’Sancharaka Udawa 2026 inaugurated’ under the patronage of Prime Minister

The 13th Edition of Sancharaka Udawa 2026, Sri Lanka’s foremost Travel & Tourism Fair Held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre - BMICH, Colombo on 15 th of May.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), the exhibition will be held on 15 and 16 th of May at the BMICH.

The exhibition brought together over 250 exhibitors and 300+ stalls with the participation of more than 100 international agents featuring in B2B meetings, panel disc MORE >>

The official ceremony to present Sannas Patra to Prof. Venerable Maha Oya Jinarathana Nayaka Thero, who was conferred the title of Chief Sanghanayaka of Wellassa, Bintenne and the Eastern Three Provinces, was held on 14 of May at the historic Pothubandhana Rajamaha Viharaya in Bibile, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Anunayake of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Dimbulkumbure Vimaladhamma Nayaka Thero. During the ceremony Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented the official Sannas Pathraya conferring the title of Chief Sanghanayaka of Wellassa, Bintenne and the Eastern Three Provinces to Prof. Venerable Maha Oya Jinarathana Nayaka The MORE >>

As a government, it is our role in bringing in consistency, establishing an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and building people’s confidence to take risks and being innovative.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the 2nd day of the dialog on "National SME Strategy Framework 2026” organized by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development held on 14th of May.

The official launch of the “National SME Strategy Framework 2026” to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), took part yesterday (13) under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe.

The Framewor MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the guidance or religious leaders is essential to further strengthen harmony and solidarity among communities in multicultural areas such as Anamaduwa, where Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities live together in harmony.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the official ceremony of presenting the Sannas Patra to confer the title of Chief Sanghanayaka of the Rajavanni and Kumaravanni two provinces upon Venerable Dharmakeerthi Sri Pangnananda Nayaka Thero of Anamaduwa. The ceremony was held today (13) at Sudampaya, Anamaduwa.

The event was held under the patronage of the Anunayaka Thero of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithas MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya instructed officials to implement development projects by taking into account the practical needs of the people.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at the Colombo District Planning Committee meeting held today (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat to review the progress of development projects in the Colombo District.

During the meeting, discussions focused on a number of development projects scheduled to be implemented in 2026 and 2027, with special attention given to rural road development, alleviation of poverty, and infrastructure development.

Under the Decentralized Budget Programme, more than Rs. 195 million has been allocated for 2026, and Member MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya emphasised that Sri Lanka must shape the future of artificial intelligence through policy, ethics, and inclusive governance, rather than simply adapt to it. She made these remarks while attending as the Chief Guest at the launch of the AI Policy Framework for State Universities, held on May 8, 2026, at the Senate Hall, University of Colombo.

The initiative, led by the University Grants Commission in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, focuses on developing a policy framework to guide the responsible, ethical, and inclusive use of artificial intelligence within Sri Lanka’s state university system.

The event brought together academic leaders, policymakers, an MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that alongside developing the necessary infrastructure for the digitalization of Sri Lanka’s education system, it is equally essential to develop quality educational content and provide proper training for teachers.

The Prime Minister made these remarks during a discussion held at the Prime Minister’s Office on May 08 with representatives of Rotary International and a group of professionals from Sri Lanka’s software industry, facilitated by the Digital Task Force.

The Prime Minister pointed out that smart classrooms should not be limited to merely displaying YouTube videos, but must instead focus on creating high-quality digital educational cont MORE >>

The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, H.E. Tô Lâm, who arrived in Sri Lanka last night (07) on a two-day official visit, was received at the Bandaranaike International Airport by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya along with Ministers and Members of Parliament.

Following the arrival, an official welcoming ceremony was held this morning (08) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Following the discussion several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between the two countries.

Subsequently, President H.E. Tô Lâm arrived at the Parliament of Sri Lank MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated in Parliament on the 06th of May that the Government has planned to introduce relevant changes in the higher education sector in alignment with the new reforms being implemented in the primary and secondary education sectors.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions raised by Member of Parliament Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka.

