News
Let us initiate the qualitative change required for a new society within ourselves – Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the qualitative change required for a new society should begin within ourselves and that the government has planned to develop cooperatives suited to the modern world while strengthening the rural economy.
The Prime Minister made this statement while addressing the members of the Women’s Forum held at the Sunanda Theatre, Aranayake, on March 2nd.
Speaking further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said:
“We have come to the right place with our long-standing efforts. Now, we must guide the country on the right path. We have started to build a nation where everyone can live happily and prosperously. This requires us to make the necessary changes and correct past mistakes. However, this transformation cannot be achieved by the government alone. Government officials, religious leaders, and citizens must step forward. We must work collectively towards our shared goal.
Women have united to rewrite the political history of this country in 2024. To continue shaping the future of Sri Lanka, women must come forward and take on leadership roles.
The Clean Sri Lanka program initiated by the government is not solely focused on environmental cleanliness. It also aims to clean and transform our mindset and behavior. A spiritual and attitudinal change is necessary.
Change must begin with individuals—from their homes, villages, and workplaces. Women play a crucial role in this journey of national transformation.
Today, we observe the opposition in Parliament behaving as they are more Marxist than us, acting as if they have studied Lenin more than we have.
This year’s budget has been designed with economic democracy at its core, ensuring benefits for all. The public and private sectors, cooperatives, and citizens must all contribute to economic management. Public servants’ basic salaries had not increased for years, but this year’s budget has addressed this issue. The public service must be transformed to provide efficient services to the people, making it an attractive sector.
The salaries of teachers and principals have been placed among the highest salary grades currently available in Sri Lanka. To improve education and provide quality learning opportunities for children, teachers must be empowered both in knowledge and spirit. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the quality of public service institutions.
The era when political favoritism was a prerequisite for getting things done has ended. Today, government officials no longer receive phone calls from politicians regarding administrative matters.
The government has initiated a program to integrate women into the economy, gradually removing barriers to their participation. We are working towards creating a safe society where women can contribute to economic activities while managing their household responsibilities. To support this, we are developing pre-schools, daycare centers, and health services.
Opportunities must be created for those engaged in agriculture to acquire technical training and modern knowledge efficiently. This will strengthen the rural economy.
The government firmly believes that quality education is the key to national transformation.
Accordingly, new education reforms will be introduced from 2026. A significant allocation has been made in this year’s budget for the development of teacher training and the necessary infrastructure to support these reforms.”
A large gathering, including the Maha Sangha, Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabedi, Member of Parliament Nanda Bandara, and other people’s representatives and women from the Aranayake area, attended the event.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
A discussion between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and senior officials of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) was held this afternoon (18) at the Presidential Secretariat.
The meeting focused extensively on new development projects planned by the Urban Development Authority. The President emphasised the need to ensure that the budgetary allocations made for these projects in the current year are utilised effectively within the same financial year.
Detailed discussions were also held on projects planned to be implemented jointly by multiple institutions, including the importance of holding consultations with all relevant agencies to reach final decisions and the need to clearly define responsibilities for each institution in both implementation and maintenance phases of the projects.
Attention was drawn to key initiatives such as the Kelani River flood control project, water management projects in Colombo city and the Beira Lake restoration project. The need for a dedicated programme for low-income housing in areas such as Ratmalana and Moratuwa was also highlighted. During the discussion, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake underscored the importance of introducing a structured management framework for the effective coordination of certain projects.
Deputy Minister of Urban Development, Eranga Gunasekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Senior Professor Kapila C.K. Perera, Chairman of the Urban Development Authority (UDA), M.G. Hemachandra and the Heads representing the Urban Settlement Development Authority (USDA), Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC), National Physical Planning Department (NPPD) and the Condominium Management Authority (CMA) were also present at the meeting.
(PMD)
News
CEAT Kelani Branch Inter-Company Employees’ Union makes donation to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
The Inter-Company Employees’ Union of the Kelaniya Branch of CEAT Sri Lanka has made a financial donation of Rs. 1,148,000.00, a day’s salary of its members to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund established to support the restoration of livelihoods and the rebuilding of areas affected by cyclone Ditwah.
Secretary of the Inter-Company Employees’ Union of the CEAT Kelani Branch, D.G.S.D. Navaratne, handed over the donation to the Chief of Staff to the President, Prabhath Chandrakeerthi at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (18).
Treasurer of the Inter-Company Employees’ Union of the CEAT Kelani Branch, Y.P.I.C. Karunathilaka, together with members of the Executive Committee, were also present on the occasion.
(PMD)
Latest News
Prime Minister off to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya departed on an official visit to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) 2026 Board of Governors Meeting.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in several high-level academic and diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of education, development studies, research collaboration, and international partnerships.
As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will meet with Ms.Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom, at the UK Department for Education, to discuss areas of cooperation in education and related sectors. She is also expected to meet Ms.Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, for discussions on matters of bilateral interest and cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom.
In addition, the Prime Minister is expected to meet Ms.Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on the sidelines of the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) 2026 Board of Governors Meeting.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will attend a public event at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and she will also take part in the ceremony marking the 60th Anniversary of the Institute of Development Studies. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a session at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies at the University of Oxford, followed by a question-and-answer session with scholars and students.
The visit is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s engagement with academic institutions, international development partners, and Commonwealth member states, particularly in the areas of education, research, policy dialogue, and capacity building.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President meets senior officials of the Urban Development Authority
CEAT Kelani Branch Inter-Company Employees’ Union makes donation to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
Escaped tiger shot by German police after attacking man
Prime Minister off to the United Kingdom to participate in the 22nd Annual Commonwealth Education Forum
Steps initiated to safeguard Sri Lanka’s Maritime Heritage
Fighter jet crews parachute safely after collision at US air show
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