister further noted that such meaningful initiatives play a vital role in building a culturally enriched people and a society.

Addressing further, the Prime Minister stated:

Development and the growth are not only about building roads, ports, or buildings. It is true that, economic growth and good opportunities are essential, but all of that ultimately falls under to make our lives more meaningful, to add happiness to our lives, and to move our society toward a better place. Our aim is to create a safe society filled with love, families full of affection, and children who grow up feeling protected and cared for. We are striving to build a society where everyone feels secure, loved, and connected, and where no one feels left alone.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that through the new education reforms to be implemented from 2026, the government is committed to making aesthetics not just a classroom subject or a textbook title but a living part of children’s lives. She added that efforts are underway to build a society capable of appreciating and experiencing beauty through both the school system and higher education. During the event, the Prime Minister also presented awards appreciating the artists from the Hambantota District.

Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Mr. Nalin Hewage, addressing the event, stated:

For years, you didn’t have an environment where you could enjoy a book, a drama, or a movie. Life drifted away from you. What we’re trying to do now is to give that life back to you. The children performing on this stage today should become the great figures of art one day. We have made a promise in the election that every week, we would bring an art program or entertainment event to your villages. This is that effort in action. And it won’t stop here, we’ll continue this journey as part of a great human transformation. I sincerely thank all state officials and Members of Parliament of the Southern Province who worked tirelessly to make this happen.

Member of the Parliament and the Chairman of the Hambantota District Coordinating Committee, Mr. Nihal Galappaththi, addressing the event:

Today is a remarkable day for Hambantota District. The main goal of this massive initiative, carried out under the theme ’A Prosperous Nation – A Beautiful Life’, is to nurture a culturally enriched human being, one that embodies peace, unity, and compassion. We believe that this long-awaited change is now touching people’s lives. After the devastation left by the 2004 tsunami, Hambantota became an empty land. Until now, those who held political power here did not intervene to lift the area out of that emptiness. That is why we decided to launch this initiative to be a source of strength for those who felt isolated. Today, we are proud to see everyone joining hands to empower that journey.

The event was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, Catholic priests, and Muslim religious leaders, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath, Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation Aravinda Senarath, Members of Parliament Athula Welandagoda, Dr. Saliya Sandaruwan, and Thilanka U. Gamage, Consul General of India Mr. Harvinder Singh, Chief Secretary of the Southern Province Attorney-at-Law Sunil Alahakoon, District Secretaries of Hambantota , Bimal Indrajith and District Secretaries Galle W.A. Dharmasiri together with state officials, artists, and invited guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

It falls under our responsibility as adults to open the paths for them to move forward.

Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that children of this country possess the strength, ability, and attitude required to build the nation, and it is the responsibility of adults to open the paths for them to move forward.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the inauguration ceremony of “Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2025” held on October 10.

The exhibition, organized for the third time with the aim of addressing the youth unemployment in Sri Lanka, will be held on October 10 and 11 at the Main Hall of Temple Trees. It is a joint effort by the Industry Sector Skills Councils (ISSC) and the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.

Addressing further, the Prime Minister stated:

This is a turning point in the education transformation process we have initiated. It is expected to expand the opportunities available within education itself while opening the path for children to identify those opportunities themselves. These programs are organized to provide such experiences through education.

This exhibition will lead you for understanding your future path. Considering your interests, your parents’ wishes, and your abilities, this is a valuable opportunity to learn about the emerging opportunities in today’s world.

The generation now completing education and preparing to enter society faces numerous challenges. With the rapid changes brought by technology, the world is transforming faster than anyone could imagine. With society leads for changes, professions change too. The traditional paths we once followed no longer guarantee success. Therefore, our educational journey must adapt with a proper understanding of these transformations.

By initiating such programmes, we aim to integrate you into our national development plan. These initiatives will help you gain a better understanding of the paths we are taking to strengthen the economy and how you, together with your teachers and parents, can actively contribute to this development process.

This exhibition opens a new world and a new society. You will be able to learn about new global trends and realize that there are more opportunities for you in society than you may have thought. There is a place for you, and we are waiting for you to step forward. Take this opportunity and move ahead with confidence. As you move forward, we expect you to support us in developing this country. Our responsibility as adults is to create and open these opportunities for you. Your responsibility is to make use of them and lead the nation forward.

I truly believe that the children gathered here today have the strength, ability, and attitude needed to build our society. You are the generation that will take on the leadership of the future. We will ensure that you receive the educational foundation and socio-economic environment needed to achieve that leadership. It is our responsibility as adults to make that happen, and we will do our part. We invite you to take up this opportunity and lead the country forward.

The event was also attended by Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Mr. Nalin Hewage, Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, and several other distinguished guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that officials engaged in the transport sector, together with all others working in the field, are dedicated to improving the country’s transport services as a sector that is responsive to the needs of the people.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on October 8 in Parliament, participating in the debate on the supplementary estimates of the Ministry of Transport related to the 2026 Budget.

The Prime Minister further stated that the supplementary estimate proposal presented by the Ministry of Transport serves as a good example of transparency and financial discipline within a ministry. When certain projects face obstacles toward the end of the year, obtaining allocations through a supplementary estimate reflects sound financial management and accountability.

She noted that in the past, projects were not always carried out through proper budgetary allocations, and the Ministry of Transport had long been perceived as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country. However, this perception is now changing, with steps being taken to eliminate corruption and malpractice.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Transport, which is responsible for public transportation and highways, two critical areas of national infrastructure, is now being systematically strengthened to better serve the needs of the public. The Prime Minister commended the Ministry’s efforts to identify its challenges and implement appropriate solutions, adding that this supplementary allocation provides an opportunity to further transform the Ministry into an efficient, people-oriented institution that works in the public interest.

Highlighting the connection between poor financial management and the country’s economic crisis, the Prime Minister stated that weaknesses in project identification and implementation had caused serious setbacks to sectors such as transport and highways. Many projects in the past were poorly planned or executed due to decisions made for personal or corrupt motives rather than in the public interest. Consequently, numerous projects were delayed or left incomplete.

She further explained that similar issues were observed across other ministries as well, requiring the Government to reallocate funds to continue or complete previously suspended or abandoned projects. This, she noted, is one of the underlying factors of the broader economic challenges the country faces. The supplementary allocations, therefore, are intended to complete projects in a way that minimizes harm to the country and its people.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of improving public transportation so that people can travel safely, efficiently, and comfortably. She stressed that public transport must be accessible to all, including children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, and expressed appreciation for the steps taken by the Ministry to address these needs.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya mentioned that the Ministry of Education has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Transport as part of efforts to improve school infrastructure. The Prime Minister noted that developing school infrastructure is not limited to constructing buildings—it also involves improving roads leading to schools, enhancing public transport services for students, and ensuring their quality and safety.

The Prime Minister stated that discussions have been initiated with the Ministry of Transport to address transportation issues affecting remote and rural schools that lack proper access roads. These efforts are essential to safeguard the transportation rights and safety of children in those areas.

She added that in the past, school transport drivers and attendants showed a strong sense of responsibility and care toward their passengers, ensuring children’s safety with dedication. She emphasized that this sense of responsibility and attitude should be revived and welcomed the Ministry’s current efforts to encourage such positive change.

The Prime Minister further highlighted the importance of improving facilities for persons with disabilities and senior citizens at railway stations and within trains, as well as ensuring adequate sanitary facilities for passengers.

Prime Minister’s Media Division