Coinciding with the launching ceremony of the Productivity Master Plan and Accreditation Certificate for Sri Lanka by the Asian Productivity Organization with Korean Development Institute held in Colombo, the Productivity Master Plan was presented to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 20th of November at the Parliamentary Premises.

The Productivity Master Plan recommendations designed to address structural challenges and improve Sri Lanka’s national productivity concerning the major industries of agriculture, fishing, tourism, and apparel in Sri Lanka along with proposing policy suggestions that will not only improve productivity of these four core industries but also support the development of new industries that can be fostered in the short to medium term.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister recognized the continued support of the Asian Productivity Organization emphasizing the need to strengthen domestic markets and identify strategic entry points into global value chains. She underscored the importance of defining Sri Lanka’s unique value proposition internationally.

In response to the representatives’ future-focused suggestions, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya underscored the importance of prioritizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an emerging and strategically vital sector, acknowledging its potential to play a central role in advancing Sri Lanka’s future development agenda.

The discussion was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Mrs. J. M. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary General, Asian Productivity Organization, Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata; Head, Ir-country Division, Asian productivity organization Mr. Arsyoni Buana and representatives of Korea Development Institute.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

On the 20th of November 2025, H.E. (Ms.) Julie Jiyoon Chung, Ambassador of the USA to Sri Lanka, met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

During the meeting Ambassador H.E. (Ms.) Julie Jiyoon Chung noted the progress of Peace Corps initiatives and other collaborative programmes in education and cultural exchange carried out by United Nations, underscoring educational ties between the two countries along with Fulbright international exchange programme.

The Fulbright Program, the United States government’s flagship program of international educational and cultural exchange, offers passionate and accomplished students and scholars in more than 160 countries the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to mutual understanding.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for technical expertise in the areas of Ministry of Education, Department of Examinations and National Institute of Education to support Sri Lankavs ongoing education reforms, particularly in shifting from an examination-based system toward formative assessments and collaborative learning environment and also further emphasized the importance of emerging scholars whose expertise aligns with the country’s human development priorities.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. The delegation included Ms. Menaka Nayyar, Public Affairs Officer; Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director, US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission; and Prof. Prabha Manurathne, Director, Centre for Gender Equity/Equality and Prevention of SGBV and Ragging. - University Grants Commission. The Sri Lankan delegation included Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Ms. Pramuditha Manusighe, Director of the Europe and North America Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

On 20th of November 2025, H.E. Matthew John Duckworth, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Parliament of Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted the long-standing people-to-people links between Sri Lanka and Australia acknowledging the significant Sri Lankan community in Australia.The Prime Minister further emphasized the importance of regional and multilateral programmes, noting Sri Lanka’s interest in furthering regional dialogue on economic and related issues.

A key focus of the discussion was collaboration in the education sector, particularly in vocational education. The Prime Minister outlined Sri Lanka’s efforts to develop a model calling for technical support in regulatory frameworks, and quality assurance of vocational education. She also highlighted the need for knowledge exchange, technical expertise, and experience-sharing to strengthen the sector.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides. The delegation of High Commission of Australia to Sri Lanka included H.E. Matthew John Duckworth, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Ms. Zoe Kidd, First Secretary (Development) and Ms. Sandi Seneviratne, Director Education, Austrade, Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan delegation included Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Dhawood Amanullah, Director, East Asia & Oceania Division and Ms. Thiloma Abayajeewa, Deputy Director, East Asia & Oceania Division.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The government provides the necessary support to uplift the living standards of the fishing community.

For the first time, policies, plans, and mechanisms are being formulated for the Blue Economy to develop the fisheries sector.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that aquatic productions, aquatic plants, and innovations in value-added seafood production should be aimed at the global fisheries market.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 21 st of November while participating in the inauguration ceremony of “Aqua Planet Sri Lanka - International Expo 2025” organized by the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources under the theme “Shaping a Prosperous Tomorrow through Aquatic Resources.”

The Aqua Planet 2025 International Expo, covering all sectors related to fisheries including modern technological equipment, aquatic plants, ornamental fish, and other industry-related areas, will be held at the Nelum Kuluna premises from 21st to the 23rd of November.

Coinciding with the opening ceremony, retirement benefit entitlements granted by the government for the fishing community were awarded by the Prime Minister. The first-day cover and commemorative stamp issued to mark Aqua Planet 2025 were also launched at the event.

Further expressing her views, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

I see the Aqua Planet Sri Lanka 2025 International Exhibition as a step towards realizing our government’s vision outlined in the policy declaration ’A thriving nation – A Beautiful Life’, by transforming Sri Lanka into a global export hub in the fisheries sector.

The fisheries industry plays a significant role in the national economy and serves as the main livelihood for a larger percentage of our population. Therefore, it is essential to widely promote aquaculture and the inland fisheries industry. Innovations in aquatic productions and plant production and value-added seafood products must be introduced toward the global fish market.

In order to achieve this, it requires science-based resource management, proper packaging systems, environmentally friendly fishing gear, safety measures, and access to knowledge and technology related to modern aquaculture systems.

As a government, we are committed to provide the necessary support to make this possible.

