The 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, who concluded his tenure as Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, called on Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees on 31 July.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister commended Lieutenant General Rodrigo for his distinguished military service, exemplary leadership, and unwavering dedication to the motherland.

Lieutenant General Rodrigo reflected on his tenure as Army Commander and recalled his active contribution towards enhancing the operational capabilities and professional standards of the Sri Lanka Army.

The Prime Minister also conveyed her best wishes to Lieutenant General Rodrigo for his future endeavours following his retirement from service.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating as the Chief Guest in the 45th Graduation Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), held on 31 July at the BMICH.

Established by the Government of Sri Lanka in 1964 as the Ceylon Hotel School, the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management has, for more than six decades, is well known for its contribution to equip the skilled professionals whose knowledge, professionalism, and dedication have earned recognition both in Sri Lanka and internationally.

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister presented awards and certificates to the graduating students in recognition of their successful completion of studies.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of numerous challenges, including the Cyclone Ditwah, and further stated, By 2026, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector had undergone a significant recovery, gradually transforming from a crisis-affected industry into one of the key drivers of economic revival.

The progress achieved in recent years is also encouraging. In 2025, Sri Lanka generated approximately 3.2 billion US dollars in tourism revenue, reaffirming the sector’s importance to the national economy. This positive momentum has continued into 2026, with tourist arrivals from January to July already exceeding 1.3 million visitors. Tourism-related employment has reached more than 429,000 direct and indirect jobs, demonstrating the sector’s significant contribution to the well-being of Sri Lankan families and communities.

The Prime Minister further stated that the Government’s National Tourism Vision for 2030 aims to welcome five million tourist arrivals, build a tourism workforce of 800,000 people, and generate USD 10 billion in tourism revenue by 2030.

The Prime Minister emphasized that achieving these goals requires more than technical expertise. She noted that the tourism industry needs professionals who are environmentally responsible, ethically grounded, adaptable, and committed to delivering quality service.

The Prime Minister also commended SLITHM for its efforts to promote inclusion by creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in the tourism industry, describing it as an important step towards building a more equitable and accessible sector.

Highlighting the importance of gender equality in the workforce, the Prime Minister stressed the need to ensure safe and supportive workplaces that encourage the participation of women in the tourism industry, contributing to a more balanced and productive workforce.

The occasion was attended by Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of SLITHM Mr. Wasantha Manthripala, CEO/Director General of SLITHM, diplomatic representatives, members of the academic and non-academic staff of SLITHM, graduates, and their families.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office on 31 July.

Welcoming the UNDP delegation, the Prime Minister expressed her appreciation for UNDP’s continued partnership and support for Sri Lanka’s sustainable development efforts.

The Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the Government’s ongoing efforts to complete priority programmes initiated under previous administrations, while moving forward with the implementation of its own policy priorities.

The discussion focused on the Government’s public sector review process, including measures to strengthen recruitment through transparent and merit-based processes and improve human resource management across the public sector. The Government’s digitalisation agenda was also discussed, with particular attention to digital public infrastructure, digital governance and the use of technology to improve public service delivery.

Ms. Wignaraja reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s digitalisation and digital governance initiatives, as well as its continued assistance towards the country’s recovery and resilience efforts.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the Government’s focus on strengthening integrated waste management systems, promoting sustainable resource management, expanding renewable energy generation and advancing Sri Lanka’s transition towards sustainable development. She outlined ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive climate finance strategy to mobilise resources for climate adaptation, resilience and low-carbon development.

UNDP shared updates on its ongoing Future Skills Study, which seeks to identify emerging labour market needs and support skills development in line with future economic demands.

The discussion also covered Sri Lanka’s care economy, with both sides exchanging views on strengthening care systems, increasing women’s participation in the workforce and promoting more inclusive economic growth.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Azusa Kubota, UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka; Ms. Marina Ten, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Sri Lanka; Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has instructed the relevant authorities to expedite the commencement of renovation on the Ratmalana–Kandawala Road and the drainage system on either side of the road, which provides access to a number of economically significant industrial establishments, higher education institutions, and other key locations.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a special discussion held today (31 July) at the Western Provincial Council Office.

It was revealed during the discussion that due to blockages in the drainage system along both sides of the road, the road and adjacent buildings are frequently inundated during the rainy season, causing severe inconvenience to residents, employees, and those accessing institutions in the area. Although renovating the road would bring significant economic and social benefits, years of inadequate maintenance have caused flooding, while unauthorized constructions have been built blocking the water flow.

