The Government extends gratitude to the Tri-Forces, the Police, public officers, volunteer organisations, the public, and all foreign nations who have dedicated themselves to supporting the affected people.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government will provide the assistance to all citizens who have been affected by the recent disaster to rebuild their lives. The Prime Minister further expressed the Government’s gratitude to the Tri-Forces, the Police, public officials, volunteer organisations, the general public, and all foreign nations who have worked tirelessly on behalf of the affected communities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament on 03rd of December regarding the prevailing emergency situation in the country.

Addressing further, the Prime Minister stated,

Over the past few days, our country had to face one of the most severe disasters in its history. I extend my deepest condolences to all our fellow citizens who have lost their lives, who have been displaced, who have suffered property damage, and who have been affected in various ways due to this tragedy.

I would like to state at this moment that the Government will extend every possible support to help all those who have lost their homes, businesses, and belongings, and who have been displaced, to rebuild their lives.

During the past few days, public officials and members of Parliament, Pradeshiya Sabha, and municipal council have exerted immense effort to rescue the affected citizens and provide relief. I extend my special thanks to all the people’s representatives both from the Government and the Opposition who worked hand in hand with our public officials. Particularly during this challenging time, we witnessed the unity, courage, compassion, empathy, and mutual support among our people. This humanity and solidarity give us the strength to carry this mission forward.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, public officials, and all emergency response teams who worked tirelessly to rescue the affected communities and continue to remain engaged in the mission. There were also instances where individuals sacrificed their own lives to save others highlighting the act of heroism that often goes unseen. I remember all of them with deep respect.

I also take this opportunity to honour Wing Commander Nirmala Siyambalapitiya of the Sri Lanka Air Force, who lost his life in the Bell 212 helicopter crash during rescue operations at Lunuwila Gin Oya, as well as the five Navy officers who went missing during operations to widen the lagoon outlet in Chundikulam to mitigate flooding. Their bravery in risking their lives to save thousands of others will never be forgotten.

Governors, District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, Grama Niladharis, Provincial Councils, and essential service providers are also on the ground, directly involved in operations during this difficult time. Their dedication must be greatly appreciated.

I extend my thanks to the heads and staff of the Disaster Management Centre, the Department of Meteorology, telecommunications service providers, the Ceylon Electricity Board, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and all institutions that worked tirelessly to restore essential services swiftly.

I also appreciate the service of the health sector including doctors, nurses, hospital staff, Public Health Inspectors, midwives, and community health workers for their unwavering commitment during this period.

It is also important to recognise the numerous volunteer groups, youth organisations, women’s groups, communities, and religious institutions that have stepped forward to assist those affected. They have tirelessly served the affected communities. The compassion and empathy of our people are the greatest strength of our nation. I extend my gratitude to all of them.

I hereby acknowledge the fellow foreign nations who have stood with us during this challenging time, offering assistance, assessing needs, and extending diplomatic support. I extend my gratitude to all the foreign governments, their representatives, and international organisations who have come forward to assist Sri Lankans in multiple ways.

In addition, Sri Lankans working and residing abroad, along with their organisations, have stepped forward to help rebuild the nation and support affected families. No matter where they live in the world, they have come together in solidarity with their motherland. I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of them.

I hereby acknowledge the service of the journalists, media institutions, social media activists, and responsible citizens who provided accurate and timely information throughout the crisis. Their service has been vital for directing rescue operations, ensuring proper coordination, and guiding the public safely. At the same time, we have observed attempts by some individuals to spread misinformation for personal gain. Managing such issues and delivering credible information responsibly is essential, and your service in this regard is invaluable.

I further extend appreciation to the Secretary of the Ministry of Education for coordinating activities across all sectors during this emergency.

Further appreciations are extended to the Commissioner General of Examinations, the Deputy Commissioners General, and the entire staff of the Department of Examinations for their dedication to safeguarding examination papers, securing completed answer scripts, protecting examination centres, and ensuring the continuation of examinations under extremely difficult circumstances. Their unwavering efforts are testament to their professionalism and commitment.

I hereby recall the heart wrenching incident where the Assistant Coordinating Officer of the Talawakelle Sumanasara Maha Vidyalaya regional collection centre lost his wife and children due to a landslide while he was on duty ensuring examination-related responsibilities.

