The Member States of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) express their deepest condolences to the governments and peoples of Myanmar and Thailand in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake of 7.7 magnitude that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025.

This tragic event has caused immense loss of life, injuries, and widespread damage, particularly in the areas surrounding the epicenter. The tremors were also felt in neighboring countries. BIMSTEC stands in solidarity with the affected people and communities.

BIMSTEC will work through its established mechanisms to support relief and recovery efforts, including collaboration through the BIMSTEC Centre for W MORE >>

On the sidelines of the International Expert Conference on the World Heritage Property of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura at UNESCO, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya undertook a series of high-level engagements in the bilateral sphere, during her official visit to France from 31 March to 2 April. The meetings were undertaken with a view to further consolidating the existing multifaceted partnership between Sri Lanka and France across a broad range of sectors.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya had a meeting with the former Prime Minister and the Minister of State for National Education, Higher Education and Research E lisabeth Borne at the Ministry of Education on 1 April 2025. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited Hamburg, Germany, focusing on strengthening vocational education and economic partnerships between the two nations. During her visit, she participated in the 102nd East Asia Friendship Dinner, met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and engaged in high-level discussions on investment, education, and economic reforms.

As a Guest of Honour at the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) annual gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya addressed an audience of business leaders and dignitaries, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and its potential as a growing investment destination. She highlighted the contributions of over 160 German companies in Sri Lanka and i MORE >>

H.E. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal President Germany
Excellencies
Dr Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of Hamburg
Dr Arnd Nenstiel, Chairman OAV, BAYER AG
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to be here in the historic Hamburg City Hall of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. I’m delighted and honoured to address this gathering in the presence of H.E. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal President Germany, a longstanding friend of Sri Lanka and other distinguished invitees.

I would like to convey my appreciation to Dr Arnd Nenstiel, Chairman OAV for the invitation to attend the 102nd East Asia friendship dinner and the ’German-Asian Forum on Vocational Education & Traini MORE >>

Venerable Maha Sangha, Religious Dignitaries, Madam Director-General,
Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, Madam President of the General Conference,
Madam Chairperson of the Executive Board, Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a profound honour to address you today in this significant institution which stands as a beacon of knowledge, culture and peace among nations and peoples of the world. I also consider it a special privilege to have this opportunity to visit UNESCO when Sri Lanka is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its partnership with this global body.

This historic anniversary, celebrated last July with a productive MORE >>

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr. Harini Amarasuriya undertook an official visit to France from 31 March to 2 April 2025 to participate in the high-level segment of the International Expert Conference on “An Integrated and Sustainable Approach to Safeguarding the World Heritage Property of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka and Associated Living Heritage”, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Tuesday 1 April 2025. The International Conference was organized by UNESCO in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka to showcase the universal significance of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura and its associated living heritage, and to garner international cooperation for its conservation and sustainable development.
 MORE >>

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is on an official visit to Paris, France to participate in the high-level segment of the International Expert Conference on ’An Integrated and Sustainable Approach to Safeguarding the World Heritage Property of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka and Associated Living Heritage’ which will be held at UNESCO Headquarters on Tuesday 1 April, with the participation of the Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay.

The Conference, organized by UNESCO in partnership with Sri Lanka, brings together leading international experts to discuss sustainable strategies for the conservation of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of immense cultural and histor MORE >>

As our Islamic brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka and around the world celebrate the sacred month of Ramadan, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes for peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.

Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, prayer, and self-discipline. It is a period that teaches us the values of compassion, generosity, and unity. Fasting during this holy month is not only an act of devotion but also a reminder of the struggles faced by those less fortunate. It is a time to cultivate patience, humility, and gratitude while strengthening our bonds with family, friends, and the community.

At its core, Ramadan embodies the spirit of kindness, forgiveness, and charity. The practice of Zakat and MORE >>

Her Excellency Ms. Dr. Eliska Zigova, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Sri Lanka, met with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees on 25th of March. The meeting underscored the longstanding friendship between the two nations and explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya welcomed Ambassador Zigova and acknowledged the Czech Republic’s continued support for Sri Lanka. In response, Ambassador Zigova commended the new government’s commitment to democratic governance and its successful execution of two peaceful elections, reflecting political stability and public trust.

