Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while addressing the “CNCI Achiever Awards 2025” held on 23 October at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo. The annual ceremony, organized by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, aims to recognize and encourage outstanding contributions within Sri Lanka’s industrial sector.

In her address, the Prime Minister underscored that the strength of the country’s industries directly determines its ability to create jobs, reduce imports, and ensure sustainable economic growth.

“Support should focus on building capacity, encouraging innovation, facilitating expansion, and improving access to new markets. A resilient and competitive industrial base is not only an economic priority, it is a national necessity,” she noted.

The Prime Minister further emphasized the Government’s responsibility to create an enabling environment for industrial growth by expanding access to finance, technology, and skills development.

During her speech Dr. Amarasuriya also highlighted the importance of women’s participation in the industrial sector, stressing that gender inclusivity is both a matter of fairness and an economic strategy.

“The success of local entrepreneurs ultimately strengthens the foundation of our national economy. Women play a significant role in production, management, innovation, and design, yet their contributions often remain under-recognized. Increasing women’s participation whether as workers, managers, or entrepreneurs strengthens the entire industrial ecosystem through higher productivity and innovation,” she further stated.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that under the National People’s Power (NPP) Government, measures are being implemented to advance women’s economic participation through policy reforms and institutional support. She outlined ongoing initiatives, including improved access to credit and financial services, vocational and technical training, equal pay for equal work, and support for women-led enterprises.

“We are committed to addressing barriers such as unpaid care responsibilities that limit women’s participation in the workforce and to strengthening gender-responsive industrial policies that promote inclusive growth,” she added. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the role of entrepreneurs in national development, noting that their creativity and determination are essential drivers of progress.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented two Crystal Awards to Haycarb PLC and Matara Freelan Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, as well as the Top 10 Achiever Awards to outstanding industrial performers.

The event was attended by Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Mr. Sunil Hadunneththi, Deputy Minister Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Chairman of CNCI Mr. Pradeep Kahawalage, and other distinguished guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

A special meeting between the members of the Sri Lanka National Women’s Cricket Team and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya was held on October 23 at Temple Trees.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister engaged in a cordial discussion with the members of the Sri Lanka National women’s cricket team and asked about their preparations for the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup tournament.

The Prime Minister also inquired the players’ views regarding the responsibilities that the government should undertake for the betterment of women’s cricket and the overall development of the sport.

The Prime Minister further inquired about the current conditions, available facilities, and enthusiasm for women’s cricket in schools and universities and reaffirmed the commitment to extend maximum support through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education to promote sports development.

The Prime Minister stated that the upcoming education reforms, scheduled to be implemented next year, have allocated more space for sports and extracurricular activities.

During the discussion, attention was also drawn to the measures being taken to promote cricket at the provincial level. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of developing all sports equally across every province, ensuring equal facilities for all and highlighted that it could unite the entire nation through sports.

Special attention was also drawn to ensuring the safety and well-being of female players and providing them with necessary facilities. She expressed her appreciation for the dedication and contribution shown by the national women’s cricket team in elevating women’s cricket as a popular sport in Sri Lanka.

Extending her best wishes for the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan scheduled to be held today (October 24), the Prime Minister conveyed her good wishes to the national team for their performance in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne, Captain of the National Women’s Cricket Team Chamari Athapaththu, Vice-Captain Anushka Sanjeewani and the team, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Chairman Shammi Silva, Secretary Bandula Dissanayake, Treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda, and Women’s National Cricket Team Head Coach Ratnayake.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

We aim to uplift every community and ensure that progress reaches all corners of the country.”

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government’s development agenda is rooted in sustainability and human dignity. The Government aims to uplift every community and ensure that progress reaches all corners of the country.

She made these remarks while attending the United Nations Day 2025 commemoration held under the global theme “Our UN,” marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and 70 years of partnership between Sri Lanka and the UN. The national celebration took place on 23 October 2025 at the UN Headquarters in Colombo, with the participation of UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Marc-André Franche and members of the UN Country Team.

The Prime Minister commended the United Nations for eight decades of global service and seven decades of meaningful partnership with Sri Lanka. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to upholding the shared principles of the UN Charter, peace, human rights, and sustainable development, and emphasized the continued relevance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges.

“Eighty years ago, the world came together with a shared determination to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, to reaffirm faith in human rights, and to promote social progress and development. These founding ideals, enshrined in the UN Charter, are more relevant today than ever before,” the Prime Minister stated.

Reflecting on the long-standing partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations, the Prime Minister noted that Sri Lanka has been an active and responsible member of the UN community since 1955, contributing to global peacekeeping, diplomacy, and sustainable development.

