Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that school events should be organized in a manner that does not place a financial burden on parents. 

She also emphasized that when appointments or transfers are granted, they should be accepted and duties should be assumed at the respective stations, while further noting that the funds allocated for the year 2026 should be properly utilized for school development activities, the PM’s Office said. 

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing discussions held on 15 March to brief teachers and principals from the Hambantota, Tangalle, and Walasmulla education zones regarding the new education reforms.

Speaking further, the Prime Minister stated:

‘‘In 2027, new education reforms will be introduced for Grade 6 and Grade 2. A committee has already been appointed to facilitate the inclusion of students currently in Grade 6 into the new education reforms. Future actions will be taken based on the recommendations of this committee.

 

Measures are already underway to improve school infrastructure, classroom development, and education reforms. Plans are being implemented to maintain 25–30 students per class in the primary section and up to 35 students in secondary classes. Students should not be admitted to schools outside the provisions of the relevant circulars under any circumstances.

When developing classrooms, the Engineering Division is currently preparing plans to ensure that they are suitable for practical and activity-based learning.

 

Certain issues in schools can be resolved at the Provincial Council and Local Government levels.  We have proposed that improvements be carried out with proper quality standards from sanitation facilities to other renovations. Funds were allocated for school development in both 2025 and 2026. Structured committees should prepare systematic plans and submit them to the District Development Committee for approval. The allocated funds must be properly used for school development activities.

By 2026, arrangements will be made to provide smart boards and internet facilities to every school.  Money should not be collected from parents for this purpose. Every school has an annual plan and a budget approved for that plan. Therefore, schools should not collect additional funds from parents beyond the approved allocations. In particular, school events must be organized in a way that does not impose a burden on parents.

For many years, teacher and principal vacancies have not been properly filled, which has created numerous issues. Following the conclusion of related legal proceedings, steps are now being taken to recruit over 23,000 individuals to the teaching service in a formal manner. The relevant examinations are scheduled to be held towards the end of April or the beginning of May.

 

Vacancies for principal service have already been gazetted. However, the number of applications received has been very limited. We understand that there are concerns regarding salary issues in the principal service, as well as broader salary disparities. 

Proposals regarding these matters are being submitted to the Salary Commission. At the same time, some individuals who demand teacher appointments through protests are unwilling to accept the appointments or transfers once they are granted. 

While we understand that there may be personal difficulties, individuals should first accept the appointment and assume duties. There is a misconception that political intervention can help secure a preferred location, which has contributed to the crisis in the education sector.

Some individuals remain in the same school as Deputy Principals without applying for principal vacancies. This should not happen. The principal service is a dignified profession. To enhance professional recognition, a report is currently being prepared through the Parliamentary Education Council to be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.

 

Regarding infrastructure development, proposals have been made for structural committees to forecast the conditions in each division and submit development plans accordingly.”

The Prime Minister further emphasized that when addressing issues related to students, authorities should not wait for national policy decisions but instead work at the divisional and provincial levels to provide prompt solutions, the statement added. 

 

Sri Lanka welcome long-term investment in the tourism sector, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized. 

Prime Minister Amarasuriya made this request while participating in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital,” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic tool of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, promoting cultural exchange, and enhancing regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister stated that Sri Lanka stands as an example of hope, recovery, and resilience in a world of conflict, demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a rapidly changing global environment, particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery.

She also emphasized that tourism is not merely an economic sector, but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships, and connects people across borders, the statement said.

Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, the Prime Minister highlighted the country’s strong recovery in tourism despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. 

She noted that transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even under challenging circumstances.

The Prime Minister further underscored the importance of developing green and climate-friendly tourism infrastructure. 

She also pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and stressed that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities. 

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has held discussions with the President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda in Davos, Switzerland.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) at the WEF Congress Centre in Davos-Klosters.

Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform agenda, economic situation of the country among others were discussed during the high-level meeting.

Meanwhile, yesterday, the Prime Minister also met European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela in Davos.

Both parties discussed strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation in economic recovery, education reform, digital transformation, climate resilience and sustainable development during the meeting, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed for Switzerland on Monday (19) to participate in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The World Economic Forum 2026 convened in Davos under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue” which brings together over 3,000 global leaders, including heads of state, government leaders, chief executive officers of leading multinational corporations, policymakers, and technology innovators.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold a series of high-level bilateral meetings with key international leaders, heads of global institutions, and other distinguished dignitaries.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stated that the Academic Advisory Board of the National Institute of Education (NIE) has ordered that no web links be included in future modules prepared for the second and third terms under the government’s education reform program. 

