News

National organisations meet Prime Minister

Published

4 years ago

2022/08/13

A meeting between national organizations and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, was held on Wednesday, at the Prime Minister’s Office.Venerable Medagoda Abhayatissa Thera, Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara, Dr. Wasantha Bandara, lawyer Kalyananda Thiranagama, professor R.B. Herath, engineer Keerthi Wickramaratne, specialist Dr. Harris Pathirage, lawyer Madumali Alwis, Primal Fernando, Yasas Dharmadasa, Senaratne de Silva and several other scholars, representing national organizations, participated at this event.

Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara pointed out that “Together with Dinesh Gunawardena, then a MP, we brought the real struggles to life in the past. Today, there are struggles that meet the needs of foreign interests and they are done for money. They cannot be called struggles. Reactionaries, who try to destabilize the country in economic, social, religious and cultural perspectives, are working rapidly, in different ways. In such a situation, on behalf of all the national organizations, we thank you for your commitment to the country by accepting this important position. We believe that you will be able to turn the country in the right direction, based on the mission you have carried forward, on behalf of the nation, for four decades.

“The combination of the President and you becomes a great strength for the country”.

Taking part in the event, Ven. Medagoda Abhayatissa Thera said: It is very important for the country that you have been appointed as the Prime Minister since you have committed yourself to protect the national identity of the country, even in and outside of the Parliament. Our organizations have presented a programme for the all-party government that will be implemented in the future. We hope that you will study it and take it forward. Reactionaries are engaged in a grand operation of discrediting progressive characters who voice the needs of the country.”

Expressing his thoughts, lawyer Kalyananda Thiranagama commented: We reversed some unimaginable laws that were harmful to the country. You were also with us that day, providing a giant strength. No one thought that we would win the case against the Foreign Exchange Act. But we did it that day. We have regained that confidence today. Let’s work with the right decision, together”

Meanwhile, Dr. Wasantha Bandara said “You, to be in the office, as the Prime Minister, is a great strength and a beacon of light for national organizations. You are the only person who can save us if we go into bad situations on this journey. If public trust is directed in the right direction, the struggles will disappear. If they head towards the right path within that programme, we will contribute”.

“You are the only leader who consistently followed a nation-first policy,” Prof. R B Herath said, and assured, “We will support you to implement that policy forward in the correct path”.

Attorney-at-Law Madumali Alwis called for an immediate change in the elections system, which she described as corrupt. “We are aware of your commitment to the principle of electoral reforms. I urge you to use your current exalted position as a weapon for that purpose. The belief in the country, as well as your belief, is that a system of elections that is accountable to the people should be introduced. Furthermore, we call on you to introduce a new income tax formula suitable to our country. Our appeal to you is to lessen the cost of living burden faced by the people,” she said.

Engineer Keerthi Wickramaratne, Yasas Dharmadasa and Primal Fernando also spoke on this occasion.

The Patriotic National Movement, National Scholars Monks Association, 56’ Children Organization, Union of National Organizations, Global Sri Lankan Forum, Professional Engineers Association, Vijayagrahi National Organization, Buddhist- Christian Brotherhood, Patriotic Scholars Association and the Patriotic National Front were among the organizations that participated in the event.

All News Advertisement

News

“Investments in Professional Education Are Investments in Institutional Strength and National Progress” – PM

Published

9 hours ago

2026/02/19

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that strengthening Sri Lanka’s professional education framework and aligning it with internationally recognised standards is essential to building a skilled, ethical, and globally competitive workforce.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the official launch of the QS-accredited Chartered Qualification in Human Resource Management (CQHRM) at SCQF Level 11 (New Syllabus), organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka under the theme New Heights of Recognition. The event was held on Wednesday, 18 February at the Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

Emphasising the importance of expanding professional and vocational education pathways, the Prime Minister stated:

“This is of crucial importance to us in broadening our educational pathways and opportunities. We need to increase access to education that is globally recognised and that offers multiple pathways in professional and vocational fields. This aligns closely with the reform process we have initiated in the education sector and with our commitment to lifelong learning where individuals can work and learn at the same time, and where education is not limited to a particular age group but continues throughout life.”

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s national priorities, the Prime Minister further observed:

“At a time when Sri Lanka is focused on economic recovery, institutional reform and sustainable growth, the need for competent and ethical human resource leadership is clear. A competitive economy depends not only on investment and infrastructure but also on skilled professionals who can lead institutions effectively.”

The Prime Minister noted that the QS accreditation of the CQHRM qualification strengthens international recognition of Sri Lankan human resource professionals, enhances professional progression pathways, and reinforces confidence in the country’s professional education system. She also underscored the role of human resource leadership in advancing equity and inclusion within workplaces, including fair recruitment practices, safe working environments, leadership development for women, and inclusive policies for persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.

Addressing the future of work, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of preparing for rapid technological transformation, including the growing impact of artificial intelligence on industries and workforce management, encouraging institutions to proactively adapt to emerging demands.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, along with other distinguished guests.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Latest News

Advisory for Severe Lightning issued to the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts

Published

13 hours ago

2026/02/19

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre at 12.00 noon 19 February 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 19 February 2026

The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur at some places in in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

News

Navy and Coast Guard seize 04 Indian fishing vessels poaching in Sri Lankan waters

Published

13 hours ago

2026/02/19

Priyan

During operations conducted in the dark hours of 18 Feb 26, the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard seized 04 Indian fishing boats and apprehended 22 Indian fishermen, while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters north of Mannar and off the Delft Island, Jaffna.

Recognizing the detrimental effects of poaching on marine resources and the livelihoods of local fishing communities, the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard continue to conduct regular operations as proactive measures to deter such activities. These efforts underscore the collective robust approach and steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation’s marine ecosystems while ensuring the economic security and wellbeing of its citizens.

The 02 fishing boats along with the 10 fishermen held in Mannar were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar and the remaining 02 fishing boats intercepted off the Delft Island, together with 12 Indian fishermen were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy for onward legal proceedings.