Sri Lanka needs a new narrative about youth.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in a special meeting and open discussion organized by the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth, held on August 19 at the Parliament.

The event was organized to coincide with International Youth Day, which fell on August 12.

Extending her best wishes to the newly appointed members of the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth, the Prime Minister stated:

In the past, women’s representation in the Youth Parliament has been very low. This year, it has changed. The same transformation that has taken place in Parliament is now emerging across all sectors. Accordingly, for the first time in history, women’s representation in the Youth club National Youth conference has increased.

When looking back at the history of youth in this country, what we hear most often is about youth violence, youth unrest, and youth deaths.

But now, Sri Lanka needs a new narrative about youth, different from that past reality. For that, you have been given not only a unique opportunity, but also a responsibility

On this occasion, commemorative gifts were presented to 52 representatives of the Parlimentary Caucus Youth.

The event was attended by Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramarathna, Deputy Chairperson of Committees Ms. Hemali Weerasekara, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senewiratne, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Youth Affairs Mr. Eranga Gunasekara, Director General of the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth, Attorney-at-Law Supun Wijerathna, Members of Parliament, and a number of members of the Youth club National Youth conference.

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Following the presentation of the Sannas Patra, the Prime Minister, addressing the gathering, stated:

Today marks a special day for this temple, as we have offered the Sannas Patra declaring the ancient Sankhapitthi Temple in Kothalawala, Kaduwela as a Rajamaha Viharaya sacred site, to our Chief incumbent Thero. This is an especially significant occasion, as it coincides with the birthday of the present Chief Incumbent, Most Venerable Kanangama Narada Thero, who is providing spiritual leadership to this temple. I pray for his good health and long life to engage in meritorious service for many more years.

The old Buddha shrine here is confirmed by archaeologists to contain ancient paintings and statues belonging to the Gampola and Kotte eras. Today, I had the fortune to witness this priceless jewel of our historical heritage with my own eyes, and I feel truly delighted.

The history, culture, and heritage of a country play a vital role in ensuring social harmony and unity among its people. Our heritage provides the foundation that empowers us to build a strong future. Preserving these heritages in a manner that earns the respect of all citizens is a sacred responsibility entrusted to us as a government. Therefore, I consider it a privilege to have been able to participate in this important occasion.

The event was graced by the presence of the Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithree Murthi Thero of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya; the Venerable Balapitiye Siri Seewali Thero, General Secretary of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha and members of the Maha Sangha; deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Gamagedara Dissanayake;Mayor of Kaduwela Municipal Council, Mr. Ranjan Jayalal; Members of Parliament, Mr. Asitha Niroshan and Ms. Kaushalya Ariyarathna; other political authorities, government officials, and a large number of members of the Dayaka Sabha of the temple.

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, although Sri Lanka has already gained international recognition for gems and jewellery, exports have not grown to the expected level, and the government is working to establish stable policies to enable the country to capture the international gem and jewellery market.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of Gem City Ratnapura – 2025, an International Gem and Jewellery Exhibition aims at taking Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry to the global stage which will be held on 15, 16 and 17 th of August 2025 at the Grand Silveray Hotel, Pelmadulla.

The exhibition was organized by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority with the aim of seeking the position of Sri Lanka among the world’s leading gem and jewellery markets alongside showcasing a wide variety of gemstones, gem and jewellery mining and processing techniques, laboratory services, as well as training and educational opportunities in the sector.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the Prime Minister further stated:

Sri Lanka thrives worldwide for its gems, and a significant portion of these are found in the Ratnapura District. However, we must question whether Ratnapura has truly received the recognition it deserves. The contribution made to the national economy by exporting high-quality gems from Ratnapura’s gem industry is considerable.

Yet, we have still not reached the maximum potential export income from the gem and jewellery sector. Inconsistent policies have hindered the growth of this industry. The government is committed to establishing the necessary stable policies to achieve the industry’s ambitious export revenue goals. I extend my gratitude to the representatives from the United States, India, China, Switzerland, Thailand, and Pakistan for participating in this exhibition. I also invite them, and others who place trust in our national policies, to continue joining us in advancing gem and jewellery exports.

Addressing the event minister of Industry and Enterprise Development Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, stated that a range of new policies such as developing the diamond sector and introducing new laws to allow the direct export of rough gemstones are already being prepared to help the gem and jewellery sector reach the challenging target of USD 1 billion in expected export revenue.

The event also saw the launch of Sri Lanka’s first government-owned gem and jewellery trade website, www.gemcityratnapura.com, equipped with the latest GOV PAY facility.

The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada, Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thero; Deputy Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province Mrs. Champa Janaki Rajaratne; Members of Parliament representing the district; political authorities; Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Enterprise Development Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara; as well as a large number of government officials, business representatives from the gem and jewellery sector, and other distinguished guests.

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In order to achieve this, developing vocational education is essential.

Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the aim of the government is to strengthen the country’s economic stability by developing vocational education.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a media briefing on August 13 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, regarding the upcoming Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2025.

With the aim of reducing youth unemployment in Sri Lanka, the exhibition will be held for the third time on October 10 and 11 at the main hall of Temple Trees. The event is jointly organized by the Industry Sector Skills Councils (ISSC) and the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister stated,

Under the current education system, students are streamed into Mathematics, Science, and Commerce subject areas. Those who do not meet the qualifications for these subjects tend to choose the respective stream. Among them, students who fail are the ones directed to vocational education. Vocational education should not be a field one turns to only after failing but it should be a matter of choice.

As part of our education reforms, by the time students reach Grade 10, our aim is to give them a clear understanding of the profession they wish to pursue and to direct them accordingly.

Technology is changing rapidly. Therefore, we need a human resource base with diverse vocational knowledge. We must equip our children with the ability to continuously adapt to these changes, with flexibility and knowledge. Alongside providing knowledge, it is equally important to nurture them into individuals rich in human values.

Since vocational education is essential for entering the new world, we have given it special attention in our education reforms.

I believe that through this exhibition, children will gain a broad understanding of various professions.

The event was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwawa, officials from the Ministry of Education, and representatives of the Industry Sector Skills Councils (ISSC).

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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.

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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.

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