Similarly, I extend my appreciation to the principals, teachers, and staff who worked tirelessly day and night to protect schools, assist affected families, and ensure that examinations continued without disruption. I also thank provincial education secretaries, directors, and all provincial and district education officials for their exemplary dedication during this crisis.

I acknowledge the service discharged by the staff of the Department of Examinations and the Ministry of Education who coordinated relief efforts, managed information, and responded swiftly to every challenge.

I extend appreciation to the leaders and staff of institutions under the higher education and vocational education sectors for their contributions. Their support in providing resources, facilities, and trained personnel during this crisis demonstrates the national solidarity. I also acknowledge the support extended by student unions of universities and higher education institutes.

During this period, one of primary responsibilities falls under ensuring uninterrupted education for our students and restoring their psychological well-being. We look forward to your continued support in this mission. As a Government, we remain committed to fulfilling this responsibility.

The collective effort carried out through ministries, districts, provinces, schools, and universities shows that our education system is not merely a system but truly one united family. As the Minister of Education, I acknowledge everyone who contributed to this national task.

The strength of the nation lies in its people in their uniquely compassionate hearts. We are proud of the generosity and humanity of the citizens of this country, who face any challenges with empathy. Even during the time of disaster, their vibrant, active, humane, and compassionate efforts marks the national strength.

The compassion shown by that “mother” who, despite her own hardships, came forward saying, “I can give something,” and donated two packets of Panadol, is a clear example of the kindness, generosity, and unity of our nation.

This is a difficult time of period. A challenging journey lies ahead, one that we must overcome with perseverance. Acting with compassion, love, and understanding toward one another is essential at this time. The pain and sorrow we feel for all those who lost their lives will never fade from our hearts. Yet we must move forward. We must rise from this immense tragedy with unity, courage, new perspectives, and renewed strength.

I once again acknowledge all those who place their trust in the responsibilities carried out by the government at this moment and who stand together with us. I also call upon all our Members of Parliament to set aside political divisions at this time and join hands in rebuilding our country.

Despite the countless difficulties including power outages, challenges in accessing water and food the patience you have shown and the strength with which you face these hardships represent the strength of our entire nation.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya extended gratitude for the contributions made by the people in numerous ways throughout this difficult period, and for the courage and unity they have demonstrated.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that no content related to Tamil history and artistic heritage has been removed from the subjects of History and Art.

The Prime Minister made this remark while responding to questions raised by Members of Parliament Dr. Padmanathan Sathiyalingam and S. Sritharan.

Expressing further views, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated,

There are two schools located on the island of Eluvaitivu in the Jaffna District. Since 1999, these schools have not been used as examination centres. Students from these schools have been sitting for the Ordinary Level examination at the examination centre of St. Anthony’s College in Kayts. Due to the very small number of students appearing for the examination from the schools on Eluvaitivu Island, those schools have not been maintained as examination centres. Statistically, only 10 students applied in 2022, 8 students in 2023, and 5 students in 2024 for the O/L examination. Therefore, these schools were not used as examination centres, and the students were directed to the nearest available examination centre. We also pay attention to ensuring transportation facilities for these students to travel to the examination centres in Kayts.

The Prime Minister further noted that the currently implemented History syllabus includes content related to Tamil kings. A separate section has been included in Lesson 7 of Grade 10 for this purpose. Likewise, Lesson 10 of Grade 10 covers a segment on the Jaffna Kingdom, including content related to the period of Cankili. Under the new education reforms, new recommendations have already been prepared for teaching History in Grade 6, which also include an illustration of the Cankili Kingdom.

History is not taught separately as Sinhala and Tamil. Instead, the subject is taught as Sri Lankan History, covering kings and kingdoms from various historical periods.

The Department of National Museums, as the leading institution responsible for preserving and exhibiting Sri Lanka’s history, has allocated space to display Tamil history. The Stone Antiquities Gallery of the Colombo Museum contains four Tamil copper plate inscriptions and two Tamil stone inscriptions. These inscriptions are established by the representatives of Indian emperors Rajaraja and Rajendra, as well as the Aryachakravarti rulers.

