Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held two important diplomatic meetings at Temple Trees, engaging with both regional and international partners to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

In the first meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed the European Parliamentary Delegation for discussions focused on mutual interests, cooperation in governance, and support for Sri Lanka’s development and democratic transition. The meeting served as an opportunity to further enhance dialogue between Sri Lanka and the European Union.

Representing the Sri Lankan side were Mrs.Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Ms.Lakmali Hemachandra, Member of Parliament,Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Vraie Cally Balthazar, Mayor Candidate of the National People’s Power (NPP) for the Colombo Municipal Council, and Ms. Isurika Karunarathne, Director of the Europe and North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism.

In the second engagement, Mr. Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister to discuss economic collaboration and trade relations between Sri Lanka and China.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, and a delegation of senior Chinese government officials. Representing Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Dharshana M. Perera, Senior Director General (Bilateral) of the Economic Affairs Division, and Ms. Udani Gunawardena, Director of the East Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The 75th anniversary celebration of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, was held on May 30 at the Taj Hotel in Colombo under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

As a recipient of an ICCR scholarship, the academic experience I received in India had a significant impact on my life. It was not merely structured education, it was a valuable opportunity to understand the depth and diversity of Indian etiquette, culture, and intellectual traditions. Moreover, the cultural relationship between Sri Lanka and India is deeply rooted.

The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) established in Colombo in 1998, has created a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, cooperation, and friendship between the two nations. Organizing over 300 cultural events annually including exhibitions, dance and music performances, conferences, yoga and Ayurveda sessions, and literary programs, this Centre plays a timely and vital role in strengthening the good relations between the two nations.

In just the past two years, six Sri Lankan cultural troupes have been invited to perform in India. These exchanges powerfully illustrate how cultural diplomacy can transcend borders and politics, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

I take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the scholarships provided to Sri Lankan students for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in India. Notably, the Nehru Memorial, Rajiv Gandhi, Maulana Azad, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Commonwealth), AYUSH, and Lata Mangeshkar scholarships stand out as some of the most prestigious and impactful scholarship programs.

More than 400 university professors in Sri Lanka (from fields including Ayurveda, humanities, and the arts) are alumni of ICCR, which is a strong testament to the importance of this relationship. Renowned artists such as Ananda Samarakoon, Nanda Malini, and Pradeep Ratnayake have also been part of this connection.

The ties between Sri Lanka and India are deeply intertwined through customs, history, religion, language, and culture and the architectural and artistic traditions shared by both nations has formed the foundation for continued cooperation in the past, present, and future.

The president Anura Kumara Dissanayake participated in the ICCR’s Distinguished Visitors Program in India in February 2024. During the visit, discussions were held with senior Indian officials, including Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing regional cooperation. Moreover, the president Anura Kumara Dissanayake showed particular interest in India’s state-level IT sector in Kerala and the cooperative model in Gujarat during his visit.

This event was attended by Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, along with other distinguished guests, vice chancellors, deans, students studying Indian languages and performing arts.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Mr. Radosław Sikorski, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on May 29.

The Prime Minister welcomed the visiting delegation and expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Poland. The two sides engaged in a productive discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding collaboration in several key areas, including economic development, labour mobility, high-end tourism, and the implementation of digital administrative systems.

During the discussion, Minister Sikorski assured that immediate action would be taken to resolve visa-related challenges currently faced by Sri Lankan nationals seeking to travel to Poland.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both countries. The Polish delegation included H.E. Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka, Monika Bylaite, Deputy Head of Division for Asia-Pacific at the EEAS, Piotr Świtalski, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Poland in New Delhi, Joanna Dopierała-Konkołowicz, Marta Stachowiak, Małgorzata Kopeć, and Konrad Laskowski.

Representing Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director General of the Europe and North America Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that today’s young professionals must play a more active role in matters related to the national significance.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Organization of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPASL), held today (29) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.

During the event, senior members of the OPASL were appreciated, and a commemorative stamp marking the 50th anniversary was issued under the patronage of the Prime Minister.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that the OPASL has made continuous efforts over the past five decades to unify Sri Lanka’s professional community and transform their expertise, ideas, and contributions into a collective voice and that the strength of the OPASL lies in its scale and multidisciplinary nature as a leading professional organization representing 52 member associations across 34 professions and approximately 60,000 professionals. The Prime Minister emphasized that the OPASL plays a vital role in Sri Lanka’s professional sphere.

The Prime Minister further stated that the OPASL is not merely an organization, but a platform that connects diverse sectors through a shared commitment to professional standards and national development.

The Prime Minister further highlighted that professionals in the fields of engineering, medicine, law, and urban planning play a crucial role in ensuring progress of the country, contributing essential technical knowledge, ethical standards, and long-term vision needed for sustainable and equitable national development.

