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

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that preventing road accidents should be approached not merely as a legal obligation but as a personal responsibility to save lives while efforts must be undertaken with awareness and dedication, not just adherence to rules and regulations.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the inauguration ceremony of the awareness program held at Royal College, Colombo on road safety titled ’Take Care – Let’s Be Safe on the Road,’ organized jointly by the Clean Sri Lanka Program, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, and Sri Lanka Police.

Police officers should conduct awareness sessions on road accident prevention for schoolchildren and distribution of equipment necessary for school transport safety to 25 selected schools across 25 districts was taken place under the patronage of the Prime Minister.

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

This is another significant initiative under the Clean Sri Lanka Project. Road accidents have become a major national crisis. The tragic reality is that most of these incidents are preventable if we have the will and dedication.

About seven people die every day due to road accidents. We must stop this tragedy. Every deceased, disabled, or injured victim of road accidents is a citizen of this country. They are someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, or child. When someone becomes a victim, the whole society is affected. The statistics on accidents are not just numbers—they carry deep stories and pain.

Preventing road accidents is not only about obeying laws. It’s about thinking of others, acting with empathy, and treating the preservation of life as our own duty. We need to build a society that functions with compassion and responsibility. That is the kind of beautiful country the government is striving to create.

It is important that education must come before punishment, setting an example must precede enforcement of the law, cautious before precede accusations. Parents must set a good example, drivers must be committed to saving lives, children must be given a clear understanding of traffic rules while the police must prioritize public education before enforcing laws.

The event was attended by Presidential Additional Secretary Mr. Rassel Apponsu, representing the Clean Sri Lanka Program, Chairman of Independent Television Network Mr. Priyantha Wedamulla, Principal of Royal College Mr. Athula Wijewardhana, officials from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka Police, Department of Motor Traffic, as well as teachers and students representing schools from across the island.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The inauguration ceremony for EPIGS’25- Global South Integrity Summit was held today (11) at Cinnamon life hotel, Colombo under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

EPIGS’25 an international conference on electoral integrity hosted by Factum, an Asia-Pacific focused think tank based in Colombo in collaboration with Democracy Reporting International with support from the Europe Union.

Addressing the event Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that electoral integrity, information integrity, and platform accountability which falls under the theme of the summit– are timely and essential to respond to the relationship between technology, democracy, and governance and the Prime Minister commended the initiative of Factum to encourage the government to see leadership emerging from the Global South on addressing the issues in the democratic processes in the digital era.

The EPIGS’25 is focused on attending the digital rights, tech policy specialists, media development personnel with the diverse and committed group of individuals and institutions – policymakers, academics, civil society organizations, media professionals, and technology experts from over 12 countries in the Global South including Sri Lanka to discuss the integrity of democratic processes in the digital era.

The event is attended by delegates and representatives of Civil Society, Members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

The historic Randoli Perahera of the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaparaded through the streets last night (10), with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and other distinguished guests.

Following the placement of the Sacred Relic Casket, the 125th Perahera of the Tissamaharama Viharaya commenced its procession and this year’s Perahera was vibrant by the inclusion of traditional dance forms from the Udarata, Pahatharata, and Sabaragamuwa regions.

Addressing the ceremonial commencement of the final Randoli Perahera, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

The Chief incumbent of the Tissamaharama Viharaya, Venerable Dewalegama Dhammasena Thero, is a monk who has devoted more than sixty years of his life to the Buddhism. He also rendered a great service to the people during the tsunami disaster. At a time when only a handful are involved in social service with genuine purpose, his sincere commitment to social service deserves high praise. I have been associated with the Tissamaharama Viharaya since the 1990s, and therefore I have a deep understanding of this temple.

There is a need for a political transformation as well as a social transformation in this country. Such change is also needed in the field of education. As a monk who has long understood this need, we believe that you will continue to work with us for the transformation of the nation.

A Perahera symbolically represents a cultural festival and throughout the procession, one witnesses a sense of unity, and in that sense, such cultural elements are vital for preserving communal harmony.

The Prime Minister further stated that she extends her respect and gratitude to Venerable Dewalegama Dhammasena Thero and all those who dedicated themselves to making this grand event a success.

The event was graced by the presence of the Chief incumbent of the Kataragama Kirivehera Temple, Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Nayaka Thero, Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra, Members of Parliament Nihal Galappaththi and Athula Weeragoda, along with government officials, diplomats, and a large number of attendees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division

On this Poson Poya Day, I extend my sincere blessings to all Buddhist devotees who, with great reverence, commemorate the momentous advent of Arahant Mahinda Thero to Sri Lanka bearing the noble teachings of the Lord Buddha.

This sacred occasion marks the establishment of monastic Upasampada (the first monastic ordination) in Sri Lanka.

The theme of this year’s state Poson Festival is ’May the world be enlightened by the teachings of the Lord Buddha’. Accordingly, it is important that we repeatedly reflect upon the noble path taken by Arahant Mahinda Thero to bring the light of the supreme teachings of Dhamma into our lives, and strive to attain that light and inner peace through both Amisa Pooja (material offerings) and Pratipatti Pooja (practice offerings) of Dhamma.

Poson Poya holds immense significance both religiously and historically, as it marks a day that paved the way for a remarkable revival of the religious, cultural, social, and even economic aspects of the citizenry in Sri Lanka.

According to the Buddhist heritage, Poson Poya signifies the first step in shaping a compassionate society. As a government bearing the noble responsibility of nurturing a righteous and culturally enriched citizenry, we are deeply committed to upholding the message of non-violence and harmonious coexistence brought by Arahant Mahinda Thero, ensuring its continued relevance in the present day.

At a time when our nation is preparing to embark upon a new era of revival, it is my sincere blessings that this Poson Poya serves as a sacred blessing for a prosperous and enlightened future.

May all observe a blessed and meaningful Poson Festival.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
10th June 2025

The veneration ceremony marking the conferral of the title of Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Southern Sri Lanka to Venerable Mapalagama Buddhasiri Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Weherahena Rajamaha Viharaya in Matara, was held today (08 June) at Ananda College, Colombo, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

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

We are pleased by the conferral of the Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Southern Sri Lanka to Venerable Mapalagama Buddhasiri Thero by the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siyam Maha Nikaya.

At this moment, we recall with deep respect the guidance and counsel of venerable Maha Sangha like Venerable Mapalagama Buddhasiri Thero, who have engaged in rendering Dhamma services both locally and internationally upholding the compassion, kindness, and a commitment to social justice, and the government holds such spiritual guidance in the highest regard.

Finally, with deep reverence I extend Venerable Mapalagama Buddhasiri Thero, newly appointed as the Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka of Southern Sri Lanka, a long life of good health and the strength to continue rendering noble service to our society, our nation, and all beings across the world.

The event was graced by the presence of Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Venerable Aggamaha Panditha Ittapane Dhammalankara Thero; Chief Sanghanayaka of Southern Sri Lanka and Head of the Dehiwala-Nedimala Buddhist Cultural Centre, Venerable Kirama Wimalajothi Thero; members of the Maha Sangha representing all three Nikayas; and a host of esteemed lay and monastic invitees.

Prime Minister’s Media Division