Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has departed for an official visit to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) 2026 Board of Governors Meeting.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in several high-level academic and diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of education, development studies, research collaboration, and international partnerships.

As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will meet with Ms.Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom, at the UK Department for Education, to discuss areas of cooperation in education and related sectors. She is also expected to meet Ms.Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, for discussions on matters of bilateral interest and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.

In addition, the Prime Minister is expected to meet Ms.Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on the sidelines of the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) 2026 Board of Governors Meeting.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will attend a public event at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and she will also take part in the ceremony marking the 60th Anniversary of the Institute of Development Studies. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a session at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies at the University of Oxford, followed by a question-and-answer session with scholars and students.

The visit is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s engagement with academic institutions, international development partners, and Commonwealth member states, particularly in the areas of education, research, policy dialogue, and capacity building.

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The Ceremony to welcome and present the Sannas Patra to the Chief Incumbent of the Kotte Madiwela Sri Gnanananda Buddhist Centre and the Nikapotha Subhadraramaya Piriven Maha Viharaya in Haputale and Sri Rathanajothi Vanshalankara Saddharmavagishwara Shastra Visharada Panditha Mahopadhyaya, the Most Venerable Nikapotha Chandrajothi Maha Nayaka Thero, conferring the title of Mahanayaka of the Maha Viharavanshika Udarata Amarapura Maha Nikaya, was held today (17) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Mahanayaka of the Maha Viharavanshika Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithreemurthi Mahanayaka Thero. During the ceremony, the Sri Sannas Patra conferring the position of Mahanayaka of the Udarata Amarapura Maha Nikaya was presented to the Most Venerable Nikapotha Chandrajothi Maha Nayaka Thero by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The event was graced by the presence of Maha Sangha of the three Nikayas, and attended by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, other Ministers and Members of Parliament, the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs, government officials, and a large gathering of devotees.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the foundation for nurturing the intellectually developed and civilized citizens we aspire to create lies in the collective experiences students gain during their school years. She further noted that the government has ensured thirteen years of school education in order to provide students with the opportunity to gain such formative experiences.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending as the Chief Guest at the awards ceremony of the “2024/2025 All Island School Drama Competition,” organized for the 30th consecutive year by the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation, held at the Savsiripaya premises on May 15, 2026.

Elaborating further, the Prime Minister stated:

Despite victory or defeat in such competitions, the experiences students gain through participating in such arts and cultural activities are valuable in shaping not only their own lives but also the kind of citizens with morals that the country needs. However, today we can observe a growing tendency among adults to rush children through their school education and turn them into adults as quickly as possible. This is not a suitable approach for producing the refined citizens the country needs.

She further stated that under the government’s policy vision of creating “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life,” a number of transformative changes must take place in the country. The Prime Minister stated,

Since the prevailing economic, political, and social crises are deeply intertwined with human lives, they cannot be resolved through legislation alone. A clear transformation in social attitudes is also essential.

The transformative change we seek can greatly benefit from the contribution of the arts in cultivating individuals who are intellectually and culturally refined. The education system itself must undergo transformation with the aim of nurturing creative, compassionate and capable citizens with leadership qualities, who can contribute positively to society.

Although not everyone who participates in stage during school life will become professional artists, the experiences they gain will shape them into creative and outstanding individuals within society. Reading a meaningful book or watching a quality film can guide the human mind toward positive and new ways of thinking. Such experiences foster the attitudinal growth necessary to create a new world.

Teachers and parents who create the path for such decisive and meaningful experiences in children’s lives are carrying out a significant responsibility. Only through such a younger generation with talent and sensitive mind set can become the leaders the country needs, and recognizing these talents plays a vital role in creating that foundation.

The event was attended by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, the Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, the Director General of the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation, secretaries to the Ministry, and government officials, students.

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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.

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’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.

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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.

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