Discussions during the meeting focused on strengthening diplomat MORE >>

For countries like Sri Lanka, collaborative efforts like THRIVE are essential in ensuring gender parity and eliminating gender-based violence

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the official launch of ’THRIVE- Together for Her: Resilience-building, Inclusivity, and Voices for Equality in Sri Lanka’, held on 25 March at the Australian High Commission in Colombo which was jointly hosted by the High Commissioner of Australia, UN Women, and Chrysalis.

THRIVE is a five-year initiative implemented by UN Women and Chrysalis, and funded by the Government of Australia. This project contributes to achieving Outcome 6 – “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” – of the UN Susta MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the urgent need for prompt and decisive measures to address the challenges, barriers, and discriminatory practices encountered by women both domestically and globally.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (22) while addressing the International Women’s Day celebration organized by the United Nations Association in Sri Lanka, held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo.

During the event, awards were presented in appreciation of women who have achieved significant accomplishments and earned societal recognition in different fields.

Delivering the key note speech, the Prime Minister further stated:

“Equally all MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that steps will be taken to promptly complete delayed developmental water supply projects and community water supply projects.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (21), while participating in the World Water Day event organized by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.

During the event, a special software application designed to facilitate water supply services was officially launched under the patronage of the Prime Minister. Further, awards and certificates were presented to students who won the island-wide school drama and essay competition which was organized in line with World Water Day and commendations and medals were awarded to professional st MORE >>

The Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, participated in the World Bank Group’s Global Digital Summit 2025, held from March 17 to 20 at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C. Under the theme "Digital Pathways for All," the summit brought together global authorities, development partners, private sector leaders, and key stakeholders to explore innovative digital solutions and their role in advancing economic and social development.

The summit provided valuable insights for Sri Lanka’s ongoing digitalization initiatives, which are being spearheaded under the leadership of the President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During the high-level discussions, Mr. Saputhanthri engaged with global ex MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that after closely observing discussions on the budget and the criticisms raised by the opposition, it is evident that the system change the people expected is currently taking place.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in Parliament today (20) during the Committee Stage Debate on the Budget.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated:

Throughout the past month, we have engaged in extensive discussions inside and outside of Parliament regarding the first budget of the government and we have met with trade unions, various institutions, and individuals to review their perspectives on the budget.

The proposals and criticis MORE >>

The "Ingi" choreographical presentation, organized by the Pallekele International Buddhist Academy (SIBA), was held on March 19 at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

SIBA was established in 2016 under the concept by the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of Tooth Relic, Mr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela, with the aim of preserving traditional Sri Lankan dance customs for future generations.

The event was featured by the captivating performances representing Kandyan, Southern, and Sabaragamuwa traditions, combining the array of Indian dance. All performances, including the drumming segments, were presented by students of the Pallekele International Buddhist Academy (SIB MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties for mutual benefit.

A key area of focus was expanding tourism exchanges, including religious tourism, which holds significant potential for growth.

The two delegations also explored opportunities in trade, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to supp MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the urgent need to increase women’s participation in the economic sector, both globally and in Sri Lanka.

She made these remarks on March 18 at the launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Financial Fund, organized by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, held at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo.

Further addressing the event, the Prime Minister stated:

"There are stark gender disparities in labor force participation, with only 47% of women globally and 32% in Sri Lankabeing economically active, compared to 72% and 71% of men, respectively.

It is crucial to address systemic barriers such as limited access to finance MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government has a structured recruitment process in place and does not offer jobs based on arbitrary criteria, as previous governments have done.

The Prime Minister made these remarks yesterday (18) while responding to questions raised during the Budget Debate in Parliament.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya further stated: "There is no separate data on government spending on primary and secondary education under the free education system. However, the expenditure per student at both levels from 2020 to 2025 has been recorded as follows: LKR 60,136 in 2020, LKR 63,498 in 2021, LKR 75,096 in 2022, LKR 87,594 in 2023, and LKR 97,784 in 2024. An estimated LK MORE >>