Five-Year Project to Enhance ICT Education Across the Island - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated in Parliament today (08) that a special five-year project has been proposed in this year’s Budget to upgrade computer facilities at Information Technology and Distance Learning Hubs (ITDLHs) and secondary schools across the island.

The Prime Minister made this statement in response to a question raised regarding information technology education.

The Prime Minister further stated:

An audit conducted in 2026 confirmed that many centres had not received new computer equipment since 2014.

As most of the existing equipment is now in a condition beyond repair, the Government intends to implement a five-year plan to provide new equipment, MORE >>

Government Allocates Rs. 1,500 Million in 2026 Budget for 55 New University Hostels and Rs. 853 Million for the Renovation of Existing Hostels - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has allocated Rs. 1,500 million under the 2026 Budget to launch a project to construct 55 new hostels across the state universities and a further Rs. 853 million to renovate and upgrade existing hostels, while addressing the Parliament on 08 October.

Pointing out that only 63,318 of the 150,815 students enrolled across the state university system currently have access to hostel facilities, accounting for approximately 42% of the total student population, the Prime Minister outlined the Government’s plans to address the existing shortage of university accommodation.

In addition to the 17 universities operating under the University Grants  MORE >>

Prime Minister met with the representatives of the Asia Foundation Delegation

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the delegation of the Asia Foundation on 07 October at Parliament.

Welcoming the delegation from the Asia Foundation, the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s longstanding partnership with Sri Lanka and its continued support for the country’s development efforts.

The delegation congratulated the Government on its recent initiatives and commended Sri Lanka’s progress in navigating the economic crisis and strengthening the country’s recovery.

During the meeting, The Asia Foundation outlined its key areas of engagement and interest in Sri Lanka, including digitalisation and digital MORE >>

A Bill to Establish an ’Education Council’ to Strengthen Standardisation and Professional Development in the Education Sector - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the drafting of a Bill to establish an “Education Council” is expected to be completed within one year, with the objective of strengthening standardisation and professional development in Sri Lanka’s education sector and enhancing the dignity of the teaching profession.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament today (October 07) in response to a question raised by Member of Parliament Padmasiri Bandara.

The Prime Minister further stated:

The Education Council is being established based on the recommendations of the expert committee appointed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Educati MORE >>

Steps Being Taken to Digitalise and Improve Infrastructure in Estate Schools - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a number of special programmes are currently being implemented to promote digital education and improve infrastructure in Estate schools across the country.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament today (October 07) in response to a question raised by the Member of Parliament Dr. V. Radhakrishnan.

The Prime Minister further stated:

Out of the 849 Estae schools located across six provinces, only three schools currently do not have electricity. Funds have already been allocated to construct new buildings for two schools, while the other school is currently being operated from a temporary building. Under the assistance of India governmen MORE >>

We must move beyond viewing rural communities merely as beneficiaries of development programmes, we must recognize them as partners, innovators and drivers of development. - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Conference on Innovations in Rural Development and the CIRDAP Knowledge Circuit Dialogue held in Colombo on October 7.

The Asia-Pacific Conference on Innovations in Rural Development, held from October 7 to 9, is jointly organised by the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) and the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI). The conference provides a platform for sharing practical ideas and innovations aimed at building more resilient, inclusive and sustainable rural communities.

Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasu MORE >>

Message of Felicitations

On this occasion of World Teachers’ Day, I extend my greetings to all those teachers dedicated to nurturing the knowledge and wisdom of future generations and building a society enriched with values and humanity.

Amid the new education reforms being implemented to meet the demands of the modern, technology-driven world, your commitment to adapting to the changing world and guiding children towards new pathways is commendable.

The teaching profession is not merely a job limited to earning a salary; it is a noble service provided with dedication, devotion and love.

Therefore, our Government has taken a number of key measures to strengthen the education system and uphold the dignity of the tea MORE >>

The government is committed to empower everyone to build a dignified home of their own through community participation. - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government’s goal is to empower everyone to build a dignified home of their own through community participation, while the Government will provide the necessary guidance and facilities to make this possible.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the World Habitat Day 2026 commemoration held today (05 October) at Temple Trees, organised by the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply under the theme “A safer Home for All”, in parallel with the United Nations World Habitat Day programme.

At the event, the Prime Minister opened the 5,000th house completed under the housing programme launched today. The Prime Minister p MORE >>

Financial literacy has increased to 58% due to the positive measures taken by the Government - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the financial literacy rate in Sri Lanka, which previously stood at 35%, has increased to 58% as a result of the positive measures taken by the Government, describing this as a significant achievement for the country.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (05) while attending the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), held at the World Trade Centre, as the Chief Guest.

