In line with the initiative carried out by the task force currently established at the Prime Minister’s Office and ongoing education reforms and the Cabinet decision related to the digital transformation of education, a discussion was held today (12) at Temple Trees, chaired by Prime Minister’s Secretary Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, to integrate and implement provincial education information systems with the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS).

The main objective of this programme is to ensure equal access to education through digitalization for remote schools, minimize disparities in resource distribution in the teaching and learning process, and guarantee equal opportunities in education. It also aims to identify the procedures currently used at the provincial level for educational digitalization, examine the practical challenges encountered, and develop an effective and efficient mechanism at the national level.

Addressing at the event, secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri emphasized the need to follow systematic procedures when formulating digital solutions and to implement measures to minimize the existing disparities at the provincial level in the use of digital technology.

Representing the provinces, provincial education secretaries and directors made presentations on the data related to the use of digital solutions in schools and provincial education offices, as well as on best practices. The Secretary to the Prime Minister pointed out that obtaining up-to-date information would enable more accurate decision-making at the national level in relation to the education process.

This event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Mr. Varuna Dhanapala, Uva Province Chief Secretary Mrs. Anusha Gokula, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. A.B.M. Ashraff, members of the task force, Air Force officers assigned to the NEMIS project at the Ministry of Education, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, and provincial education secretaries and directors representing all provinces.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

H.E. Eric Walsh, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka, paid a farewell call on Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, on 11 August 2025 at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the High Commissioner’s contributions during his tenure, noting his openness in engagement and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The High Commissioner shared insights on Canada’s education system and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to continuing development assistance to Sri Lanka, highlighting its importance as a longstanding element of bilateral cooperation.

The Canadian delegation included Ms. Gwen Temmel, Counsellor (Political), and Mr. Patrick Pickering, Second Secretary at the High Commission of Canada in Colombo. Representing Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; and Ms. Pramuditha Manusinghe, Director of the North America Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

His Excellency Santhosh Jha, High Commissioner of India, met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s office on 11 August 2025.

The Prime Minister welcomed the High Commissioner of India and highlighted the importance of building stronger cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of Education. The Prime Minister further highlighted the need of the training programme for officials in the education field to develop the skills in the area of leadership and planning, and pointed out the urgent need to address the teacher shortage of Tamil medium. She also shared an update on the ongoing education reforms in Sri Lanka aimed at improving access and quality.

The high commissioner of India briefed on the ongoing projects and further elaborated on school projects in the plantation sector, Smart classroom and Teacher training programme and expressed interest in working more closely together in this area. Both sides also had a productive discussion on the importance of future Collaboration in the field of scholarships between universities.

The discussion was attended by Mr Ashok Raju Second secretary (development cooperation), Mr Surabh Sablok First secretary (commerce), High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and representing Sri Lanka Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewa .

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 7 August 2025.

The meeting provided a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding and friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Australia. The Prime Minister welcomed the Governor-General and highlighted the importance of building stronger cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of politics, the economy, and sports. She also shared an update on the ongoing education reforms in Sri Lanka aimed at improving access and quality.

The Governor-General spoke about Australia’s education system and expressed interest in working more closely together in this area. Both sides also had a productive discussion on the importance of increasing women’s participation and leadership in politics, reflecting their shared commitment to gender equality.

The Governor-General assured Australia’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s development and mentioned the potential for expanding cooperation in several other fields.

Senior officials from both sides attended the meeting. The Australian delegation included Mr. Gerard Martin PSM, Official Secretary to the Governor-General; H.E. Paul Stephens, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka; Ms. Jamie Thanjan, Aide-de-Camp, Royal Australian Air Force; Ms. Lalita Kapur, Deputy High Commissioner; and Dr. Paul Zeccola, First Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Colombo.The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Ruwanthi Delpitiya, Director General; and Mr. Dhawood Amanullah, Director, East Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Implement educational reforms that can develop sectors such as fisheries and agriculture, and produce entrepreneurs with specialized knowledge in those fields. – His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the objectives of the educational reforms include fostering moral values in children, guiding those who deviate from school education towards vocational training, and thereby ensuring their contribution to the country’s economic development.

A special discussion to raise awareness about the educational reforms scheduled to be implemented from 2026 was held on July 07 at the Archbishop’s official residence in Colombo, with the participation of His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, senior bishops, and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the meeting, a comprehensive explanation of the educational reforms was presented by the Prime Minister and the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Mr. Nalaka Kalubewa.

Special attention was given to how the new reforms would establish, within schools themselves, the foundation for producing specialists in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, electrical engineering, and automobile repair fields that many children may not have opportunities to enter in traditionally recognized professions while highlighting the value of those industries.

The discussion also covered the importance of selecting subject experts when filling teacher vacancies, formalizing the selection process, and identifying measures to provide a high-quality education to all children.

This occasion was attended by His Eminence Harold Anthony, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka, along with other bishops.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

A discussion between the Prime Minister and the Chair person of the All-Island Sasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya, Most Venerable Professor Thubulle Seelakkhanda Nayaka Thero, along with other members of the Maha Sangha, was held at Temple Trees.

The discussion focused on a number of challenges and issues currently faced by Dhamma schools.

Special attention was paid to halting supplementary classes on Sundays and Poya days, ensuring that school examinations and sports competitions are not held on days when Dhamma school exams and competitions take place, addressing the shortage of Dhamma school teachers, providing the necessary equipment and learning materials for Dhamma schools, granting a special recognition mark to Dhamma school Dharmacharya-qualified students during university admission, and further developing Dhamma school education into a systematic and valued form of education.

The discussion was attended by the General Secretary of the All-Island Sasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya, Most Venerable Mugunuwela Anuruddha Nayaka Thero, members of the Maha Sangha, Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Prince Senadheera, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs Ms. Wellahwe, and a group of officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division