පත්වීම් හෝ ස්ථාන මාරු ලබා දුන්නම ලැබෙන පත්වීම් භාර ගෙන අදාල ස්ථානවල වැඩ භාර ගන්න.

2026 වසරේ වෙන් කළ මුදල් නිසි පරිදි පාසලේ සංවර්ධන කටයුතු වලට යොදා ගන්න.

පාසල් තුළ පවත්වන උත්සව දෙමව්පියන්ට බරක් නොවන විදිහට සංවිධානය කර ගන්නා ලෙසත්, පත්වීම් හෝ ස්ථාන මාරු ලබා දීමේදී ලැබෙන පත්වීම් භාර ගෙන අදාල ස්ථානවල වැඩ භාර ගතයුතු බවත්, 2026 වසරේ වෙන් කළ මුදල් නිසි පරිදි පාසලේ සංවර්ධන කටයුතුවලට යොදා ගන්නා ලෙසත් අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය ආචාර්ය හරිනි අමරසූරිය පැවසුවාය.

නව අධ්‍යාපන ප්‍රතිසංස්කරණ පිළිබඳව හම්බන්තොට, තංගල්ල සහ වලස්මුල්ල අධ්‍යාපන කොටිඨාසවල ගුරුවරුන් සහ විදුහල්පතිවරුන් දැනුවත් කිරීම වෙනුවෙන් අද (15) පැවති සාකච්ඡාවල අදහස් දක්වමින් අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය ආචාර්ය හරිනි අමරසූරිය මේ බව සඳහන් කළාය.

මෙහිදී වැඩිදුර⁣ටත් අදහස් දැක් වූ අග්‍රාමාත්‍යතුමිය මෙසේද කීය,

2027 වසරේ අපි 6 ශ්‍රේණියටත්, 2 ශ්‍රේණියටත් නව අධ්‍යාපන ප්‍රතිසංසකරණ සිදු කරනවා. මේ වසරේ 6 ශ්‍රේණියේ සිටින දරුවන් නව අධ්‍යාපන ප්‍රතිසංස්කරණ තුළට ඇතුළත් කර ගැනීම සඳහා කමිටුවක් පත් කළා. ඒ කමිටු වාර්තාව අනුව අපි ඉදිරියේදී කටයුතු කරනවා.

පාසල් යටිතල පහසුකම්, පන්ති කාමර සංවර්ධනය සහ අධ්‍යාපන ප්‍රතිසංස්කරණවලට අදාල කටයුතු අපි සිදු කරමින් යනවා. පන්ති තුළ ළමුන් ප්‍රමාණය ප්‍රාථමික අංශයේ 25ත් 30ත් අතරත් ද්විතීයික පාසල් තළ ළමුන් 35 දක්වාත් පවත්වා ගන්න අපි සැලසුම් කරාගන යනවා. කිසිම හේතුවක් මත චක්‍රලේඛවලට පිටින් දරුවන් පාසලට ඇතලත් කරන්න බැහැ.

පන්ති කාමර සංවර්ධනය කරද්දි ප්‍රායෝගික ක්‍රියාකාරකම්වලට ගැලපෙන පරිදි සකස් කරන්න අවශ්‍ය සැළසුම් ඉංජිනේරු අංශය විසින් සකස් කරමින් තිබෙනවා.

පාසල්වල සමහර ගැටලු පළාත් සභා සහ ප්‍රාදේශිය සභා මට්ටමින් විසඳිය හැකියි. සනීපාරක්ෂක පහසුකම් සකස් කිරීමේ සිට සියළු ප්‍රතිසංස්කරණ ගුණාත්මකව සිදු කරන්න කියලා අපි යෝජනා කර තිබෙනවා. 2025 වසරේත් 2026 වසරේත් අපි පාසල් සංවර්ධනය වෙනුවෙන් මුදල් වෙන් කළා. ව්‍යුහ කමිටු හරහා ක්‍රමවත් සැලසුම් සකස් කර දිස්ත්‍රික් සංවර්ධන කමිටුවේ අනුමැතිය ඇතිව ඉදිරිපත් කරන්න. වෙන් කළ මුදල් නිසි පරිදි පාසලේ සංවර්ධන කටයුතු වලට යොදා ගන්න.

