Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that focus is being placed on enhancing the quality of the agricultural sector by utilizing digital and innovative technologies.

She made these remarks while addressing the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment 2025 (ISAE) organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, held on 2nd September 2025 at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo.

The theme of ISAE 2025, “Driving Innovations in Agricultural Technologies for Climate Action and Sustainability”, encourages multidisciplinary stakeholders in Sri Lanka to explore the opportunities and challenges in global agriculture, sustainability, and the application of emerging technologies.

The symposium aims to facilitate dialogue and collaboration among academics, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to foster innovative, practical, and systematic solutions that promote climate action and sustainable agricultural practices.

The Prime Minister further stated:

"The Young Graduates Forum, running alongside this symposium, is particularly inspiring. Our future depends on youth who are innovative, knowledgeable, and socially conscious. Investing in their education, skills, and leadership is investing in a climate-resilient future for Sri Lanka and beyond.

Agriculture is not just about producing food. It is about sustaining our communities, our economy, and our planet. By embracing innovation, supporting vulnerable populations, and aligning policy with sustainability, we can transform the challenges posed by climate change into opportunities for growth and resilience."

The event was attended by Member of Parliament Prof. L. M. Abeywickrama, Senior Prof. Buddhi Marambe, Deputy Chairman of Agstar PLC Mr. Indika Gunawardhana, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna Senior Prof. P. A. Jayantha, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Senior Prof. G. Y. Jayasinghe, Dr. Awanthi Mahanama, Dr. Anushka Bandara, and students of the University of Ruhuna.

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Mr. Kunle Adeniyi, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), paid a farewell call on Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, Mr. Adeniyi expressed his deep appreciation for the strong cooperation extended by Sri Lanka to UNFPA throughout his tenure. He conveyed particular gratitude to the Prime Minister for her leadership in establishing the Women’s Commission, and commended the professionalism and commitment of Sri Lankan counterparts, noting that they were among the best partners he had worked with in advancing the Fund’s mandate. The Prime Minister extended her appreciation to UNFPA for its longstanding engagement in Sri Lanka and commended the valuable contributions made under Mr. Adeniyi’s leadership.

Senior officials from both sides attended the meeting. The UNFPA delegation included Dr. Dayanath Ranatunga, Assistant Representative, and Mr. Phuntsho Wangyel, Head of Office. The Sri Lankan delegation comprised Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Dayani Mendis, Director General of the United Nations and Human Rights Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

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The inaugural workshop of a program series organized by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, was held on August 28 at the Western Provincial Council Auditorium in Battaramulla. The objective of this program is to build a culture of corruption-free local government institutions through the enforcement of anti-corruption laws and the promotion of integrity.

The newly appointed local government members participated in this workshop, which is expected to be conducted across the island.

Addressing the participants, the Prime Minister stated,

“We are gathered here today not merely as public officers, but as guardians of trust, entrusted with responsibilities that shape the lives, well-being, and aspirations of our citizens, local government stands at the frontline of public service delivery. It is here, where governance meets the people, that every decision we make and every action we take directly affects the communities we serve, we must lead with integrity, act with transparency, and uphold accountability in every action we take.”

While delivering her speech, the Prime Minister underscored the global cost of corruption, stating:

“Corruption is a universal challenge, In December 2023, the [World Economic Forum] reported that corruption costs the global economy more than $3.5 trillion annually, ending extreme and absolute poverty worldwide by 2030 would require between $70 billion and $325 billion per year. Each act of corruption not only drains public funds but erodes public trust, undermines democracy, and perpetuates inequality.”

The Prime Minister also cautioned against downplaying so-called “petty” corruption,

“When we talk about corruption, it is often categorized as either large-scale or petty However, in my opinion, this distinction can be misleading. Corruption, in any form, has serious consequences for the nation. Even minor acts accumulate, weakening institutions and undermining the public good. Ultimately, corruption at any level diminishes the effectiveness of governance and the nation’s capacity to progress.”

