Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P.

Jathika Jana balawegaya (JJB)· Colombo

Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

Profession: University Lecturer

Roster profile ↗

Speeches 536 #7 of 225·#3 in party

Attendance 4/8 days present (of recorded)

Speech history

536 speeches

9 October 2025 AI summary The Prime Minister stated that no Deputy Ministers have been appointed to the Ministries of Science and Technology or Energy. Information relating to the 22 ministries with appointed Deputy Ministers was tabled in annexes and placed in the Library, and the remaining part of the question did not arise. Questions on Advisers and Personal Staff of Ministers Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary Thirty-seven advisers have been appointed across 10 Ministries, with details on the manner of appointment and adviser information by Ministry provided in annexes placed in the Library. The Prime Minister also stated that no advisers have been appointed to the Ministries listed in a separate annex, and that the remaining part of the question does not arise. Questions on Advisers and Personal Staff of Ministers Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Government’s first-year priorities were shaped by the need to stabilize a stalled economy, restore public and investor confidence, and begin implementing the policy framework “A Prosperous Country - A Beautiful Life.” She highlighted the peaceful conduct of three elections, the functioning of independent commissions, and the establishment or revival of bodies such as the National Commission for Women and the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO as evidence of strengthened democracy. Referring to the Education Ministry, she said policy implementation is focused on reducing inequalities in schools, easing burdens on children, teachers and parents, and expanding higher education. Adjournment Motion: Implementation of Manifesto "A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life" - Opening Speeches Corruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & DevolutionLaw & Order Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya clarified that the Office of the Leader of the House had asked for the question to be reduced to the 150-word limit, and that the revised version reached her office around noon two days earlier. She stated that the amended question differed substantially from the original and that she had not refused to answer it, but had requested two weeks to provide a response. She rejected any suggestion of a conspiracy regarding the answer to the Member’s question. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government is addressing identified issues and rejected claims that it avoids elections, noting that three elections, including previously postponed ones, were held peacefully. She also said the Central Bank’s independence is established by law enacted under the previous Government, and invited proposals to amend that law or to establish a Youth Commission for discussion. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Law & OrderCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya commended the Election Commission for being named the best in the world, describing it as important to strengthening democracy. She argued that delays in Provincial Council Elections were not caused by the Commission, but by parliamentary processes and actions taken by the then-Government during the Opposition’s previous period in power. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Parliamentary Procedure Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that Sri Lanka’s Election Commission has received international recognition as the best in the world, extending beyond the regional level. The remark emphasized the Commission’s standing and credibility in the context of electoral administration. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Foreign Affairs Read →
9 October 2025 AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya commended the Sri Lanka Election Commission after it was recognized as the best Election Commission in the world at the 21st International Conference organized by the ICPS and Botswana’s electoral body, noting its constitutional role in safeguarding free and fair elections. Responding to Hon. Ravi Karunanayake’s Standing Order 27(2) question, she clarified that there are nine constitutional Independent Commissions, with the National Women’s Commission newly added, while the PUCSL is a statutory body rather than a constitutional Independent Commission. She stated that some Commissions use approved SOPs while others rely on internal guidelines, and that adopting or publishing such procedures remains within each Commission’s independent authority unless Parliament creates a legal requirement. Ministry Statements and Clarifications on Independent Commissions and Provincial Council Elections Parliamentary ProcedureCorruption & Governance Reform Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya said the Supplementary Allocation for the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation was a reallocation of already-appropriated funds to conclude or redirect stalled projects, reflecting improved financial management and transparency. She linked weaknesses in past project selection and management to the economic crisis and argued that the Ministry should become more people-centred, efficient, and responsive. She highlighted the need to improve public and school transport, road access to remote schools, safety and quality standards, accessibility for children, women, elders, and persons with disabilities, and better facilities at stations and on trains. Debate: Supplementary Sum - Head 117 - Programme 02 (Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation) EducationPublic FinanceInfrastructure Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Free education was defended as a right, while the need to foster responsibility and public service among students through the education system was emphasized rather than relying only on laws or contracts. The Prime Minister said the Government is working to expand access through State institutions, vocational and professional education, and broader higher education opportunities. She also noted that strengthening the economy and society is necessary to retain graduates who might otherwise leave for better opportunities abroad. