Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya visited the Chinese Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" at the Port of Colombo this morning (December 24) as part of its Mission Harmony-2024 initiative. The visit was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Qi Zhenhong and the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr.Pradeep Saputhanthri.

The Peace Ark arrived at the Port of Colombo on December 21 and will provide free medical examinations and treatment services to the people of Sri Lanka from December 22 to December 27, 2024.

During her visit, the Prime Minister commended the humanitarian efforts of the Peace Ark and expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for extending this gesture of goodwill to the Sri La MORE >>

Her Excellency Ms. Steluta Arhire, Ambassador of Romania to Sri Lanka, paid a farewell visit to the Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office on 23 December marking the conclusion of her tenure in Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed her appreciation to Ambassador Arhire for her dedicated efforts in strengthening the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Romania. The Prime Minister commended the Ambassador’s contributions and conveyed her best wishes for Ms. Arhire’s future endeavors. Dr. Amarasuriya also reaffirmed her commitment to further enhancing the close ties between the two nations in the years to come.

Also present at the MORE >>

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, met with Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Sri Lanka Resident Mission, at the Prime Minister’s Office today. The discussions underscored ADB’s role as a key development partner and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing Sri Lanka’s national development priorities.

During the discussion Prime Minister emphasized the importance of developing school infrastructure, teacher training, and assessment mechanisms. ADB reaffirmed its commitment to addressing challenges in the education sector through ongoing projects, including initiatives to enhance teacher and principal training.

 MORE >>

The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, welcomed H.E.May-Elin Stener, the Ambassador of Norway to Sri Lanka, during a courtesy call at the Prime Minister’s Office today.

The discussion focused on fostering a collaborative partnership between the two nations, with key topics including poverty alleviation, social protection measures, tax reforms, renewable energy, and employment generation. Dr. Amarasuriya emphasized the importance of transforming Sri Lanka’s education system and highlighted ongoing efforts to digitize governance for improved public service delivery.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both the Norwegian Embassy and the Sri Lankan government, including Mr. Pradee MORE >>

Develop a proper system to regulate private degree institutions

The gap between schools should be closed

The people are demanding a comprehensive transformation beyond education reforms, the gap between schools should be closed and a systematic program is needed to regulate private degree institutions, said the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister said this during discussions with senior officials of institutions affiliated to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, namely the Asian Teacher Development Center, the National Education Commission, and the Non-Governmental Higher Educa MORE >>

A meeting was held today (18th) at the Prime Minister’s Office between Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister and a delegation led by Mr. Yuan Ruidong, Counselor of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

During the meeting the commitment of both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, particularly in enhancing human capital development and economic growth was discussed. Further, exploring potential areas for future collaboration between the Sri Lankan and Chinese governments were discussed under the framework of the Silk Road Village to Village Initiative and the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiatives MORE >>

The Opposition is Creating Issues That Even the Chinese Government Does Not Have and Spreading False Opinions Through the Media

The Opposition is Focusing on Educational Qualifications Because There is No Theft in the Government

The opposition is engaged in a narrow political agenda by focusing on educational qualifications because there is no theft in the current government, said Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the Parliamentary debate on the supplementary estimate to provide an allowance for school children to purchase stationery.

Speaking further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:< MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated in Parliament today (17) that the injustice done to religious traditions and to the people by cremating those who lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be justified.

The decision made by the previous government is completely unjustifiable. It was an extremely insensitive and cruel decision. The traditions followed after a death allow families to express their grief and alleviate their suffering. This is why such rituals hold religious significance.

These traditions are particularly important in uncertain times like the COVID pandemic. We cannot condone such a cruel decision during such a time. No political or other justification can make it acceptable. It  MORE >>

Her Excellency Ms. Qin Boyong, Vice-Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Vice Premier level, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister welcomed Ms. Qin Boyong and her delegation, appreciating the longstanding friendship and underscoring the importance of strengthening bilateral relations. Strengthening cooperation in disease control, sustainable developments, improving trade and cooperation in multilateral forums were discussed further.