At a time when Sri Lanka is undergoing transformative change, the Prime Minister underscored the critical role that organizations like the OPASL can play in generating innovative ideas and facilitating meaningful dialogue.

The Prime Minister affirmed the government’s readiness to strengthen youth professional forums and to encourage young professionals to take a more dynamic role in matters of national significance.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also stated that it is important for the younger generation to understand that professionals have a responsibility that goes beyond isolated roles and it is expected that by promoting mentorship, reinforcing ethical standards, and encouraging collective leadership, Sri Lanka’s professional community can continue to provide guidance and direction for the country.

The event was attended by Supreme Court Judge Sobhitha Rajakaruna, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, President of the OPASL Attorney-at-Law Sujeewa Lal Dahanayake, General Secretary to OPASL Thisara de Silva, and a large group of professionals.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Considering the need of providing a qualitative and quantitative solution to the prevailing drinking water issues faced by the Ruwanwella, Bulathkohupitiya, and Yatiyantota Divisional Secretariat areas in the Kegalle District, the first phase of the Ruwanwella Water Supply Project was officially handed over to the public today (29), under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

A total of USD 25.5 million has been spent on this project, which includes the construction of a water purification facility with a daily capacity of 4,000 cubic meters.

The second phase of this project is already underway and is expected to be completed by the year 2028.

Following the unveiling of the plaque by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Korean Ambassador Myon Lee, the first automated water supply system was inaugurated.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

From today onward, we are ready to provide clean drinking water to the people of the Ruwanwella area and today marks the official opening of this project with the aim of fulfilling that goal.

A government spends a significant amount of money on projects like this because it falls under their responsibility. However, I would like to make a request from you.

Please protect this project that is being entrusted to you today, and make wise, responsible use of the water.

The policy statement that the current government is carried by is ’A Prosperous Country, A Beautiful Life’ and we are working to ensure that vision becomes a reality for the people and their children.

Handing over a project like this embarks on enriching and beautifying your lives.

Ruwanwella is a region located very close to the Western Province and is also a well-known area for tourism. We understand how essential a water supply project like this is for such a region.

Although the project began in 2019, due to economic, health, and political challenges the country faced in recent years, the completion was delayed. I extend my gratitude to the officials of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board for making it possible to hand over the first phase to the public this year.

I would also extend the gratitude on behalf of the government to the Korean EXIM Bank, which provided financial support for this project.

The government has already allocated the necessary provisions to commence the second phase of this project in the near future.

The occasion was attended by Minister of Urban Development, Water Supply and Housing Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Environment Dammika Patabandige, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development Ranjith Ariyarathna, Chairman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board Engineer Deepti U. Sumanasekara, along with other government officials and a large gathering of local residents.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the emphasis on evaluation in governance, accountability, and policy-making is a positive trend.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the Evaluation Conclave 2025 and the summit for the Future of Evaluation held on May 27, at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, Colombo.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister stated that the increasing emphasis on evaluation in governance, accountability, and policy-making is a positive trend, and that it is a pleasure to witness the diverse participation at the event.

Highlighting the summit as a platform for a wide range of stakeholders including governments, the United Nations, Members of Parliament, civil society, and youth, the Prime Minister emphasized that when development processes fail, the consequences may address not only financial but also impact lives, livelihoods, and opportunities, and the evaluation for development is of utmost importance.

The Prime Minister further noted that evaluating across the full cycle of policies and programs provides the opportunity to identify risks early, assess progress, and implement necessary corrections.

Moreover, while pointing out the evaluation serves as a foundation for strengthening outcomes in sectors such as education, health, economy, climate, and human activity, ultimately leading to better results for both people and the environment, the Prime Minister stated that such evaluation also helps understanding the effectiveness of policies through reliable evidence. The Prime Minister further highlighted that the evaluation is not only about identifying successes but also about pointing out weaknesses in policy planning and implementation, particularly in addressing issues related to justice and inclusion.

Highlighting the importance of building institutional capacities, ensuring timely access to reliable data, and promoting a governance culture that values evidence and continuous learning in order to strengthen evaluation systems, the Prime Minister also pointed out that evaluation mechanisms provide governments with the opportunity to assess the outcomes of their actions and determine whether they are meeting the intended needs.

The event was attended by Kabir Hashim, Chair of the Global Parliamentarians Forum for Evaluation; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhantri; Chair of the Community of Evaluators for South Asia, Dr. Rajib Nandi; Director General of the Independent Evaluation Office of the BRICS New Development Bank, Ashwani Muthoo; and the Director of the UNFPA Independent Evaluation Office, Marco Segone along with a number of young and emerging evaluators.

Prime Minister’s Media Division