Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the Government’s priority to create an environment that enables all children, without discrimination, to access the opportunities in the modern world and to confidently pursue their dreams.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the Annual Prize-Giving Ceremony for the year 2025 at St. Bernadette’s Model School, Kurunegala, during an education inspection tour in the Kurunegala District on Thursday [18 June 2026].

During the event, prizes were awarded to students who had demonstrated outstanding achievements in various subjects and grades during the year 2025 by the Prime Minister.

The official school newspaper of St. Bernadette’s Model school, titled “Adarsha Prabha,” was also launched on this occasion.

Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister stated:

“When we visit schools like this and meet children and teachers such as yourselves, it strengthens our determination to ensure that education in our country is elevated to the highest standards. We want to see schools where children’s faces reflect happiness and where they are nurtured in an environment of love and care.

As a country, we face numerous challenges. After a prolonged period of economic downturn, we are now gradually restoring stability. Global and climate-related challenges also affect us as a nation. We can overcome these challenges if we work collectively.

We are implementing our plans with the objective of bringing about a transformation in the education sector. This goes beyond curriculum development to a broad range of initiatives, including the strengthening of human resources and infrastructure within the education sector, thereby creating pathways for children to thrive in the new world. We must ensure that every child feels that the opportunities of the modern world are open to them and has the confidence needed to pursue their aspirations.

We are moving forward with many new reforms in the education sector. Efforts are underway to facilitate education through digitalization and the introduction of new subjects. Further, we aim to provide students with quality education by strengthening teacher training processes”.

Following the event, the Prime Minister undertook an inspection visit to St. Bernadette’s Model Primary School, Kurunegala.

The Prime Minister also visited Ridibendiella Gajanegama Maha Vidyalaya, Mahawa, where the Prime Minister held a discussion with the school’s academic staff. During the meeting, the Prime Minister expressed her appreciation to the teachers who remain dedicated to providing education to children in the area despite challenging circumstances.

The occasion was attended by the Governor of the North Western Province Tissa Warnasuriya; Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne; Kurunegala District Members of Parliament Ashoka Gunasekara and Geetha Herath; Chairman of the Kurunegala Pradeshiya Sabha M.A. Wimalasiri; Chairman of the Mahawa Pradeshiya Sabha Sumedha Kumara; Chief Secretary to the Ministry of the North Western Province Chandana Wanninayake; other government officials; and representatives of the North Western Provincial Education Authorities.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Johan Manzambi scored a late brace after coming on in the 71st minute, following goals from Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka as Switzerland erupted late for a 4-1 victory over 10-man Bosnia and Herzegovina to top Group B at the World Cup.

The last three Swiss goals at the Los Angeles Stadium followed the 80th-minute dismissal of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic, who was sent off for hauling down Breel Embolo to deny an obvious goal scoring opportunity, in a dramatic finish to the match on Thursday.

When it was all finished, Switzerland, with one win and a draw, were in command of the group despite an unexpected 1-1 draw against Qatar in their tournament opener.

Qatar and Canada play in Thursday’s later Group B clash in Vancouver, where the winner will draw level on points with the Swiss side that’s looking to progress to the knockout phase for a fourth consecutive World Cup.

Bosnian substitute Ermin Mahmic scored with a thunderous volley in second-half stoppage time for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who remain on one point.

But the Balkan side will need to be more adventurous in their group finale against Qatar to have any chance of progressing after offering little against the Swiss.

All five goals they have conceded have come after the 70th minute, including the equaliser in their 11 tournament opening draw against Canada.

Yet it looked for long stretches like Bosnia’s cagey approach would work until Switzerland coach Murat Yakin sent on Manzambi.

Shortly after his own introduction, Vargas got free on the left and curled in an outswinging cross towards the back post.

Amar Memic tried to head clear, but Manzambi instinctively met the second ball near the penalty spot and thumped a vicious side volley that had too much power for Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

Any realistic hopes of a positive Bosnian result ended six minutes later when referee Joao Pinheiro had no choice but to produce a red card for Muharemovic’s late challenge from behind.

Four minutes later, Vargas found the bottom right corner after Embolo held the ball up near the spot and then played it to his open teammate to his left.

Vargas was the provider when Manzambi completed his brace in the 90th minute, and after Mahmic pulled a goal back, the veteran Xhaka converted from the penalty spot seven minutes into second-half stoppage time.

[Aljazeera]