Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that there is a contemporary need to develop the Pirivena and Bhikkhu education and that the government is seeking the revered guidance of Maha Sangha in that cause.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Amarapura Ariyavansa Saddhamma Yukthika Nikaya  on Tuesday (29) at the Sri Subodhi Rajarama Mulasthana Maha Vihara in Bombuwala, Kalutara.

During the event, the Prime Minister honored sixty-three venerable members of the Maha Sangha who had rendered their noble service to the Sasana and also conferred awards upon several distinguished lay benefactors in recognition of their contributions.

Delivering the keynote speech, the Prime Minister stated:

“There has always been a strong bond between Buddhism and society throughout history. Culture and social relations have been built alongside the Buddhist philosophy. The society we seek to establish as a nation must embody the Buddhist values of fairness, equality, and compassion. These virtues, as taught in the Buddhist philosophy, are ever relevant and alive.

Piriven and Bhikkhu education are currently facing numerous challenges, and considerable efforts are needed to address them. Thereby a substantial and concerted intervention is required.

A pertinent question arises as whether our Pirivena institutions are adequately preparing for the evolving needs of the world? There was once a belief in Europe that, with scientific advancement, religion would become redundant. Today, this view has been discredited. Along with material progress, spiritual development remains indispensable.

The knowledge, attitudes, and skills of our Bhikkhus must be enhanced to meet the emerging global challenges. A profound discussion on necessary reforms in Piriven and Bhikkhu education is therefore imperative.

Opportunities for Bhikkhus to study subjects such as mathematics, science, and modern languages are currently limited. Without exposure to contemporary disciplines, it is questionable whether one can successfully confront present-day challenges”.

The event, held under the patronage of the Venerable Egodamulle Amaramoli Mahanayake Thera, the Chief incumbent of the Amarapura Ariyavansa Saddhamma Yukthika Nikaya, was attended by members of the Maha Sangha, Minister of Mass Media and Health Mr. Nalinda Jayatissa, several Members of Parliament, and numerous lay devotees.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, plans are underway to launch a 1,000-acre forest plantation project in collaboration with the private sector. This large-scale initiative is designed to operate under the Public-Private-People Partnership (4P) concept and a preliminary discussion on the project was held today (30) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The discussion focused on resolving technical aspects associated with the project and addressing the fundamental issues necessary for the land release.

The programme aims to implement several effective environmental projects in the coming year with the active participation of the private sector. These efforts are intended to safeguard the country’s biodiversity, forest cover and natural ecosystems, while also reinforcing the shared responsibility of the public, government and private sector in environmental conservation.

The discussion was chaired by Senior Additional Secretary to the President  Russell Aponsu and Additional Secretary of the Clean Sri Lanka Programme  S.P.C. Sugeeshwara, with the participation of senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation and Environment

The Head of South Asia Division, European External Action Service of the European Union Charles Whiteley stated that the European Union has a favorable perspective on the current GSP+ review process.

He made these remarks during a meeting held today (30) at the Presidential Secretariat with President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as part of an official visit by a European Union delegation to Sri Lanka.

Mr. Whiteley highlighted the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the EU, which has led to significant trade gains. He affirmed the EU’s willingness to continue supporting Sri Lanka in achieving further commercial progress.

He stated that the GSP+ concessions from the European Union are anticipated to encourage Sri Lanka to provide products that meet standardized quality requirements. He further said that the continuation of GSP+ trade concession is assessed on alignment with the current government’s policy commitments and progress.

The meeting assessed Sri Lanka’s advancements in executing 27 international conventions related to the European Union’s GSP+ tax concession, known as the Generalized System of Preferences.

President Disanayake expressed his gratitude for the EU’s assistance during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. He acknowledged that the GSP+ facility has played an important role in supporting the country’s export sector and economic recovery.

The President further noted that the collapse of Sri Lanka’s economy was the result of a deeply flawed political system, marked by corruption and mismanagement. The President stated that the current administration is working to rebuild the country through stable and transparent governance, though this transformation will require time.

Highlighting a key shift in political support, the President pointed out that unlike previous governments, which relied heavily on support from the South, the current administration was elected with the collective support of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities from across the country. The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to delivering on the promises made to all citizens.

Also present at the meeting were Minister of Labour, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-law, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma , Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, the Ambassador designate of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives . Carmen Moreno, General for Trade and Economic Security – Policy Officer of the European Commission’s Directorate Guido Dolara, Desk Officer for Sri Lanka at European External Action Service Ms. Galija Agisheva along with other EU and Sri Lankan officials.

[PMD]