Several key factors affecting the poor storm water drainage along the Ratmalana–Kandawala Road were identified during the discussion. These included unauthorized structures blocking the natural flow of rainwater, the lack of regular cleaning and maintenance of the drainage system, and the insufficient capacity of existing culverts and bridges to meet current drainage requirements.

It was further revealed that the differences in elevation between the drainage system and the Weras Ganga, into which the water ultimately flows, as well as the area’s high groundwater table located close to the surface, have also caused the persistent flooding.

Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister noted that unresolved issues relating to land ownership and the failure to clearly identify the institutions responsible for maintaining the drainage canals and waterways have become major obstacles to resolving the problem. The Prime Minister therefore stressed the importance of all relevant state institutions working together beyond narrow institutional and administrative boundaries.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the final development plan should not only improve access for the public, export-oriented industries that generate foreign exchange, and higher education institutions, but must also incorporate comprehensive flood mitigation measures for the area.

The Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation has already prepared a development plan for the project. The meeting also focused on the implementation of the rehabilitation work by the Western Provincial Road Development Authority once the relevant stakeholder institutions resolved the outstanding issues.

The discussion was attended by Chairperson of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Chairperson of the Ratmalana Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Samanmali Gunasingha, Chairperson of the Roads Subcommittee of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Dewananda Suraweera, the Chief Secretary of the Western Province, the Mayor of Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia, and a large number of officials representing the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation and the Western Provincial Road Development Authority.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the opening of the “19th Century Views of Ceylon” exhibition, jointly organised by the George Keyt Foundation and the British High Commission in Colombo, held at Westminster House, the official residence of the British High Commissioner, on July 30, 2026.

The exhibition marks a historic milestone as the first public art exhibition to be hosted at Westminster House. It features a rare collection of 19th-century artworks depicting Ceylon by celebrated British artists, including Edward Lear, Andrew Nicholl, and Constance Gordon Cumming. Drawn largely from private collections, many of these artworks are being exhibited to the public for the first time, offering a remarkable visual record of Sri Lanka’s landscapes, architecture, and cultural heritage as interpreted by visiting artists of the period.

During the visit, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya toured the exhibition and engaged in discussions with the organisers and invited guests on the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering international cultural cooperation through the arts.

Jointly organised by the George Keyt Foundation and the British High Commission in Colombo, the exhibition reflects the longstanding cultural and historical ties between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom while encouraging a deeper appreciation of Sri Lanka’s rich artistic legacy.

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, Chairman of the George Keyt Foundation Malaka Talwatte, representatives of the George Keyt Foundation, members of the diplomatic community, artists, cultural personalities, and invited guests were also present at the occasion.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a nation and society can only progress with a generation of young people equipped with skills and vision, and that it is essential to build the confidence of young people that opportunities exist for them while ensuring those opportunities become a reality.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 30 July while attending the official launch of the Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2026 educational exhibition, held at the Colombo Mayor’s Official Residence.

Organised for the fourth consecutive year under the theme “Skills for Life,” the Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, alongside the Agriculture Sector Skills Council, the Industry Sector Skills Councils, and the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission.

The exhibition is scheduled to be held on 23, 24 and 25 October 2026 at the Viharamahadevi Park premises in Colombo 07.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister reiterated that the development of a nation and society depends on a generation of young people with skills and vision. She stressed that it is equally important to build the confidence among young people that opportunities are available to them and to ensure that such opportunities are translated into reality.

The Prime Minister further stated that the Government is making significant investments in the education sector over the coming years, with particular emphasis on vocational education. She noted that a dedicated steering committee has already been established to ensure these initiatives move beyond policy concepts to effective implementation.

She also emphasised that vocational education should no longer be regarded as an alternative pathway. The Prime, Minister stated that every field of study contributes not only to employment opportunities but also to economic and social development, as well as to the personal growth of individuals.

The Prime Minister further underscored that educational exhibitions of this nature should serve as platforms that contribute to both national development and social progress.

The Prime Minister also noted that the Government is committed to ensuring that young people across the country, particularly school students from all parts of the country, are provided with the opportunity to participate in the exhibition.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Colombo, Vraie Cally Balthazaar, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and other invited guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division