Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the decline in the public service has been occurring over several years, primarily due to the failure to conduct recruitments in a proper and systematic manner. She emphasized that steps are now being taken to address these issues by ensuring that appointments to the public service are made based strictly on qualifications and in accordance with correct procedures.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to a question raised by Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake regarding the Government Printing Department, in Parliament on 04th of March.

Further elaborating, the Prime Minister stated that, as there is currently no departmental officer within the Government Printing Department who fulfills the required qualifications in accordance with the Sri Lanka Printing Services Minute. Therefore, in order to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the essential functions, a qualified and experienced officer from the Special Grade of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service has been appointed with Cabinet approval. It was further clarified that no online activities related to confidential and security printing have been curtailed. The Government continues to pay special attention to maintaining the quality, confidentiality, and proper procedural standards of such work. Measures are also underway to appoint a permanent officer to the post. The deterioration of the public service has occurred over many years due to improper recruitment being a primary factor. This issue has affected not only the Government Printing Department but numerous other institutions as well. The Government is addressing these challenges by implementing recruitment processes based on qualifications and established procedures.

Responding to a question raised regarding paddy purchasing during the current Maha season, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated,

For the 2025/2026 Maha season, paddy will be purchased at the following guaranteed prices of Nadu – Rs. 120 per kilogram, Samba – Rs. 130 per kilogram, Keeri Samba – Rs. 140 per kilogram. The warehouses of the Paddy Marketing Board are open for procurement. A guaranteed price has been set, and paddy meeting the required standards will be purchased by the Board. Warehouse renovations are currently underway to expand storage capacity up to 250,000 metric tons, and the necessary financial allocations have been made to facilitate the purchasing process.

Responding to a question regarding the 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit held in India from February 16 to 20, the Prime Minister stated,

It was the first summit held in the Global South focusing on artificial intelligence governance. The summit aimed to discuss shaping the future of AI governance under themes including people, the global community, and standards. Discussions covered the areas such as human capital development, inclusive social empowerment, safe and trustworthy AI technologies, science and resilience, innovation and efficiency, democratization of AI resources, and the use of AI for economic development. Following the invitation made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake participated in the summit. His participation further strengthened bilateral partnerships and provided Sri Lanka with an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to pave the way to responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence.

The Prime Minister stated that Sri Lanka’s participation at the Head of State level also served as an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s position and growing interest in this field in the international platform.

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A meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and officials of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was held on 2nd of March at the Ministry of Education to discuss the Human Resource Development for Education Project (HRDEP).

Discussions focused on enhancing the quality and relevance of senior secondary education, strengthening the quality of the educator workforce, and improving a plan for education sector management.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for strengthened technical capacity and skilled human resources in the process of digitalizing the education sector. The Prime Minister highlighted the Government’s focus on comprehensive system development, noting that the ultimate goal is to build strong human capital capable of leading the country forward in all spheres of national development.

ADB officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government’s ongoing education reform process. They expressed readiness to provide technical expertise and to extend support through international financing facilities to advance sectoral reforms.

The meeting was attended by the officials and technical experts of ADB and Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is undertaking a significant effort to lead the country towards a new transformative era, and that the guidance, advice, and support of members of the Maha Sangha and religious leaders, who carry out extensive social service for the people, are of immense importance to this endeavour.

The Prime Minister made these remarks March 01 at the Buttala Cultural Centre while attending the ceremony to present the Sannas Pathra to Venerable Gangodagama Wimalarathana Nayaka Thero, who was conferred the title of Sanghanayake of the three regions of Uva, Wellassa, and the Eastern.

The Prime Minister presented the Sannas Pathra to the newly appointed Chief Prelate of the Uva Amarapura Maha Nikaya. The Governor of Uva Province, Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, presented the ceremonial Vijinipatha to the newly appointed Nayaka Thero.

Extending the felicitations to the newly appointed Sanghanayake Thero, the Prime Minister further stated:

The Uva Province is renowned for producing generations of Bikku who have rendered significant service to the Sasana and to the nation. Our Nayaka Thero has followed that noble path. Throughout his more than 60 years of monastic life, he has rendered invaluable service to the people of this region, not only through the Dhamma but also through his knowledge of Ayurveda and traditional medicine.

As a deputy teacher, Pirivena head, and school principal, he has served in the field of education across various parts of the country, contributing significantly to nurturing the younger generation through his knowledge and guidance.

In particular, he has taken the initiative to provide financial assistance and other necessary facilities to underprivileged students in this province from Grade 6 up to university education. He has consistently extended support to those in need and established Dhamma schools to enhance the religious knowledge of children in the area. These social services, carried out under his leadership, guidance, and dedication, deserve special recognition at this moment.

As a new Government, we are undertaking a significant amount of efforts to lead this country towards a new transformative era. The guidance and support of religious leaders such as Venerable Thero, who are devoted to broad social service for the people, are of great importance in this endeavor.

Moreover, the cyclone Ditwah had left a severe impact on Uva Province, particularly the Badulla District. We are now in a period of gradually recovering from those hardships and rising stronger.

I am confident that Your Venerable Thero, having been bestowed with the esteemed position of Sanghanayake, will be able to serve as a source of strength to the people of Uva, Wellassa, and the Eastern region who are rebuilding their lives, many of whom endured immense suffering, including the loss of loved ones due to that disaster.

