The crisis is still not over

It is necessary to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during Vesak Week

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government has managed the energy crisis in a way that does not cause hardship to the public, unlike in some other countries, by bearing the associated costs without placing a burden on the people and by implementing a sustainable management process. However, she emphasized that the crisis has not yet come to an end.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the sixth meeting of the committee appointed to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the public service, held today (15) at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, focused on sustainable energy management and future measures to be taken in that regard.

It was decided to appoint an “Energy Manager” for every government institution in order to promote energy conservation within the public sector, and to encourage a shift towards renewable energy sources. Discussions were held on taking the necessary steps to transform government buildings in line with the Green Building Concept under the “Clean Sri Lanka” national programme.

Attention was also drawn to the possibility of providing future fuel concessions, as well as replacing the current odd-even fuel distribution system with a QR code-based fuel distribution method and increasing fuel quotas. Officials stated that sufficient fuel stocks are available until August, and that requests have already been made for the fuel requirements for the remaining months of the year.

With the aim of promoting sustainable electricity consumption management, attention was also given to programmes under the Clean Sri Lanka initiative to educate schoolchildren on energy conservation. Discussions included identifying and recognizing households that effectively manage electricity consumption, and educating students on methods of electricity management so that awareness can be spread through schools.

The meeting also discussed measures to be taken to introduce the Green Building Concept in future construction projects.

The Prime Minister further stated that due to the government’s proper energy management, the public has not paid significant attention to the existing crisis. In many other countries, fuel queues and power cuts continue to occur. However, Sri Lanka has managed the crisis effectively. She stressed that the crisis is still not over and that continuous vigilance is necessary. She also highlighted the importance of sustainable energy management and public awareness programmes in making awareness in this regard. The Prime Minister further emphasized the need to ensure uninterrupted and adequate electricity supply during Vesak Week.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Chief of Staff to the President Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Senior Additional Secretary to the President G.G.S.P. Roshan, along with secretaries, chairpersons, and officials from the Ministries of Public Administration, Health, Transport, and Energy.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

’Sancharaka Udawa 2026 inaugurated’ under the patronage of Prime Minister

The 13th Edition of Sancharaka Udawa 2026, Sri Lanka’s foremost Travel & Tourism Fair Held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre - BMICH, Colombo on 15 th of May.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), the exhibition will be held on 15 and 16 th of May at the BMICH.

The exhibition brought together over 250 exhibitors and 300+ stalls with the participation of more than 100 international agents featuring in B2B meetings, panel discussions , and workshops designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

This year’s exhibition welcomed foreign hosted buyers for the first time, creating unprecedented opportunities for local stakeholders to connect with international markets.

During the event, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya officially opened the Exhibition Sancharaka Udawa 2026 for the public.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister stated that the government’s vision is to build a sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally conscious tourism industry, while emphasizing the need for the sector to adapt to environmental, political, economic, and global challenges. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of positioning Sri Lanka competitively in the global tourism arena and strengthening the country’s international brand as a unique destination.

Highlighting the importance of developing human capital and capacity within the sector, the Prime Minister underscored the role of ongoing education reforms in preparing young people for future opportunities. The Prime Minister stated that reforms in education should enable young people to access multiple pathways and gain exposure to industries such as tourism. In this regard, closer collaboration between the tourism sector and educational institutions was identified as essential.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of strengthening domestic tourism and improving the overall tourism experience.

Emphasizing the future development of the sector, the Prime Minister noted that close partnership and collaboration between the government and the private sector are vital to achieving sustainable progress in the tourism industry.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Ms. Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, President, SLAITO, Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, SLTPB/SLTDA and representatives of Diplomatic core, agents and exhibitors.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The official ceremony to present Sannas Patra to Prof. Venerable Maha Oya Jinarathana Nayaka Thero, who was conferred the title of Chief Sanghanayaka of Wellassa, Bintenne and the Eastern Three Provinces, was held on 14 of May at the historic Pothubandhana Rajamaha Viharaya in Bibile, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Dimbulkumbure Vimaladhamma Nayaka Thero. During the ceremony Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented the official Sannas Pathraya conferring the title of Chief Sanghanayaka of Wellassa, Bintenne and the Eastern Three Provinces to Prof. Venerable Maha Oya Jinarathana Nayaka Thero.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Nayaka Thero, who entered monastic life in 1982, has rendered exemplary service to Buddhism and society for over four decades, setting a model for the entire community. She noted that the contributions made by the Veneration Thero by continuing the Sri Saranankara and Sri Saddhatissa Dhamma Schools, as well as the service carried out as the Chief Prelate of the Deegavapi Pirivena, are highly commendable.

The Prime Minister further stated that the humanitarian assistance extended annually by providing educational equipment to hundreds of children is commendable and strengthens the government’s efforts towards realizing educational policies. The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the venerable Nayaka Thero toward the restoration of the historic Deegavapi Maha Seya and the development of other temples.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that initiatives such as the construction of a Bhikkhu ward at the Ampara Hospital demonstrate selfless dedication of the venerable Thero through actions. The Prime Minister further emphasized that religious leaders who work for the spiritual and social upliftment of the people in historically significant regions such as Wellassa and Bintenne are essential to the country, and that the conferring of this title by the Malwathu Chapter is an honour not only to the Thero but also to the people of those regions.

The occasion was graced by the presence of members of the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas, and attended by the Minister Samantha Viddyarathna, Deputy Minister R.M. Jayawardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Governor of Uva Province, government officials, and a large gathering of devotees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

As a government, it is our role in bringing in consistency, establishing an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and building people’s confidence to take risks and being innovative.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the 2nd day of the dialog on "National SME Strategy Framework 2026” organized by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development held on 14th of May.