A book containing information about these Tamil inscriptions, authored by Prof S. Pathmanathan, is also available for purchase through the Publications Division of the Department of the National Museum. Moreover, a number of stone and metal sculptures related to the Hindu religion including sculpture of Shiva, Parvati, Nataraja, Sundaramurthi, and others are showcased. Additionally, a collection of Setu coins used during the Jaffna Kingdom is safely preserved.

The Colombo National Museum also houses a book authored by Dr. Krishnamurthy and Senarath Wickramasinghe on Chola and Pandya coins belonging to the Sangam era.

The Art subject consists of practical activities and the study of significant artworks. In structuring this subject, special attention has been given to international standards that include multicultural, multi-religious, and universal artistic creations. The Prime Minister noted that particular focus has been placed on this aspect in the recent revisions to the Art curriculum.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, given the prevailing situation, it is necessary to be strategic and to make certain adjustments within the budget while properly strengthening the investments ensuring that actions are discharged on proper policies.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 02nd of December while participating in the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025 held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo.

More than 500 companies, representatives of various institutions, government officials, and nearly 100 investors from around the world attended the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025.

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

We stand firm in determination that we must move forward based on the calculations already undertaken for Sri Lanka. We are not going backwards. We cannot allow the country to fall back. Our goal is to achieve that target.

When circumstances and opportunities change, we are compelled to adapt. Particularly in facing the current and emerging challenges, we must take certain steps. However, this does not change the objectives of the government. During the budget speech, the President emphasized sustainable and inclusive growth, export diversification, digitalization, creating a productive economy, and reducing poverty.

We are working with firm determination to stay on the correct path towards achieving these goals.

The government discussed major strategic proposals through the budget. These included proposals related to overall economic restructuring necessary for trade, digitalization, and the reform process. We have already begun work on many laws and policies required for this. They are scheduled to be presented early next year. There is no reason for delay, we are moving even faster as it is part of our strategy for national recovery.

We are ensuring that the proper environment has been established in order to take the economy forward. We have no intention of postponing anything.

Given the current situation, we must be strategic, and certain adjustments will also need to be made within the budget.

In order to ensure that we can truly rise from this crisis, we must maintain our economy in a strong and resilient manner. These are not just ‘exaggerations’ done in order to maintain the appearance. These are fundamentals to keeping the economy stable and competitive. Therefore, these essential tasks must be carried out, and we must also find the necessary financial resources. At this point, correct policies are more important than money.

For example, implementing a single window system does not require large sums of money but a matter of proper management. What matters is establishing the correct policies. The political support is also crucial to ensure that everyone adheres to the laws, regulations, and procedures.

I would prefer to describe the change we expected to initiate in the education sector is more that a reform process but a transformation, because the plan is to introduce an entirely new approach.

This transformation is based on five key pillars: reforms in assessment and evaluation methods; reforms in educational administration; development of school infrastructure; and finally, public awareness.

We propose two major fundamental changes.

The first is a change in the assessment system. Currently, the education system is highly examination-oriented, where teaching and learning are centered on passing exams. Children learn in order to pass exams. What we aim for is a school-based, continuous assessment system. This will reduce the emphasis on competitive exams and increase attention on learning as an experience and a process. We plan to introduce modular systems and school-based assessments while reducing the weight placed on exams. This will be a significant change in education and will also require a change in the perspective.

The second major change we propose is integrating vocational education into mainstream education and as a selective subject of choice.

At present, vocational education is generally viewed as the “option for those who fail.” If someone fails an exam or is a backbencher, they are directed towards vocational education, and most of the time, students must drop out of school to pursue it. We propose integrating vocational education into the mainstream from Grade 6 onwards. This will allow all students to understand different vocational pathways and choose a vocational path at every level of education. This system is somewhat similar to the German model, where students spend part of their time in school and another portion in industrial training.

We also hope to engage in rapid discussions with the Chamber of Commerce and the private sector. Furthermore, we require continuous input from the private sector to identify areas where skills are in demand.

We welcome private sector involvement in providing internships for students and developing curricula in collaboration with the National Institute of Education. We also expect their support in curriculum development.

However, the aim of our education transformation is not merely to produce individuals for the labor market. Our primary objective is to create good citizens. Contributing to the economy is part of being a good citizen. Our goal is to produce citizens who, as employees, entrepreneurs, or creative individuals, are capable of taking the country to the next level.

The Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025 was organized with the support of a number of international and local partners, including the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank Group, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Commerce of Sri Lanka, and the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development. Several foreign ambassadors based in Sri Lanka also participated in the summit.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

H.E. Wiebe Jakob De Boer, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 2 December 2025 at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The discussion focused on the longstanding relationship between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, built on decades of diplomatic ties and shared cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening this partnership.

Attention was drawn to the importance of collaboration during challenging periods, particularly as Sri Lanka begins to recover from the recent disaster. The Prime Minister and the Ambassador exchanged views on future avenues of cooperation in Disaster Risk Reduction, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting sustainable development. They underscored the need for resilient rebuilding, improved long-term planning, and support for communities affected by disasters.

A key area of focus was the urgent requirement to rebuild several damaged bridges in Sri Lanka. The Ambassador conveyed the Netherlands’ willingness to support in building those bridges around the country.

Both parties agreed that joint efforts in areas such as improved flood management, targeted investment, and inclusive development will contribute to stable and sustainable progress.

The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; and Ms. Thivanka Athuraliya, Director, Europe and North America Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The support extended by the Tri-Forces, Police, government officials, volunteer organizations, and the public during the emergency situation is greatly appreciated.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that providing relief to affected people, resettling them, and restoring damaged infrastructure should be considered a national priority, and appreciated the support extended by the Tri-Forces, Police, government officials, volunteer organizations, and the public during the emergency disaster situation.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the Colombo District Disaster Management Committee meeting held on 2nd of December at the Colombo District Secretariat.

Officials pointed out that people affected by the disaster in the Colombo District are being directed back to permanent residences as floodwaters gradually recede. They further emphasized that nearly 110 evacuation centres are currently being sheltered by the affected individuals, approximately 150,000 cooked meal packs per day are required for the affected population in the Colombo District, and these meals are being provided by state institutions and volunteer organizations.

Officials further noted that there are no issues at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plants and that the required drinking water supply for the Colombo District can be continuously provided.

The officials further stated that the resettlement process is being carried out after cleaning the houses in flooded areas.

Expressing her views, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

As the Colombo District Disaster Management Committee, attention must also be extended to areas outside the district that have been more severely affected. Roads obstructed by floods in the Colombo District must be reopened, damaged roads must be identified, and restored promptly. It is also essential to ensure the quick provision of drinking water to the public. Immediate action must be taken to restore disrupted electricity services. When providing aid, proper coordination at district and divisional levels is needed to ensure that assistance reaches all disaster-affected people. A proper assessment must be carried out regarding infrastructure that needs redevelopment, ensuring reconstruction is done in a way that prevents previous shortcomings. Information should be obtained promptly on whether schools in minimally affected areas can reopen on December 16. Schools in other affected areas should be reopened after assessing the situation at divisional level. For this purpose, assessments of school facilities, children’s school supplies, and other learning materials are also required. The Prime Minister reiterated her appreciation for the support provided by the Tri-Forces, Police, government officials, public representatives, volunteer organizations, and the people during the disaster situation.

At the Colombo District Secretariat, over 100 families in the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division who were affected by floods and are now able to return to their homes were provided financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 each from the government to clean their houses. Disaster-affected residents who are now returning to their homes can obtain this assistance through their respective Divisional Secretariats.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Speaker Mohamed Rizvi Sally; Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Deputy Ministers of Eranga Gunasekara, Kaushalya Ariyarathna, Sunil Watagala, and Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Western Province Governor Haniffa Yusuf; District Coordinating Committee Chair and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipunarachchi; Members of Parliament including Ravi Karunanayake, Mujibur Rahuman, and S.M. Marikkar; Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara; officials representing the Road Development Authority, Department of Irrigation, Disaster Management Centre, Ceylon Electricity Board, Police, the Tri-Forces; and Divisional Secretaries of the Colombo District who joined via Zoom.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

අවතැන් වී සිටින සහ ආපදාවට පත් ජනතාවගේ අවශ්‍යතා පිළිබඳව සොයාබලා කඩිනමින් පහසුකම් සලසා දෙන්න

අගමැතිතුමිය දේශපාලන අධිකාරියට සහ නිලධාරීන්ට කියයි

මුළු දිවයිනටම බලපෑ "දිට්වා" සුලිකුණාටුවත් සමඟ කැලණි ගඟ පිටාර ගැලීමෙන් කොළඹ ප්‍රදේශයට ඇති වූ අසාමාන්‍ය ගංවතුර තත්ත්වය හේතුවෙන් අවතැන් වූ ඉහළ බෝමිරිය සහ ඒ අවට ප්‍රදේශවල ජනතාවගේ සුවදුක් විමසා බැලීමට අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය ආචාර්ය හරිනි අමරසූරිය අද (29) පස්වරුවේ පැමිණියාය.