Especially to facilitate value-added fisheries production, the government is implementing mechanisms to provide required financial assistance. At the same time, measures are being taken to uplift the living standards of small-scale rural producers dependent on the fisheries industry.

You are aware that the main topic these days is the second budget of the current government.

A special attention has been placed on developing the fisheries sector though the 2026 Budget. For the first time, funds have been allocated to formulate policies, plans, and mechanisms for the Blue Economy to advance the fisheries sector.

A sum of Rs. 500 million has been allocated for port infrastructure development and improving the livelihood of fishing communities. Additionally, Rs. 350 million has been allocated for the development of the Valachchenai fisheries harbor. Rs. 100 million has been allocated for life-saving equipment for fishermen, and another Rs. 100 million for satellite-based fish-ground tracking systems. The budget also includes provisions for establishing aquaculture development centers, improving safety and infrastructure for fishing communities, and technological advancement in the industry.

In conclusion, I expect the contribution of all those engaged in the fisheries sector towards our collective mission of ensuring a prosperous country and a beautiful life for all.

Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar stated that a massive programme has been implemented to revive the collapsed fisheries industry, and this exhibition has been organized as one major step in that initiative. He noted that the main objective of the exhibition is to raise public awareness regarding the country’s ocean resources, encourage participation in industries related to ocean resource development, and thereby enhance national export revenue while providing benefits to the public.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage Deputy Minister of Vocational Education Nalin Hewage, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Members of Parliament, the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, government officials, ambassadors, foreign delegates, and members of the fishing community.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Creating awareness on waste management is essential at public and school-level

The Special Sub-Committee appointed on Western Province Waste Management convened on 19 th of November at the Parliament premises with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The discussion was focused on the current status of managing municipal solid waste generated through households, streets, institutions, and businesses , challenges, and way forward in the Western Province.

Extended discussions were also held on issues such as the lack of designated, dedicated and knowledgeable officers for waste management in local authority, the shortage of suitable land and infrastructure for waste management, as well as solutions to address these issues.

Addressing the discussion, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of creating proper awareness on waste management at both community and school levels, stressing that the progress can be achieved through programmes such as Praja Shakthi and Clean Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister further noted that introducing waste management as a new vocational subject in collaboration with the vocational education sector could help raise public awareness on waste management while also creating carrier paths.

The discussion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Urban Development Eranga Gunasekara; Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Colombo District Coordination Committee Lakshman Nipunarachchi; Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Advisory Council to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Chandana Suriyaarachchi, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Colombo District Secretary Ginige Prasanna Janaka Kumara; officers of the District Secretariat; officials from the Central Environmental Authority; and officials from the Urban Development Authority.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Every intervention contributes to sustainability, equity, and human dignity.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the 28th Asia Pacific Social Work Conference 2025, held on 18 November at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Social Workers (SLAPSW) and the National Institute of Social Development (NISD), the conference takes place from 18–21 November in Colombo under the theme “Social Work Responses to Climate Change and Other Environmental Issues.”

The Prime Minister further stated:

“Sri Lanka faces coastal erosion, unpredictable monsoons, urban flooding, droughts, and other climate-related challenges that directly affect agriculture, fisheries, and rural communities. These environmental changes also worsen existing social inequalities, disproportionately impacting rural farmers, fisherfolk, plantation communities, and other marginalised groups.

Social workers play a critical role in addressing these challenges. They are often the first responders during disasters, providing immediate assistance, psychosocial support, and long-term rehabilitation. In Sri Lanka, social workers strengthen community resilience, support youth and women’s empowerment, and advocate for environmentally responsible practices.

The government supports these efforts through integrated approaches that combine climate adaptation, social protection, and community empowerment.

Our youth are making an important contribution to climate action and sustainability. Across Sri Lanka, students participate in school-based climate clubs, lead awareness campaigns, and organise community clean-up drives. Young people, through school clubs and the National Youth Services Council, are driving large-scale tree-planting and reforestation initiatives that restore degraded landscapes and protect vulnerable communities.

Technology and innovation, including digital disaster monitoring and climate-smart agriculture are helping communities respond effectively. The 2026 national budget reinforces this vision, prioritising national research and innovation through the establishment of a National Research and Development Institute and Council to ensure evidence-based solutions to environmental and social challenges.

It strengthens the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, expands support for children with disabilities from low-income families, and improves accessible public infrastructure. The budget also addresses the housing needs of vulnerable communities, including those living in landslide-prone areas and internally displaced families. Social protection reforms are being advanced through the Integrated Social Protection Registry and the People’s Income Support Programme, alongside measures to increase wages for estate workers and dedicated support for women’s empowerment.

In addition, the budget emphasises environmental research and strategies to mitigate human–wildlife conflict, supported by targeted infrastructure investments. No state can achieve environmental justice alone; collaboration is essential. This conference provides a platform to share experiences, research, and solutions, strengthening regional capacity and solidarity. Sri Lanka calls upon our partners to join us in building resilient communities, effective social work institutions, and inclusive policies that respond to climate challenges.”

The event was attended by the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, Prof. Machiko Ohara, President of the International Federation of Social Work Asia-Pacific, and other distinguished guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division