The occasion was presented by the Deputy Chief Prelate of the Uva Chapter of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Venerable Wathupitiye Gnanananda Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Mailagasthenna Bodhirukkaramaya in Badulla; the Governor of Uva Province, Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara; Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana; Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene; local government representatives; the Divisional Secretary of Buttala; and the District Secretary, among others.

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Submit all necessary requests for School Infrastructure Development accordingly

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that the necessary financial allocations for the development of infrastructure in provincial schools have been provided to all provinces. She emphasized that these funds must be utilized effectively for school development and requested that relevant authorities submit proposals to address existing shortcomings in school infrastructure.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a cordial meeting with Muslim women in the Wellawaya area who were celebrating Ramadan, held on 1st of March.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister met with the Chief Sanghanayake of the Uva Wellassa region and the Chief Incumbent of Yudaganawa Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Rajakeeya Panditha Most Venerable Galtemwatte Nandarathana Nayaka Thero, and briefed him on the current progress of the new education reforms.

She further stated that, while ensuring due recognition for vocational education, steps are being taken to develop 50 vocational training centers equipped with modern courses, covering all 25 districts of the country. She also noted that new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 starting in 2027, and that the printing of new textbooks will be entrusted to the Educational Publications Department of the Ministry of Education.

The occasion was paresented by Uva Province Governor Attorney-at-Law Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardhana, Member of Parliament Ruwan Wijewardene, local government representatives, the Buttala Divisional Secretary, the District Secretary, and others were also present at the occasion.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

We will not take any action to restrict student freedom. Student Unions must come forward to support the efforts in ending violence and ragging based on student activities

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a committee will be appointed to formulate a national policy on medical education, following requests by student unions emphasizing the need for such a policy. She also invited student unions to submit their views and proposals toward the formulating of this policy.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a discussion held on February 27 at Temple Trees with members of the Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee.

During the meeting, the Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee outlined the issues currently faced by university students.

The Prime Minister emphasized that there will be no restriction whatsoever on students’ freedom and noted that discussions would be held with Vice-Chancellors regarding these matters in the future.

Officials of the Ministry of Health pointed out that delays in providing internship training for medical graduates are primarily due to accommodation issues. They further stated that steps are being taken to address these concerns and that approval has been sought to allocate five additional hospitals to expand internship training opportunities.

Officials from the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education highlighted that funds have already been allocated for the construction of new hostel facilities to resolve accommodation issues at the Universities of Wayamba, Kurunegala, Kuliyapitiya, Sabaragamuwa, and Moratuwa, and construction will commence once land allocation processes are completed. Attention was also drawn to the transportation difficulties faced by medical graduates undergoing training at the Kurunegala and Kuliyapitiya faculties. Discussions will be held with the Sri Lanka Transport Board to provide an appropriate solution.

It was further revealed that attention has been given to developing facilities in medical faculties and that no decision has been taken to suspend post-intern appointments.

The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Senior Professor Kapila Senevirathne, officials representing the Ministries of Education and Health, and members of the Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee, including its convener Navodya Marasinghe.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that as Sri Lanka moves towards sustainable growth, the country welcomes investors and tourists who contribute to strengthening economic and cultural ties.

She made these remarks while addressing a special celebration and dinner reception organized by the Sri Lanka India Society to commemorate the 77th Republic Day of India and the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka, held on February 26 at the Taj Samudra in Colombo.

During the event, the official magazine of the Sri Lanka India Society was launched, and the book “Port of Call” was presented to the Prime Minister and the Indian High Commissioner.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted that the Sri Lanka India Society since its establishment in 1949 has contributed for over seven decades to strengthening relations between the two nations. Through cultural engagement, dialogue, and sustained interaction, the Society has supported ties not only between the two governments but also between the peoples of both countries.

She further stated,

Over the past year, the strength of India–Sri Lanka bilateral relations has once again been evident. I express gratitude for support extended by the Indian government in facilitating the exposition of the sacred Devnimori relics in Sri Lanka.

When Cyclone Dithva affected Sri Lanka, India responded promptly as the first responder through “Operation Sagar Bandhu,” providing exceptional assistance in rescue and relief efforts.

I appreciated the announcement of a long-term relief package amounting to USD 454 million in support of Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts. India continues to work closely with Sri Lanka in its journey towards sustainable development.

The Sri Lanka–India partnership spans multiple sectors, including economic development, energy, connectivity, trade and investment, digital transformation, health, education, maritime security, and people-to-people ties.

As Sri Lanka progresses towards sustainable growth, we welcome increased investments from Indian businesses and greater tourist arrivals from India, while further strengthening our economic and cultural ties.

She reaffirmed that India remains Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and an important partner, and that Sri Lanka is committed to advancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of both countries and the wider region.

Speaking at the event, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha stated that the relationship between the two countries goes beyond formal diplomacy and is a strong and special partnership. He noted that the introduction of the first international degree offered outside India in Sri Lanka marked a new chapter in educational cooperation. He also highlighted the continued expansion of collaboration in connectivity and people-to-people relations, adding that India–Sri Lanka relations are experiencing significant growth in the current period.

The event was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, officials of the Indian High Commission, and government representatives.

Prime Minister’s Media Division