The Prime Minister further emphasised that the Government’s primary objective of creating a “A Thriving Nation Country – A Beautiful Life” is aimed at establishing an economically strong environment in which every citizen can live with dignity, security MORE >>

Every Child in this country Is important to Us; Everything We Do as a Government Is for the Well-being of Our Children - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

We are working to ensure digital connectivity in secondary schools across the country by the end of this year.

The 2026 World Children’s Day celebration, organised jointly by the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council and Independent Television Network (ITN) under the theme “Mahangu Sampatha – Daruwan Surakimu”, was held on 03 October at the S. de S. Jayasinghe Stadium under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that World Children’s Day is not limited to a single day, but serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring a safe and secure world for children.

Speaking further, the Prime Minis MORE >>

The National Development can be achieved by empowering Youth with Knowledge, Skills and New Opportunities - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the foundation for future national development can be strengthened by equipping the country’s youth with knowledge, skills and new opportunities, and that the Government is committed to strengthening the higher education, vocational education and technical education sectors.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in the inaugural session of the International Career and Education Exhibition (iCEE 2026), held today (03 October) at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.

Organised jointly by Independent Television Network (ITN), ITN MMC Campus and JJL International, the exhibition provides an opportunity for 10 leading universities and higher educatio MORE >>

Prime Minister Joins Gandhi Jayanti Commemoration

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the Gandhi Jayanti commemoration held at Temple Trees on October 2nd to mark the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the pioneer of non-violence.

The commemoration was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Mr. Santosh Jha. During the event, the Prime Minister and the Indian High Commissioner paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

The ceremony was organized to recall the message of peace, non-violence, and harmony that Mahatma Gandhi bestowed upon the world through his life and philosophy.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Mr. Santosh Jha, Secretary to the Prime MORE >>

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka met with the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka, H.E. Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, on 01 October at Temple Trees.

At the outset, the Prime Minister welcomed the Ambassador and expressed her appreciation for the support extended by the Government of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah.

During the meeting, the Ambassador conveyed an invitation from the Government of the United Arab Emirates to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to participate in the UN Water Conference scheduled to be held in the UAE in December.

Both sides discussed challenges related to water management and water security, emphasising the importance o MORE >>

Ensuring Children’s Emotional Security, Mental Well-being and Self-Confidence is Vital in the Face of Modern Social and Technological Challenges - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that ensuring children’s emotional security, mental well-being and self-confidence is important in the face of the modern social and technological challenges confronting childhood, and that the Government has accorded priority to this area.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (October 01) while participating in the National Children’s Day Celebration organised by the Department of Probation and Child Care Services under the guidance of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Speaking at the event, held under the theme “Mentally Strong, Children Empowered,” MORE >>

Message from the Prime Minister on World Children’s Day 2026

For decades, the 1st of October has been a special day in Sri Lanka, when we celebrate our children while also honouring our elders. It reminds us of our responsibility towards the generations that have shaped our society and, equally, towards the generation that will shape its future.

This year, we celebrate World Children’s Day under the theme “මනසින් සවිමත් – දරුවන් පොහොසත්” – “Strong Minds – Enriched Children.” The theme carries particular significance at a time when childhood itself is being transformed by rapid social and technological change.

Education, healthcare and material security remain fundamental to a child’s development. But an  MORE >>

A Progress Review Meeting on the National Strategic Plan for the Management, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Persons with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) 2026–2030

A bi-annual progress review meeting of stakeholders following the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Prevention, Treatment, Management and Rehabilitation of Persons with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) 2026–2030 was held on 30th September 2026 under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya with the participation of all relevant stakeholders ministries, departments and agencies at Temple Trees.

This Strategic Plan is being prepared under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media through a coordinated, inter-ministerial process, in accordance with the instructions of the President and the Prime Minister.

This Plan aims to establish a comprehensive and coordinated nationa MORE >>

All Investments and Partnerships in the Country Must Be Undertaken with Accountability and Proper Regulations - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that both public and private investments are essential for developing large-scale infrastructure, but all investments and partnerships must be undertaken with accountability and proper regulation.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 30 September while participating in the official opening of Phase II of the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) at the Port of Colombo.

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

The port sector plays a significant role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s economy and building a competitive economy driven by modern technology. Sri Lanka’s location close to the major maritime routes of th MORE >>

Waste Management and Recycling to Receive Priority in the 2027 Budget - Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

What we must leave for our future generations is not contaminated soil or seas filled with plastic, but a clean and green environment where they can breathe freely and live healthy lives.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the upcoming 2027 Budget will place priority on waste management, waste reduction and recycling, emphasising that what should be left for future generations is not contaminated soil or seas filled with plastic, but a clean and green environment where they can breathe freely and live healthy lives.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 3rd International Conference on “Plastic, Innovation and Environmental Sustainability”, organise MORE >>