2026 වන විට සෑම පාසලකටම smart board සහ අන්තර්ජාල පහසුකම් ලබා දෙන්න කටයුතු කරනවා. කිසිම හේතුවක් මත ඒ වෙනුවෙන් දෙමව්පියන්ගෙන් මුදල් එකතු කරන්න එපා. සෑම පාසලකටම වාර්ෂික සැළසුම් තියනවා ඒ සඳහා අනුමත මුදල් ප්‍රමාණයක් තිබෙනවා. ඊට එහා දෙමව්පියන්ගෙන් මුදල් එකතු කරන්න එපා. වි⁣ශේෂයෙන් පාසල් තුළ පවත්වන උත්සව දෙමව්පියන්ට බරක් නොවන විදිහට සංවිධානය කර ගන්න.

වසර ගණනාවක් පුරා ගුරු විදුහල්පති පුරප්පාඩු පුරවලා නැහැ. ඒ නිසා ගැටලු රාශියක් ඇත් වෙලා තිබෙනවා පැවති නඩු කටයුතුවලින් පසුව දැන් අපි ගුරු සේවයට 23000කට අධික පිරිසක් විධිමත්ව බඳවා ගන්න කටයුතු කරනවා. අප්‍රේල් මාසේ අග හෝ මැයි මාසේ මුල ඒ සඳහා වන විභාග පැවැත්වීමට නියමිතයි.

විදුහල්පතිවරුන් බඳවා ගැනීම සඳහා පුරප්පාඩු ගැසට් කළා. නමුත් ඉල්ලුම් කිරීම් සිදු වුණේ ඉතාමත් සීමිතව, අපි දන්නවා වැටුප් ප්‍රශ්නයක් තියනවා විදුහල්පති සේවයේ වගේම සමස්ත වැටුප් විෂමතාව වෙනුවෙන් වැටුප් කොමිසමට අපි යෝජනා ඉදිරිපත් කරන්න කටයුතු කරමින් යනවා. ඒ වගේම ගුරුපත්වීම් ඉල්ලලා උද්ඝෝෂණ කරන අය පත්වීම් දුන්නම නැත්නම් ස්ථාන මාරු දුන්නම ඒක භාරගන්න සුදානම් නැහැ. අපි දන්නවා පෞද්ගලික ගැටලු තිබෙනවා නමුත් පළමුව තමන්ට ලැබෙන පත්වීම් භාර ගෙන වැඩ භාර ගන්න. දේශපාලන මැදිහත් වීම් මත කැමති ස්ථානයකට යන්න පුලුවන් කියලා මතයක් තියනවා. ඒ නිසා අධ්‍යාපන ක්⁣ෂේත්‍රයේ අර්බුධ නිර්මාණය වෙලා තිබනවා.

සමහර පිරිස් විදුහල්පති සේවයේ පුරප්පාඩු සඳහා ඉල්ලුම් කරන්නේ නැතුව නියෝජ්‍ය විදුහල්පති ලෙස එකම පාසලක ඉන්නවා. එහෙම කරන්න බැහැ. මේක ගෞරවාන්විත සේවාවක්. ඒ වෙනුවෙන් වෘත්තීය ගෞරවය ලබා දෙන්න පාර්ලිමේන්තුවේ අධ්‍යාපන කවුන්සිලය හරහා වාර්තාවක් සකස් කරලා අමාත්‍ය මණ්ඩලයට යොමු කරන්‍න සූදානම් කර තිබෙනවා.

යටිතල පහසුකම් සංවර්ධනයේදී අපි යෝජනා කරලා තිබෙනවා. ඒ ඒ කොට්ඨාසවල පවතින තත්වයන් පුරෝකථනය කරලා ව්‍යුහ කමිටු හරහා සැලසුම් ඉදිරිපත් කරන්න කියලා.