Delivering a statement in Parliament today (09), the Prime Minister further clarified that the websites and other online sources currently referenced in the modules are accessible without charge and do not require any payment. She emphasized that the use of government websites does not raise concerns related to transparency, accountability, or procurement procedures.

The Prime Minister further clarified that the websites and other online sources currently referenced in the modules are accessible without charge and do not require any payment. She emphasized that the use of government websites does not raise concerns related to transparency, accountability, or procurement procedures.

The Prime Minister stated that the Task Force for Digital Transformation in Education has conducted a study on child protection aspects related to digital usage and has prepared a corresponding policy and set of guidelines. 

She said the relevant policies and guidelines will be presented to the Academic Advisory Board of the National Institute of Education (NIE) in due course.

She further emphasized that the institution will not receive any financial benefit from the ongoing education reforms and noted that nearly 92% of primary-grade teachers have already received the required training.

However, the Prime Minister pointed out that due to the prevailing disaster situation in recent months experienced across the country, the planned training programmes could not be conducted in certain provinces. 

Accordingly, she said arrangements are expected to be made to provide training for those teachers before the commencement of the school term for Grades 01 and 06.

She further clarified that the use of the internet is not mandatory for the implementation of this educational activities and that teachers have been given the option to use it solely as a learning aid. 

She added that all information related to the new module has been incorporated into the Teacher’s Guide, enabling teachers to conduct lessons without relying on internet-based applications.

The Prime Minister also stated that student evaluations are expected to be carried out through a computer-based application in the future. 

She added that training programmes in this regard were implemented in 2025 and assured that necessary steps will be taken to further enhance technological knowledge of teachers going forward.

It is a key goal of the current government to gradually ensure all teachers become degree holders, Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated.

The Prime Minister expressed this view today (8) during a parliamentary debate on educational reforms.

“Teacher training colleges have not been reformed in a long time. The lack of attention isn’t just about resources – there hasn’t been enough focus on how they operate either.

Within this year, we need to design a curriculum that matches both current needs and proposed educational reforms. Our goal is to produce the kind of teachers the country truly needs. Toward that, we are already training both the teachers currently in these colleges and those involved in teacher education.

The government’s aim is to progressively move toward a system where all teachers are degree holders. We want to elevate the teacher training colleges to a level where they award degrees. Currently, the Kuliyapitiya Teacher Training College already confers degrees, and we plan to bring the remaining 19 training colleges up to that same level,” said Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in the policy and research forum titled “Unlocking the Gender Dividend: Driving Policy Change Through Knowledge,” hosted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sri Lanka today (August 27) at Galle Face Hotel.

During the event four landmark reports were officially presented to the Prime Minister that provide the policymakers, researchers, and civil society, with critical evidence and policy recommendations to address persistent gender inequalities and emerging challenges in Sri Lanka and create a more inclusive and equitable society, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said.

Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted that every woman and girl must be able to live with dignity, feel safe, and contribute fully to the life of this country. She added that when this is true, the whole nation moves forward.

The Prime Minister further highlighted the unpaid care work that falls disproportionately on women, which eventually leads to an imbalance in raising participation and enabling women to balance work and caregiving is essential for national progress, it added.

The event was attended by Kunle Adeniyi, Representative of UNFPA Sri Lanka, Member of Parliament, Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, the secretary to the Ministry of Women and Child affairs.

The 37th Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka, Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya, officially met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, who was recently appointed as the 37th Inspector General of Police of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, held the official meeting with the Prime Minister on 22 August at the Prime Minister’s Office following his assumption of duties.

Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Pradeep Saputanthri, was also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that, for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, women’s representation in the Youth Club National Youth Conference has increased, and she emphasized that the country needs a new narrative about youth.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a special meeting and open discussion organized by the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth, held today (August 19) at the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said.

The event was organized to coincide with International Youth Day, which fell on August 12.

She further pointed out that women’s representation in the Youth Parliament had been very low in the past, but this year it has improved. She added that the same transformation that has taken place in Parliament is now emerging across all sectors in the country.

Extending her best wishes to the newly appointed members of the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth, the Prime Minister stated:

“In the past, women’s representation in the Youth Parliament has been very low. This year, it has changed. The same transformation that has taken place in Parliament is now emerging across all sectors. Accordingly, for the first time in history, women’s representation in the Youth club National Youth conference has increased.

When looking back at the history of youth in this country, what we hear most often is about youth violence, youth unrest, and youth deaths.”

