Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is working towards a tourism development initiative aimed at promoting tourism at rural level by strengthening the capacity of local tourism service providers.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the inaugural ceremony of the China–Sri Lanka–Maldives Tourism Forum, held on June 16 at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo, under the theme "Connectivity and Collaborative Success along the Silk Road."

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

The primary vision of this forum is not only to boost economic growth through the tourism industry but also to foster the connection and ng people, cultural understanding, and regional cooperation within South Asia.

China continues to attract millions of tourists with its vast and diverse landscapes, centuries-old heritage sites, and distinctly modern cities.

The Maldives represents idyllic islands with pristine coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and world-renowned luxury resorts.

Sri Lanka, offers a unique blend of experiences from the sacred city of Anuradhapura to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, from the golden southern coastline to the mist-covered tea plantations of the central highlands.

The government is currently focused on building a tourism industry that not only focuses on generating income but also protects our ecosystems, values our cultural heritage, and empowers our communities.

In this regard, regional cooperation is of vital importance to Sri Lanka. This forum creates the path for streamline visa processes, align health and safety standards, develop integrated marketing strategies, and attract international investments.

Our aim is to transform the tourism sector into one that reaches rural communities, supports women entrepreneurs, and encourages youth participation.

The government is already taking measures to promote eco-tourism, enhance digital tourism infrastructure, and strengthen the capacity of local tourism service providers.

Particularly, attention has also been directed toward establishing a community-based tourism model that ensures tourism benefits reach underrepresented regions of the country.

Collaborating with the innovations of China presents an opportunity to elevate the tourism industry to new heights in Sri Lanka.

It is important to remember that the true value of the tourism industry lies not only in its economic returns but also in its ability to nurture human connections. It provides the power to dismantle uniform perspectives, foster empathy, and build peace. In a divided world, tourism opens pathways to unite across borders, cultures, and generations.

The event was attended by the heads of the Chinese and Maldivian diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka, along with a delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and other distinguished guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The National Commemorative Ceremony marking World Blood Donor Day, observed on June 14 at Temple Trees with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Coinciding with the event, a special appreciation ceremony was also held to honor blood donors.

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

The theme declared by the World Health Organization for this year is "Give Blood, Give Hope – Together we save lives." In Sri Lanka, approximately 85% of the annual blood requirement is fulfilled through the invaluable contribution of organizers of mobile blood donation campaigns. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to them.

Out of the 450,000 blood units received annually by the National Blood Transfusion Service, more than 380,000, around 85% are collected through these mobile donation campaigns. Nearly 5,000 mobile blood donation drives are organized annually to support this cause.

Around 1,500 blood donors and nearly 1,000 mobile blood donation campaign organizers participated in this commemorative event. Individuals representing all ethnicities, religions, provinces, and regions of the country ranging from corporate entities, government institutions, volunteer organizations, schools, defense services, and individual contributors were awarded at this ceremony.

These organizers dedicate their personal resources, time, and labor voluntarily without expecting any personal gain.

The uniquely effective blood donation system that exists in Sri Lanka is not seen in many parts of the world.

The government intends to systematically reinstate a previously proposed initiative to allocate one day annually for state institutions to participate in blood donation.

Additionally, more opportunities should be provided within the school system to raise awareness about blood donation, as future blood donors are nurtured through education.

Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, these individuals fulfilled their national responsibility without hesitation.

Today, Sri Lanka has become a country that meets 100% of its blood demand through voluntary donations, thanks to the tremendous service rendered by these individuals.

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalimda Jayatissa, further stated:

Two key sectors of Sri Lanka’s health system, the primary healthcare and the National Blood Transfusion Service have received international recognition. In 2010, the World Health Assembly declared that by 2020, all countries should fulfill their blood requirements entirely through voluntary donations. Sri Lanka achieved this goal by 2014. As of today, only about 70 countries worldwide have reached this standard.