දරුවන්ගේ ගැටලුවලදි රාජ්‍ය ප්‍රතිපත්ති හෝ තීරණ ලබා දෙන තුරු බලා නොසිටින ලෙසත් කොටිඨාස මට්ටමින් පළාත් මට්ටමින් කඩිනමින් විසදුම් ලබා දීමට කටයුතු කළ යුතු බවත් අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය ආචාර්ය හරිනි අමරසූරිය පැවසුවාය.

මෙම අවස්ථාවට ඉඩම් හා වාරිමාර්ග නියෝජ්‍ය අමාත්‍ය අරවින්ද සෙනරත්, පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රීවරුන් වන නිහාල් ගලප්පත්ති, අතුල වෙළඳගොඩ යන මහත්වරුන්, පළාත් හා කළාප අධ්‍යාපන බලධාරීන් විදහල්පතිවරුන් ගුරුවරුන් විශාල පිරිසක් සහභාගී වූහ.

අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය මාධ්‍ය අංශය

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a new curriculum will be introduced for preschools in 2027, while steps will also be taken to train teachers accordingly and to regulate preschools through a regulatory authority.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing an awareness programme for preschool teachers in the Hambantota District on education reforms, held today (15) at the Ambalantota Pradeshiya Sabha Auditorium.

During the programme, preschool teachers briefed on the Prime Minister about the challenges they currently face. Responding to their concerns, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:

The issues within the preschool system cannot be discussed separately from the broader crisis in society and in the education sector. When we assumed the office in 2024, our primary challenge was to free the country from its debt burden and to establish sound economic indicators.

Although 2025 was a challenging year, we were able to bring the country’s economy to a certain level of stability and manage the national budget accordingly.

While we were working towards economic recovery, the war in the Middle East began, which has had certain impacts on our country as well. A significant amount of Sri Lanka’s foreign remittances come from our fellow citizens working in the Middle East. Today, both their livelihoods and employment are under threat. In addition, a large number of tourists travelled to Sri Lanka through Middle Eastern airspace, and the closure of those air routes and airports has reduced tourist arrivals. Another issue concerns fuel transportation. This problem has affected not only Sri Lanka but many countries around the world. If the war continues for a long period, it will have further impacts on us, and therefore we must be prepared. We also need to manage the economy carefully and reduce certain expenditures.

Although we have the ability to borrow, our intention is not to weaken the country’s economy by relying on loans.

You are aware that we have begun implementing education reforms. Within that policy framework, we are also taking steps to reform preschool education. So far, the establishment of preschools and early childhood development has not been carried out in a systematic manner. Therefore, we must regulate and standardize all preschools, which is not an easy task. First, all preschools must be formally registered. We have already prepared a curriculum for teacher training. In addition, we plan to introduce a new curriculum for preschools in 2027, provide teacher training accordingly, and regulate preschools through a regulatory authority. A recognized curriculum has also been prepared for the preschool diploma. In the future, priority for preschool teachers will be given based on these qualifications. We will also take gradual steps to enhance the professionalism of preschool teachers and establish a proper salary structure

The Prime Minister further stated that preschools fall under the authority of Provincial Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas, while the line ministry can only provide policy recommendations. She also emphasized that issues related to preschools should be addressed in a systematic manner through structural committees and District Development Committees.

The occasion was attended by the Member of Parliament Nihal Galappaththi and other public representatives, along with preschool teachers from the Hambantota District.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the weakening of public trust in information disseminated through the media is extremely dangerous for a society, and emphasized that people must be mindful of the truthfulness of information before sharing it on social media.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the “Sandeshaya” Media Awards Ceremony held on 14 March at the Kularathne Hall of Ananda College, Colombo. The event was organized with the aim of providing Sri Lankan school students with an opportunity to actively contribute to the national media discourse while promoting ethics, responsibility, and critical thinking.

During the “Sandeshaya” Awards Ceremony organized by the Media Unit of Ananda College, lifetime awards granted only once in a lifetime were presented to distinguished veterans in the media field, while media awards were also presented to talented students in the school category. The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister.