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service EducationEmployment Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Responding to a Standing Order 27(2) question by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, the Prime Minister stated that the Government does not maintain data on public university graduates who leave the country within a year of graduation and has no restrictions, contracts, or service obligations requiring graduates to remain in Sri Lanka. She said there is no policy or proposal to recover the cost of free education or Mahapola assistance from graduates who migrate or work abroad. She emphasized that free education is treated as a right funded through general taxation, not as a transaction requiring individual monetary repayment, and that its benefits may accrue to society in various ways, including remittances. Ministry Statements: Brain Drain, Kankesanthurai Port, Government Translators Service Public FinanceEducation Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that questions newly submitted by Hon. Shanakiyan Rasamanickam reached her office only the previous afternoon, while she had prepared responses to earlier questions directed to the Prime Minister. She requested two weeks to provide answers and undertook to respond within that period. Oral Question: UN Human Rights Report on Sri Lanka Parliamentary Procedure Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that any alleged legal violation by the chairman should be addressed through the courts and established legal procedures, rather than political intervention. She rejected the relevance of linking the issue to the LGBTQ community and biodiversity, and noted that the Government’s policy had already been stated by the President and the relevant Minister. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Justice & Human RightsLaw & Order Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that a letter issued by a Chairperson had not been discussed with the political authority beforehand, and that the relevant Minister had since provided guidance reflecting the Government’s position. She emphasized that the matter should not be politicized, particularly where sensitive community issues are involved, and said the Government is guided by constitutional principles of dignity and equality. She clarified that no special privileges or promotions are being granted to any particular group. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Corruption & Governance ReformEthnic Reconciliation & Devolution Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya responded that the Government’s tourism promotion policy was set out by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism at the World Tourism Day event on 02.10.2025. She stated that Section 365A of the Penal Code, as amended by Act No. 22 of 1995, addresses the relevant legal matter and tabled its text. She added that the Government’s position had been communicated by the President to the Chief Prelates and through the Minister’s speech, and that tourism policy does not promote any special group and will be conducted so as not to harm any person. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Foreign AffairsReligion & Culture Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government’s policy is to gradually ensure all teachers are graduates by making National Colleges of Education degree-awarding institutions. She noted that Kuliyapitiya NCoE is already the first to confer degrees and that the remaining 19 institutions will be progressively upgraded with improved facilities and staff. She emphasized that degree awarding requires quality assurance and careful planning, given the role of teacher training in shaping future generations. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Education Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that both curricula and institutional procedures in teacher education require updating. She said curricula have been reviewed to align with current education reforms, and that NCoE lecturers and administrations are being engaged to implement further reforms this year and next. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Education Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya provided answers on the status of National Colleges of Education, stating that there are 20 NCoEs and tabling an annex listing their courses and revised programme titles. She explained that COVID-19 closures, use of NCoEs as treatment and quarantine centres, and resulting damage and delays led to overlapping cohorts and insufficient physical resources for a 2025 intake. She said admissions for the 2023 and 2024 A/L cohorts are expected in January/February 2026 after Gazette amendments and IT system updates align selections with curriculum reforms. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Education Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary The Minister of Justice and the Ministry are reviewing prison reforms concerning female inmates and children under five, with attention to safety, development and welfare. The speech emphasized that reforms should focus on preventing children from remaining in prison, particularly by expediting judicial processes, since most affected women are remand detainees rather than convicted prisoners. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Justice & Human RightsWomen & Children Read →
8 October 2025 AI summary From January to August 2025, 425 women were serving prison sentences and 4,686 women were on remand, with 38 children living with incarcerated mothers. The Prime Minister stated that separate child-care centres operate in women’s prison sections for children under five, with arrangements for food, early childhood education, welfare support, and donations. She said Government measures include funding development work at the Welikada women’s section child-care centre, providing trained early childhood advisers, amending Prison Regulations to ensure nutritious food, renovating existing centres, and following up on the education and health of children transferred to guardians after age five. Oral Question: Children of Incarcerated Mothers Women & ChildrenJustice & Human RightsEducation Read →