News
Prime Minister commemorates Lalith Athulathmudali’s legacy at BIMCH
Prime Minister Dinesh Guanwardena delivered the Lalith Athulathmudali oration at BIMCH Colombo, honoring the memory of the late esteemed statesman. The event, commemorating Athulathmudali’s 87th birth anniversary, paid homage to his remarkable contributions to Sri Lanka’s socio-political landscape.
Reflecting on his initial parliamentary days in 1983, Prime Minister Guanwardena recalled Athulathmudali’s unparalleled intellectual prowess and conduct, describing him as a true patriot dedicated to serving the nation. He praised Athulathmudali’s legacy, particularly emphasizing the Mahapola Higher Education Trust Fund, a testament to his commitment to public service and education.
The Prime Minister emphasized Athulathmudali’s pivotal role as a leader in the government formed in 1977. He highlighted the transformative changes introduced during that era, shifting Sri Lanka towards a market economy. Athulathmudali’s tenure as Minister of Trade and Shipping was credited for streamlining institutions, crucial for the government’s pursuit of economic transformation.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted Colombo’s evolution into a bustling commercial city due to strategic interventions in harbor expansion and port technologies. He underscored Athulathmudali’s spatial development strategy, transforming the city’s suburbs into a metropolitan agglomeration, accommodating an array of small and medium businesses.
Addressing the socio-economic dynamics, the Prime Minister acknowledged the persistent socio-economic dependency on traditional exports, urging radical reforms in land use and agriculture. He echoed President Ranil Wickramasinghe’s emphasis on significant changes in land reform and agriculture to alleviate poverty and foster economic growth.
Moreover, the Prime Minister stressed the need to address historical land alienation that marginalized rural communities, emphasizing their cry for land to ensure food security and boost production.
In closing, the Prime Minister recalled the collaborative spirit of Athulathmudali’s parliamentary sessions, advocating for principled discussions and cooperation between government and opposition for the greater good. He concluded by commemorating Athulathmudali’s unwavering defense of Sri Lanka’s unitary state and democracy, acknowledging his sacrifice for future generations.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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