Expressing her views further, the Prime Minister stated:

We live in an era where information technology and the media are changing rapidly. Along with these changes, many opportunities have emerged, but we are also confronted with numerous challenges.

We must prepare our younger generation to live in a society and a world transformed by information technology and the media.

When we observe the changes taking place in the media today, we can say that the media and information have become democratized. In the past, access to knowledge and information was largely limited to privileged or powerful groups. The authority to communicate information and decide what should be disseminated was held by a small group. However, with the advancement of technology, this has changed dramatically. As a result of this revolutionary transformation, information, data, and knowledge have now become accessible to everyone. In that sense, it is a positive development.

At the same time, we are no longer merely media viewers or consumers. As citizens, we can also become media creators. Citizens now have significant space to engage with the media and share information. While this is positive in one sense, it also carries certain dangers. There are serious questions, issues, and challenges regarding responsibility and credibility in the dissemination of information. Today, information flows so rapidly that it is sometimes difficult to determine what is true. Making decisions has become increasingly challenging. Not only in our country but globally, there have been many instances where societies have been set ablaze due to misinformation or deliberately distorted information. We have witnessed numerous occasions where people’s lives have been destroyed as a result.

Sometimes, without even realizing it, we get trapped on the internet. We share various things through our social media platforms, both necessary and unnecessary. However, what we often forget is that a large amount of personal information accumulates on the internet through these actions. Once incorrect information becomes widespread in this way, it becomes extremely difficult to erase.

The spread of false information weakens public trust in the information provided by the media, and this is extremely dangerous for a society. For the sustainability of a society, it is essential to maintain trust among citizens and trust in the institutions that influence people’s lives. Only through the trust we can safeguard the sustainability, continuity, and security of a society.

However, what has happened today due to the spread of misinformation? We no longer have confidence in our leaders. We do not even trust elders. There is doubt about whether the news we receive can be trusted. When credibility weakens within a society, it can push that society into crisis.

Therefore, it is extremely important to cultivate a culture that strengthens trust in leadership, promotes confidence in elders, and enhances awareness about reliable sources of information. In this context, those entering the field of media carry a significant responsibility.

Just like the senior professionals we honored today, you too may one day enter this field. However, there is a vast difference between the era in which they entered the profession and the era you will enter. You will carry a unique responsibility to strengthen the credibility of the media and to stand firmly behind the information you present.

You must be able to stand by the information you provide. You must reflect on whether the information you share is true and who might be affected by it. Ensuring the credibility of the information you disseminate is also your responsibility.

Similarly, as users of any form of media, we all bear a responsibility to verify the reliability of the information we receive and to be aware of how to distinguish between truth and falsehood. That is why digital literacy and media literacy are essential. It is also for this reason that we believe such subjects and concepts must be incorporated into education reforms so that our student generation can learn them.

The Prime Minister further stated that citizens have a responsibility to be mindful of the truthfulness of information before sharing content found on the internet and social media with others.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Anil Jasinghe, Principal of Ananda College D.M.L.P. Dissanayake, journalists, principals, teachers, and students.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that addressing the drug issue in the country must be treated as a national priority, highlighting that it must deliver results at the ground level.

A meeting to brief the Prime Minister on the National Strategic Plan for the Management, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Persons with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) 2026–2030 was held with the participation of officials from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media and other key stakeholders on 13th of March at the Temple Trees.

The discussion focused on the proposed national strategy developed to address the growing health, social and economic challenges associated with substance use disorders in Sri Lanka. The strategic plan aims to strengthen prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration services through a coordinated and evidence-based national approach.

During the meeting, attention was drawn to existing gaps in early identification of substance use disorders, continuity of care, community-based follow-up and reintegration of recovering individuals into society. The plan proposes several key interventions, including strengthening screening and symptomatic treatment at primary healthcare and outpatient levels, improving hospital-based treatment and follow-up services, expanding residential rehabilitation facilities, and enhancing community-based rehabilitation and relapse prevention programmes.