The official launch of the “National SME Strategy Framework 2026” to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), took part yesterday (13) under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe.

The Framework has been developed by the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry, with input from the SME Advisory Committee and key system stakeholders in line with the national manifesto of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.” 

This framework creates the opportunity for the entrepreneurs to easily register their businesses, access modern technology, and obtain specialized financial facilities along with the advisory services that directly support the growth of entrepreneurs, departing from the traditional method free of charge.

The second day marks the dialog on the "National SME Strategy Framework 2026” focusing on the discussion into implementation and strategy to action featuring series of panel discussions.

During the event National SME Strategy Framework 2026 was presented to the Prime Minister by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe.

Delivering the speech, the Prime Minister stated that the country is implementing its transformative agenda during a period of global instability and disruptive global context stressing the importance of adaptation, sustainability and building resilience, particularly within the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in such context.

Underscoring the importance of the SME policy framework, the Prime Minister stated that the government’s role is to ensure consistency, stability and collaboration within the sector.

The Prime Minister stated,

This framework is critical because it brings policy consistency and stability to the sector. This framework is about policy consistency, bringing stability into the sector, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that policies are evidence-based and driven by a long-term vision rather than short-term agendas. This initiative is critical for bringing a fragmented and uncoordinated sector into a cohesive and better-coordinated platform that is driven by policy consistency.

As a government, we believe this is fundamentally our role in bringing in consistency, establish an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and which allows for teamwork, and build people’s confidence to take risks and innovate. People must feel assured that policies will not constantly change and that the government itself will not become the source of disruption. It is through consistency, stability, and the confidence these provide that we can truly drive this initiative forward. I would like to congratulate all of you for taking this very important initiative.

Further stating on the need for integrating entrepreneurship in the education reforms, the Prime Minister further emphasized the importance of creating an education system that enables young people to recognize their potential and capabilities while providing multiple pathways for their future development. She highlighted the introduction of entrepreneurship and financial literacy from Grade 6 onwards, stressing the need for industry support in providing practical exposure and opportunities for students.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Australian Deputy High commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ms. Ruth Baird and Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Mrs. J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara and develop and develop partners and representatives from business community.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the guidance or religious leaders is essential to further strengthen harmony and solidarity among communities in multicultural areas such as Anamaduwa, where Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities live together in harmony.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the official ceremony of presenting the Sannas Patra to confer the title of Chief Sanghanayaka of the Rajavanni and Kumaravanni two provinces upon Venerable Dharmakeerthi Sri Pangnananda Nayaka Thero of Anamaduwa. The ceremony was held today (13) at Sudampaya, Anamaduwa.

The event was held under the patronage of the Anunayaka Thero of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thero. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya formally presented the official declaration appointing Venerable Dharmakeerthi Sri Pangnananda Nayaka Thero as the Chief Sanghanayaka of the Rajavanni and Kumaravanni provinces. The ceremonial Vijinipatha was presented by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

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

Venerable Dharmakeerthi Sri Pangnananda Nayaka Thero of Anamaduwa is a distinguished member of the Maha Sangha who has rendered invaluable service to both the Buddha Sasana and the education sector through the country nearly 50 years of monastic life and 35 years of service as an educator.

His service is not confined merely to religious observances. He has sheltered the children and people of the area in times of both hardship and happiness. In particular, it is important to remember the humanitarian leadership he demonstrated in providing relief to the people of the Puttalam District affected by cyclone Ditwah, which became a source of strength for the entire region.

His dedication towards restoring and preserving historic religious sites, including the Paramakanda Rajamaha Viharaya, for future generations is commendable.

As the government strives to lead the country towards ’a new era of renaissance’ built upon compassion and solidarity, the guidance and blessings of religious leaders such as him are of immense value to the government.

The occasion was graced by the presence of members of the Maha Sangha representing the three Nikayas, clergy of other religions, and attended by the Governor of the North Western Province, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Chandana Abayarathna, Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara, Members of Parliament, government officials, and a large number of devotees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya instructed officials to implement development projects by taking into account the practical needs of the people.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at the Colombo District Planning Committee meeting held today (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat to review the progress of development projects in the Colombo District.

During the meeting, discussions focused on a number of development projects scheduled to be implemented in 2026 and 2027, with special attention given to rural road development, alleviation of poverty, and infrastructure development.

Under the Decentralized Budget Programme, more than Rs. 195 million has been allocated for 2026, and Members of Parliament representing the district have submitted their proposals accordingly. To date, 240 project proposals have been received through Divisional Secretaries, and approval has already been granted for 126 projects valued at Rs. 127 million.

An allocation of Rs. 100 million has been made to ensure the safety of the roads in the Colombo District, with priority given to installing safety barriers and traffic signboards in hazardous locations. In addition, officials stated that plans have been prepared targeting 2027 to construct rural bridges with an allocation of Rs. 100 million and to develop 50 kilometres of roads.

A sum of Rs. 1,036 million has been allocated for the “Praja Shakthi” programme aimed at alleviation of poverty, and the Prime Minister instructed officials to complete all related projects by 30 November 2026. Further, discussions were also held regarding the development of school playgrounds with the support of the Ministry of Sports, as well as the implementation of special projects under the Ministry of Buddhasasana and Environment.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, Colombo District Coordinating Committee Chair and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Members of Parliament Samanmalee Gunasinghe and Asitha Niroshana, Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara, along with public representatives and government officials representing the Colombo District.

Prime Minister’s Media Division