The Prime Minister further stated:

A special expert committee appointed for this purpose has been in operation over the past six months, and based on the report of this panel, existing issues in the higher education sector will be identified and the necessary reforms will be implemented.

A to MORE >>

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum 2026 held on 05th of May at the Hilton Hotel, Colombo.

Maldives–Sri Lanka Business Forum 2026, 10th on global series hosted by the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade of the Republic of Maldives brought together government representatives, business leaders, and investors from both countries outlining key investment opportunities, policy incentives, initiatives aimed at facilitating foreign investment and supporting long-term economic growth.

Remarking on the 60 years of Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Republic of Maldives during the forum, the President of the Republic of Maldives H.E MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the education reforms introduced to Grade 1 in 2026 are being implemented successfully, and that these reforms will be extended to Grade 6 in 2027.

She made these remarks in Parliament today (05), responding to a question raised by Member of Parliament Chamara Sampath regarding the new education reforms.

Elaborating further, the Prime Minister stated:

A total number of 221,413 candidates sat for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination in 2025, representing 65.29% of students enrolled in Grade 1. A total number of 317,326 candidates sat for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination in 2022 accounting for 93.57% of those enrolled in Grade 1. In 2023, a to MORE >>

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, on 04 May 2026 at Hilton Hotel, Colombo.

Welcoming the President of the Republic of Maldives Dr. Muizzu, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of his visit in further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in the field of education, noting the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding during the visit. She highlighted opportunities to further expand collaboration in higher education and capacity building.

Both si MORE >>

In line with the 2026 Vesak Poya Day, the ’Swarnabhivandana 2026’ Sacred Relic Veneration ceremony, organized by the Sri Sudarshanarama Temple, Kiribathgoda under the guidance of the Chief incumbent of the temple, and the Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Ruhuna and a Senior Lecturer Ven. Makola Mangala Nayaka was held on 3rd of May with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister conveyed her blessings, stating that it was a rare privilege to take part in such a noble religious event. She noted that devotees have been presented with a rare opportunity to venerate sacred relics, including those of the Supreme Buddha and Maha Arahants of See MORE >>

The history of the Sri Lankan labour movement is a remarkable journey, shaped over decades by the blood, sweat, and sacrifices made in the pursuit of rights, justice, and dignity.

Beginning with the printers’ strike of 1893, the working people of this country emerged as an organised force. Through the trade union movement led by A. E. Goonesinha and the emergence of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, the voice of labour gained political strength. The Railway Workers’ Strike of 1923 and the public service strike of 1947 reaffirmed that the true ’driving force’ behind the country’s economic and social transformation was its working people. I respectfully acknowledge the invaluable contributions of workers in the plantation  MORE >>

High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka H.E Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 30th of April at the Temple Trees premises.

Welcoming the H.E Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer, High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly in relation to assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.

Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
 MORE >>

The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, H.E. Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 30th of April at the Temple Trees premises.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of H.E. Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.

Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal  MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, in the face of the turbulent global environment prevailing today, agriculture is confronting significant challenges, and that food security is a crucial factor affecting a country’s stability, sovereignty, and national security.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 28of April at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, while addressing the National Youth Agripreneur Showvase and B2B connect Conference organised under the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership Programme (SAPP), funded jointly by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Sri Lanka. The programme aims to empower rural youth to engage in agribusiness ventures.

Addre MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited and paid homage to the historic sacred city of Kataragama on 26 April.

Following the visit to the sacred Kataragama Kiriwehera Rajamaha Viharaya, the Prime Minister visited the Chief Incumbent, the Chief Sanghanayake of Ruhunu Magampattuwa, Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Nayaka Thero, and received blessings and engaged in religious observances at the historic Kiriwehera premises.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister attended the evening pooja at the historic Vishnu Kataragama Maha Devalaya. She also received blessings from the Maha Sangha, including the Chief Incumbent of Kataragama Sri Abhinawarama Viharaya, the Chief Judicial Sanghanayake of Ruhunu Magampattuwa, Shasthr MORE >>