Adding further, the Prime Minister emphasized the values and leadership needed to drive change,

“Integrity is about making the right choice even when no one is watching, resisting undue influence, and refusing shortcuts that compromise the public trust. It is about creating an environment where citizens believe in their government, where public resources are protected, and where every individual can access services without fear of exploitation.”

She also highlighted the importance of collective action, further stating,

“We must rebuild trust and work together, because corruption is not an isolated issue it is connected to every challenge we face in the public sector. To restore integrity and strengthen our nation, we must confront it collectively and decisively. Let today be more than a training session. Let it be a pledge of commitment. Let us collectively resolve that corruption will have no place in our institutions, that integrity will guide every policy, and that public service will be an honour, not an opportunity for personal gain.”

The event was also attended by Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Dr. A.H.M.H. Aberathna, Western Province Governor Haniff Yusuf, Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption R.S.A. Dissanayake, newly appointed local government members, and state officials.

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The awarding ceremony of Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki festa organized by the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO with the sponsorship of the Mitsubishi Corporation to appreciate the school children who won the “Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki Festa” picture-diary competition was held on August 28 at Temple Trees, with the chair of the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is the Chairperson to the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, together with H.E. ISOMATA Akio, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka.

The “Enikki Festa” competition is held with the objective of fostering intercultural empathy among Asian children while nurturing creativity and 300 winners were felicitated from the competition held in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated that this program embodies a special recognition of imagination, creativity, and friendship among nations and further emphasized that through the children’s creations, Sri Lanka shares its values, traditions, and everyday life with the world while carrying the pride of the nation to the international stage.

The Prime Minister also extended her special appreciation for the assistance extended by the Government of Japan towards Sri Lanka’s development in various fields, including education and technological advancement.

the Prime Minister stated:

Our government is fully committed to an education system that fosters not only academic excellence but also creativity. In our future education policies, equal importance will be given to arts, culture, and vocational skills, alongside science and technological knowledge, with a focus on holistic development. Our goal is not only to nurture successful professionals but also to prepare balanced, creative, and empathetic citizens.

Addressing the ceremony, H.E. ISOMATA Akio, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, congratulated the winning children and commended the commitment of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO in organizing this competition. He also highlighted the importance of the competition in enabling children to learn about cultural values from different countries.

The event was also attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary-General of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO Prof. Prabath Jayasinghe, Deputy Secretary Nalaka Ratnayake, along with invited guests, parents, and school children.

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When that is true, the whole nation moves.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the policy and research forum titled “Unlocking the Gender Dividend: Driving Policy Change Through Knowledge,” hosted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sri Lanka on 27 of August at Galle Face Hotel.

During the event four landmark reports were officially presented to the Prime Minister that provide the policymakers, researchers, and civil society, with critical evidence and policy recommendations to address persistent gender inequalities and emerging challenges in Sri Lanka and create a more inclusive and equitable society .

Delivering the keynote address, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated :

Every woman and girl must be able to live with dignity, to be safe, and to contribute fully to the life of our country.

When that is true, the whole nation moves.

The Prime Minister further highlighted the unpaid care work that falls disproportionately on women, which eventually leads to an imbalance in raising participation and enabling women to balance work and caregiving is essential for national progress.

The event was attended by Kunle Adeniyi, Representative of UNFPA Sri Lanka, Member of Parliament, Dr. Nalint Abeysinghe, the secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child affairs.

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A meeting was held today between the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and delegation from the U.S. Congress House Democracy Partnership (HDP) On 27th August 2025 at the Prime Minister’s office.

Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of partnership of U.S. Congress HDP in promoting accountability, transparency, and legislative capacity, economic growth and reinforcing partnerships in Sri Lanka.

The representatives of HDP presented their focus on working with parliament on oversight, citizen engagement and e-governance between two countries. During the meeting, special attention was also given to the female participation in the Parliament and in national leadership and challenges faced by females in the labor force.

Representing the United States Delegation, the meeting is attended by Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka H.E. Julie Chung, Executive Director, House Democracy Partnership Mr. Derek Luyten, and representing Sri Lanka the meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Foreign Employment & Tourism.

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