එහිදී බෝමිරිය කනිටු විදුහලේ තාවකාලිකව නැවතීසිටින ජනතාව හමු වී ඔවුන්ගේ සුවදුක් විමසා බැලීමට අගමැතිතුමිය කටයුතු කළාය.

අවතැන් වූ ජනතාව මේ වන විට මුහුණ දෙන අඩුපාඩු පිළිබඳ සොයාබලමින්, ආහාර සනීපාරක්ෂක උපකරණ ඇතුළු අවශ්‍යතා කඩිනමින් ලබා දීමේ රජයේ වැඩ පිළිවෙළ පිලිබඳව සොයා බැලූ අග්‍රාමාත්‍යතුමිය ඇති වී තිබෙන ජාතික ව්‍යසනය අවබෝධ කර ගනිමින් අවතැන් පිරිස් වෙනුවෙන් සහන සලසමින් ඔවුන් ආරක්ෂා කර ගැනීම වෙනුවෙන් වෙහෙසෙන සියළු දෙනාට ස්තූතිය පුද කළාය.

අවතැන් වී සිටින සහ ආපදාවට පත් ජනතාවගේ අවශ්‍යතා පිළිබඳව සොයාබලා කඩිනමින් අවශ්‍යතා සලසා දෙන ලෙස දේශපාලන අධිකාරියෙන් සහ නිලධාරීන්ගෙන් ඉල්ලා සිටියාය.

මේ වන විටත් ඉහළ බෝමිරිය හා ඒ අවට ගංවතුරෙන් අවතැන් වූ පවුල් සීයකට පමණ අයත් පුද්ගලයන් 320 ක පමණ ඉහළ බෝමිරිය කනිටු විදුහලේ නවාතැන් ගෙන සිටින අතර

මෙම පිරිසේ අවශ්‍යතා පිළිබඳව සොයාබලමින් ඒවා ඉටුකර දීමට යුහුසුලුව කටයුතු කරමින් සිටි පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රී අසිත නිරෝෂණ සමග නගරසභා මන්ත්‍රීවරුන් ද එම අවස්ථාවට සහභාගී විය.

අනතුරුව කොලොන්නාව ප්‍රදේශයේ ආපදා තත්ත්වය පිලිබඳ සොයා බැලීමට ගිය අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය ආචාර්ය හරිනි අමරසූරිය මුල්ලේරියාව ගල්වාන පුරාණ රජමහා විහාරයේ සහ වැල්ලම්පිටිය විද්‍යාවර්ධන විද්‍යාලයේ පිහිටුවා ඇති ආරක්ෂිත නවාතැන් වෙත පැමිණ එහි තත්ත්වය පිලිබඳව නිරීක්ෂණය කළාය.

කොලොන්නාව ප්‍රාදේශිය ලේකම් කාර්යාලය වෙත පැමිණි අග්‍රාමාත්‍යතුමිය ආපදා තත්වයෙන් විපතට පත් ජනතාව වෙනුවෙන් රජය ගෙන යන සහන වැඩ පිළිවෙළ පිලිබඳවත්, ආහාර සහ සනීපාරක්ෂක උපකරණ කඩිනමින් ජනතාවට ලබා දීම පිලිබඳවත් විමසා සිටියාය.

මෙම අවස්ථාවට නියෝජ්‍ය අමාත්‍යවරුන්වන එරංග ගුණසේකර, චතුරංග අබේසිංහ , පාර්ලිමේන්තු මන්ත්‍රී එස්.එම්. මරික්කාර්, කොළඹ දිස්ත්‍රීක් ලේකම්තුමා, කොලොන්නාව ප්‍රාදේශීය ලේකම්තුමා, නගරාධිපතිතුමා ඇතුළු රාජ්‍ය නිලධාරීන් ද සහභාගී විය.

අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය මාධ්‍ය අංශය