Senior officials present included H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of China to Sri Lanka; Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, MORE >>

Hon. Ms. Zhang Dongmei, Vice President of the All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF), met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss mutual efforts in women’s empowerment and development.

Dr. Amarasuriya welcomed Hon. Zhang and her delegation, commending the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and China. Discussions centered on shared challenges and opportunities in women’s health, education, and economic participation. Hon. Zhang highlighted China’s advancements, including increasing women’s workforce involvement and grassroots representation.

Senior officials from the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, including H.E. Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of China to Sri L MORE >>

H.E. Badli Hisham bin Adam, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss avenues for enhancing economic, cultural, and tourism ties between the two nations.

During the discussion, the high commissioner reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to the longstanding bilateral relationship. Discussions focused on investment opportunities, collaboration in sectors like telecommunications and automobile assembly, and promoting Sri Lankan tourism in Malaysia.

The Sri Lankan delegation at the meeting included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime MORE >>

Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for UNHCR’s contributions towards addressing refugee-related challenges in Sri Lanka.

Joining Ms. Menikdiwela at the meeting was Ms. Sanjitha Satyamurthy, Head of the UNHCR National Office in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government was represented by Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. B.W.G.C. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Ad MORE >>

His Excellency Santosh Jha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office today. This meeting underscored the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between the two neighboring nations.

The discussions centered on the progress of numerous bilateral projects, which are currently at various stages of development.

The High Commission delegation accompanying H.E. Santosh Jha included senior officials from the High Commission of India. Representing Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. B.W.G.C. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minist MORE >>

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya received a courtesy call from Mrs. Anne-Marie Descôtes, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on strengthening the bilateral partnership between France and Sri Lanka.

Secretary-General Descôtes expressed France’s commitment to deepening the relationship between the two countries. The discussion highlighted the importance of the Regional Center for Maritime Studies (RCMS) agreement and explored opportunities for further cooperation in various areas.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya emphasized Sri Lanka’s desire to strengthen ties with France. The meeting identified key areas for potential cooperation; includin MORE >>

The Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies (BCIS) celebrated its 50th anniversary with the conferment of diplomas and degrees in international relations and related subjects. The event was held at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall under the distinguished patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The ceremony recognized the academic achievements of students who successfully completed certificate courses, diplomas, advanced diplomas, and postgraduate degrees in international studies.

The event was attended by prominent personalities, including Eva Abdullah, head of the Maldives policy think tank; former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, chairman of the BCIS; and Priyanthi MORE >>

Mr. Hari Menon, Country Director for India and Lead - Policy and Government Relations, Southeast Asia of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting commenced with Mr. Menon provided an overview of the Foundation’s work, focusing on areas such as health and nutrition, agriculture, urban sanitation, and women’s economic empowerment.

During the discussions, the Foundation highlighted its ongoing initiatives in Sri Lanka, particularly in “digital agriculture” and “digital public infrastructure”. These include funding for digital agriculture projects and technical assistance for public infrastructure MORE >>

Officials should deal with the public humanely as a group providing public services.

PrimeMinister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that policies should be formulated and decisions should be made based on data that is in the best interest of school children, and that officials should deal with the public humanely as a group providing public services.

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated this while participating in a workshop held at the Colombo Foundation Institute today (11) on “Preparing relevant strategies to transform the existing education system”.

Based on the points included in the new government’s policy st MORE >>

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the government expresses its gratitude to the Chinese Government for providing uniforms to children in every school and Pirivena in the country for the year 2025.

The Prime Minister said this while participating in the event of the donation of school uniforms for the year 2025.

The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Qi Zhenhong, symbolically handed over the school uniforms received as a donation from the Chinese Government to the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, this afternoon (10) at the International Container Terminal at the Colombo Port.

The requirement for school uniforms MORE >>