The true heroes behind this significant achievement are Sri Lanka’s blood donors and mobile campaign organizers, a uniquely committed group of individuals with pure hearts.

The government is also focusing on modernizing the Blood Transfusion Service further.

The Ministry of Health is working to introduce opportunities for stem cell and plasma donations, implement NAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) testing, enhance quality control mechanisms at all blood banks, and establish internationally recognized standards such as AABB and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to uplift the service to even greater heights.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, and Secretary, Consultant Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Dr. Lakshman Edirisingh and several government officials and a large number of blood donors.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The 2025 Silver Screen Awards Ceremony was held on June 13 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The aim of this year’s awards ceremony included appreciating artists who enriched the Sri Lankan cinema industry during the years 1970–1975. At the ceremony, renowned actress Iranganie Serasinghe was presented with the Sumith Bibile Memorial Gold Award by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also conferred awards to distinguished artists Padma Sri Kodikara, Dinesh Priyasad, and Indrani Perera.

Delivering the keynote address at the awards ceremony, the Prime Minister stated:

Honoring renowned artists who have devoted their lives to the advancement of cinema, which is one of the most popular art forms in the world, by protecting and standing up for them, and being present for them at every necessary moment, is a noble duty that belongs to the entire nation.

As 2025 marks the centenary of Sri Lankan cinema, in light of those who uplifted, inspired, and strengthened the cinematic space both in terms of quality and scale should be appreciated and acknowledged.

Especially, it should be appreciated that the dedication of Ms. Sanoja Bibile, daughter of the late Sumith Bibile, for continuing the foundation established on his vision.

The Prime Minister further expressed her delight upon learning that a significant number of artists, who made invaluable contributions to cinema since the emergence of talkies in the 1970s, have already been recognized through the Silver Screen Awards.

We must also take a moment to remember the late actress Malini Fonseka, the queen of Sri Lankan cinema. While she received countless awards, none were more valuable than the deep love and admiration she earned from the people.

The Prime Minister extended her congratulations to all award recipients, including actors, directors, producers, technical experts, journalists, and film critics representing Sinhala cinema this year.

The Prime Minister sent her wishes to Ms. Sanoja Bibile, Mr. Sunil T. Fernando, and the entire Silver Screen organizing team, as well as to all media and social media personnel who helped share and amplify this meaningful celebration on behalf of the President and the entire government and expressed her sincere congratulations to all parties involved in continuing this noble initiative in the years to come.

The event was attended by the Minister of Culture and Buddhist Affairs Prof. H. Sunil Senevi, Chairman of the National Film Corporation Sudath Mahadivulwewa, Renowned actor Ravindra Randeniya, and many other renowned artists.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The felicitation ceremony to honor and the launch of the commemorative volume titled "Upahara Manjari" dedicated to Professor Emeritus Deshamanya J.B. Disanayaka was held on June 13 at the New Arts Theatre of the University of Colombo, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister stated that J.B. Disanayaka is an exceptional scholar among the many distinguished academics produced by Sri Lanka’s higher education sector, as his scholarly contributions extended beyond the university to reach the wider society.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Professor Disanayaka’s remarkable literary service, spanning over five decades as a university academic is evident not only in the fields of modern linguistics, Sinhala grammar, and cultural studies, but also in his extensive research and publications in the field of children’s education. The Prime Minister appreciated his contribution in bringing folktales and folklore closer to the world of children by writing a valuable series of books aimed at enhancing children’s Sinhala knowledge and critical thinking.