Special emphasis has also been placed on providing targeted support for vulnerable groups, including children and adolescents, pregnant women, mothers with children and prison inmates.

Speaking on the importance of strengthening the national response to drug issues, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted that the drug menace has evolved into a serious social crisis that threatens social stability and security of families and the nation as a whole highlighting that law enforcement and rehabilitation in this regard must be given equal priority.

The Prime Minister further underscored the importance of including public awareness initiatives and responsible media reporting as key components of the national strategy.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe, officials from the Department of Prisons, Bureau of Rehabilitation, Sri Lanka Police Ministry of health, Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Justice and National Integration ,Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Women and Child Affairs and other relevant department and ministries.

Primeminister’s Media Division

The Prime Minister states at the opening ceremony of INCO 2026 Exhibition.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that promoting the local industrial sector is one of the key priorities of the Government.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the official opening ceremony of the INCO 2026 Industrial Exhibition on 13 th of March, which is being held for the 20th consecutive year at the BMICH Exhibition Center.
 
The INCO 2026 Industrial Exhibition, organized by the Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Sri Lanka (IIESL), will be held from March 13 to 15.

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

The engineering sector is a key driving force in addressing practical challenges faced by a country while enhancing efficiency and safety. In particular, the contribution extended by exhibitions of this nature encourages the student community to engage in innovation.

The Government has implemented several measures to accelerate the country’s industrial development. Notably, the National Industry Information System (NIIS) has established a centralized digital platform to collect data related to the country’s economic and industrial activities. The Government is also taking steps to provide necessary financial support to industrialists through Revolving Funds.

It is also noteworthy that this year’s exhibition has attracted international participation, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to explore new markets and gain exposure to international technologies. With the participation of engineers, students, and entrepreneurs, this exhibition marks an important step toward the country’s industrial future.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the National Paper Company Limited Mr. Upali Rathnayake, President of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Sri Lanka Engineer Ananda Gunawardena, along with local and foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and industrialists.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the special event organized to commentate the International Mother Languages Day 2026 on 13 March 2026 at the New Arts Theatre of the University of Colombo. The event was held under the theme ’Languages Unite: Diverse Voices, Shared Humanity’.

The event was jointly organized by the High Commission of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka with the support of the United Nations, the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association.

During the occasion, certificates and awards were presented to school winners of the painting, essay, and short video creation competitions organized in conjunction with the celebration of International Mother Language Day 2026.

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

International Mother Language Day stands as a powerful reminder of the profound connection between language, identity, and dignity.

This global observance owes its origins to the visionary initiative of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s advocacy transformed a national commemoration into a global movement one that celebrates the rich mosaic of humanity’s linguistic heritage.

Sri Lanka’s language diversity reflects the richness of our pluralistic heritage. This diversity should not be seen as a challenge to be managed, but as a strength to be valued and cherished.

When we protect language rights, we nurture social harmony. When we promote multilingual education, we empower future generations. And when we listen to one another in our own languages, we affirm each other’s humanity. At a time when divisions can easily take root, respect for linguistic diversity can instead serve as a bridge of empathy and cooperation.

In an increasingly digital age, we must also reflect on the importance of preserving linguistic diversity in cyberspace. Thousands of languages around the world remain vulnerable. Without conscious efforts in education, technology, and policy, many risk fading into silence. Safeguarding linguistic heritage is therefore not only cultural responsibility, but also a shared commitment to preserving the diversity of our world.

The Prime Minister remarked that the partnership between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh continues to grow in friendship and cooperation with the shared commitment to multilateralism, cultural understanding, and people-to-people engagement strengthens the bonds between the two nations.

The event was attended by the Bangladesh High Commissioner, Mr. Andalib Elias, Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, FAO Country Representative for Sri Lanka and Maldives Vimlendra Sharan, Chief Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association Dr. Kushantha Herath, diplomatic crops, members of the Sri Lanka Scout Association, and the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association and students.

Prime Minister’s media division