Furthermore, Prime Minister Harini noted that Sri Lanka now needs a new narrative about youth, different from the past reality. She said that youth have been given not only a unique opportunity, but also a responsibility.

On this occasion, commemorative gifts were presented to 52 representatives of the Parlimentary Caucus Youth.

The event was attended by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramarathna, Deputy Chairperson of Committees Ms. Hemali Weerasekara, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senewiratne, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Youth Affairs Mr. Eranga Gunasekara, Director General of the Parliamentary Caucus for Youth, Attorney-at-Law Supun Wijerathna, Members of Parliament, and a number of members of the Youth club National Youth conference.

The Governor General of Australia Samantha Joy Mostyn, has paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees in Colombo.

The meeting on Thursday (7) provided a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding and friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Australia, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division. 

The Prime Minister welcomed the Governor-General and highlighted the importance of building stronger cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of politics, the economy, and sports. 

She also shared an update on the ongoing education reforms in Sri Lanka aimed at improving access and quality.

The Governor-General spoke about Australia’s education system and expressed interest in working more closely together in this area. Both sides also had a productive discussion on the importance of increasing women’s participation and leadership in politics, reflecting their shared commitment to gender equality, the statement said.

The Governor-General assured Australia’s continued support for Sri Lanka’s development and mentioned the potential for expanding cooperation in several other fields, it added.

Senior officials from both sides attended the meeting. The Australian delegation included Gerard Martin PSM, Official Secretary to the Governor-General; Paul Stephens, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka; Jamie Thanjan, Aide-de-Camp, Royal Australian Air Force; Lalita Kapur, Deputy High Commissioner; and Dr. Paul Zeccola, First Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Colombo. The Sri Lankan delegation included Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ruwanthi Delpitiya, Director General; and Dhawood Amanullah, Director, East Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

The Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that the government’s goal is to limit the number of students in a classroom to between 25 to 30, emphasizing that it is not possible to deliver quality education in classrooms with around 50-60 students.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a program held today (July 19) at the Dakshinapaya Auditorium in Galle, organized to raise awareness among education authorities in the Southern Province regarding the new education reforms, the Prime Minister’s Media Division said in a statement.

The Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya also emphasized that the new education reform is not only about updating the curriculum but also about enhancing teacher professionalism, reforming the educational administrative structure, and developing the necessary infrastructure to ensure all children have access to equal and quality education.

She also said there’s a lot to be done in terms of reforming education. The curricula in teacher training colleges have not changed in 16 years and added that these must be revised. She noted that from August onwards, steps will be taken to train the teacher trainers in order to deliver proper teacher training.

Addressing the fourth provincial awareness program on the new education reforms, the Prime Minister further stated:

“First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for the cooperation you extend toward the education reforms. Implementing a new education reform was something we discussed and planned even before our government came into power.

In line with government policy, we held discussions with experts, gathered opinions from various sectors, and have formulated the relevant policies.

The new education reform is not only about updating the curriculum but also about enhancing teacher professionalism, reforming the educational administrative structure, and developing the necessary infrastructure to ensure all children have access to equal and quality education.

This is not something we are doing for personal gain, it is a responsibility we must fulfill with an understanding of the needs of the country.

There are people in society who initiate constructive dialogue about this with genuine intent, and there are also others who criticize it without proper understanding. Some even critique it for political gain. We know this reform process is a challenge and it is not easy. However, it cannot be ignored. The people gave us their mandate to correct these issues.

There’s a lot to be done in terms of reforming education. The curricula in teacher training colleges have not changed in 16 years. These must be revised. Teachers and education professionals must be provided with continuous training. From August onwards, steps will be taken to train the teacher trainers in order to deliver proper teacher training.”

Meanwhile, addressing the event, the Deputy Minister of Vocational Education, Mr. Nalin Hewage, also said that steps are currently underway to integrate vocational education institutions into the new education reform.

“At present, steps are being taken to integrate vocational education institutions with the new education reform. This will create an opportunity for students to enter vocational education with dignity based on talent and skills, during their school years, instead of directing only underperforming students toward vocational paths.”

The event was attended by Southern Province Governor Bandula Harischandra, Member of Parliament Nihal Galappaththi, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mr. Nalaka Kaluwawa, Southern Province Chief Secretary Mr. Sumith Alahakoon, officials representing the Ministry of Education, the Department of Examinations, the National Institute of Education, the Southern Provincial Department of Education, Zonal Education Directors, and education authorities from the Southern Province.