“Since deploying its first contingent to a UN Peacekeeping Mission in 1958, over 25,000 Sri Lankan men and women have served under the UN banner, ensuring peace and security in some of the most challenging deployments. Our country’s commitment to multilateralism has always been guided by shared responsibility and global solidarity,” she observed.

In her address, the Prime Minister also highlighted Sri Lanka’s ongoing national vision that aligns with the principles of sustainable and inclusive development promoted by the United Nations. She outlined several key initiatives of the Government, including the ’Praja Shakthi’ National Programme aimed at eradicating poverty, the ’Digital Sri Lanka’ initiative to modernize public service delivery and strengthen digital inclusion, and the ’Clean Sri Lanka’ programme, which promotes environmental, social, and ethical transformation.

Dr. Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for the contribution of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), including UNDP and other agencies, in supporting Sri Lanka’s development priorities through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). She noted that the Government values its partnership with the UN and its specialized agencies for their continued support in areas such as governance, poverty reduction, climate resilience, and post-conflict recovery.

The event was attended by UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Marc-André Franche, members of the UN Country Team, diplomatic representatives, and other distinguished dignitaries and officials.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

A courtesy meeting between Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and H.E. Ms. Lee Miyon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, was held on 21 October 2025 at the Parliament premises. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on advancing educational reforms and the digitalization of Sri Lanka’s education sector.

A key proposal discussed was to develop the National College of Education in Kuliyapitiya as a model institution for vocational training, integrating vocational subjects into the national school curriculum and providing specialized teacher training in this stream.

Ambassador Lee Miyon reaffirmed the Republic of Korea’s continuous commitment to supporting Sri Lanka across multiple development sectors and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the field of education, particularly initiatives designed to benefit the majority of students.

Senior officials from both sides attended the meeting. The Korean delegation included Ms. Eunji Kang, Deputy Head of Mission, and Ms. Soojung Lee, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Colombo. The Sri Lankan delegation comprised Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Savitri Panabokke, Director General, East Asia & Oceania Division; and Ms. Anuradha Jayasiri, Assistant Director, East Asia & Oceania Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the 75th Annual Convention of the All Ceylon Young Men’s Muslim Association (YMMA) Conference held on 20th October at the Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo.

The YMMA, founded by the late Dr. A.M.A. Azeez, a distinguished civil servant and senator, was established on the belief that youth and community engagement can bring meaningful change. Over the years, this vision has been upheld. Incorporated by an Act of Parliament and recognised as a charitable organisation, the YMMA has become a pillar of social welfare and community development.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated:

“Through initiatives in education, youth development, disaster relief, empowerment of women and families in need, and community welfare, the organisation has supported thousands of individuals and communities.

It is commendable that the YMMA has played an important role in supporting Muslim women through initiatives such as the Young Women’s Muslim Association (YWMA) ’Women Empowerment Project’ and the ’Back to School Programme.’ Such programmes are valuable not only for individual development but also for society as a whole.

Your annual recognition of members and branches reflects the dedication of those who have given their time, energy, and resources to serve others.

As we reflect on 75 years of service, we must also look ahead. Challenges facing youth today, including unemployment and social exclusion, require strong partnerships between the government, civil society, and organisations like the YMMA.

Evidence shows that boys have a higher dropout rate than girls, particularly after completing the G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations. This limits opportunities for young men to pursue higher education and vocational training. It is therefore essential to encourage and support boys to continue their education through guidance, mentorship, and accessible learning pathways.

I commend the YMMA’s ongoing commitment to developing responsible and capable young citizens. It is through these efforts that we can build a society grounded in equality, understanding, and shared opportunity.”

The event was attended by Deputy Speaker Mr. Rizvie Salih, Member of Parliament M.A.L.M. Hizbullah, members of the YMMA, and other distinguished guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

I wish to extend my greetings to all Hindus around the world, and especially to the Hindu devotees of Sri Lanka, who are celebrating the Deepavali festival.

The Deepavali festival symbolizes the blooming of light over darkness.

At present, Sri Lanka stands at a significant turning point, a moment in which the nation is beginning to emerge from the long period of economic and social darkness and downturn, as our people hold on to renewed hope and confidence.

We have initiated on a collective journey toward the progress of our people and the dawn of a new era.

On this Deepavali day, may the light of the lamps that illuminate homes everywhere guide us toward wisdom that will sprout the seeds of economic revival and reconciliation in society.

Let us all, with respect, acceptance, and brotherhood, embrace the values of cultural diversity and unity.

May the thousands of lamps that light across the nation bring forth the light of faith, harmony, and wisdom into the hearts of all Sri Lankans.


Happy Deepavali!

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
20th October 2025