The Prime Minister further remarked that Professor Disanayaka introduced innovative concepts ranging from the Sinhala alphabet to grammar, preserving the aesthetic value of the Sinhala language and making it more accessible to the general public. His passionate efforts have helped establish Sri Lanka as a proud nation with a beautiful language, earning it global recognition. The Prime Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude for his dedication in reminding the people of this land of the richness of their language and culture.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Venerable Agalakada Sirisumana Thero, Head of the Department of Sinhala at the University of Colombo, along with other venerable members of the Maha Sangha, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. H. Sunil Senevi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Professor Indika Karunathilake, and many other distinguished guests.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that in a world where travelers seek not just destinations but experiences, it is important to elevate Sri Lanka as a country with a distinctive and appealing culinary tradition.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending as the Chief Guest to the inauguration ceremony of the Culinary Art Food Expo – 2025, South Asia’s premier culinary and hospitality exhibition, organized by the Chefs Guild of Lanka, held on June 13 at the BMICH premises.

The Prime Minister noted that food is never merely a source of nutrition, but also a powerful expression of culture, beautiful memories, local identity, and heritage of a country and further stated that Sri Lanka can position itself not only as a land of natural beauty but also as a destination rich in flavor and creativity especially where culinary arts can significantly contribute to this positioning.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that the Culinary Art Food Expo (CAFE) being a platform for professional chefs, newcomers, and industry experts to compete while it provides a significant space for learning from one another, sharing ideas, and building connections with international culinary professionals, the Expo goes beyond a simple exhibition to a limitless, creative celebration that showcases skill, heritage, collaboration, and expression through food.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by President of the Chefs Guild of Lanka, renowned chef Gerard Mendis, Chairman of Nestlé Lanka, Bernard Stephan, Chairman of CDC Events & Travels, Chandra Wickramasinghe, Chairman of House of ASRIEL, Shiran Peiris, along with representatives of numerous institutions and a large gathering of renowned chefs from various sectors.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The primary reason why inexperienced labor force refrain from enrolling in vocational training is the lack of appealing environment in the training institutions.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the low engagement of inexperienced labor force in vocational training is largely due to the unattractiveness of training institutions and emphasized the need to address and rectify this situation.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in an awareness program held at the Orugodawatta Tech Institute which focused on the upcoming “Shrama Meheyuma” initiative, scheduled to be implemented islandwide on July 4, 2025, utilizing 311 national, district, and regional vocational training centers. This initiative is part of a broader national program aligned with the vision of a Clean Sri Lanka, built upon environmental, social, and ethical principles.

The Prime Minister further stated:

A young person who receives vocational training in a high-demand field will encounter no obstacles in securing a well-paying job, either locally or internationally. However, we continue to witness a lack of participation in vocational training by the unemployed, inexperienced labor force. The lack of attractiveness of training institutions is a significant contributing factor to this issue. Therefore, it is imperative that we implement long-term measures and plans to transform this reality.

Nevertheless, we cannot afford to remain silent. The vocational education sector holds immense potential. It possesses a wide range of technical and professional expertise, as well as the necessary tools and resources. Approximately 125,000 young trainees are currently enrolled in these institutions. As such, a unique opportunity has emerged to launch a large-scale initiative in alignment with the environmental pillar of the Clean Sri Lanka program.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that public institutions and community stakeholders can be engaged in support of this initiative.

Let us commence this national initiative with the inauguration on July 4 and ensure its continued implementation. By undertaking minor maintenance and environmentally friendly approach by excluding major construction or renovations, we can transform our training centers into appealing spaces for youth.

Moreover, it is essential that we cultivate social and ethical transformation within ourselves and within our institutions

If we are able to reduce the proportion of inexperienced labor which currently stands at approximately 72% of the inactive labor force by 25% within the next five years, and if at least one member from each economically vulnerable household can be directed towards vocational training, these households will then have the opportunity to earn a monthly income ranging from LKR 50,000 to 75,000.

Therefore, on July 4, you will not merely be cleaning your vocational training center. Through your actions, you will also be contributing to encouraging youth to engage in vocational training, thereby enabling their families to overcome poverty and helping the country address its economic challenges.

The event was attended by Mr. S.P.C. Sugishwara, Additional Secretary to the President at the Clean Sri Lanka Operations Secretariat, as well as heads of institutions and senior officials from the Vocational Education Division of the Ministry of Education.

Prime Minister’s Media Division