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

7 October 2025 AI summary The Prime Minister stated that the NBRO and relevant agencies are responsible for carrying out the required work, while the Ministry’s priority is to minimize harm to the school and ensure education continues. She said funds had been allocated to begin the work and provide alternative classrooms, and that the Ministry intervened during the year to expedite tasks that had been delayed for a long period. Oral Question: Three-Storey Building of Thelijjawila Central College, Matara - Renovation (Q.1083/2025) InfrastructureEducation Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary The Prime Minister stated that, despite initial disruptions, educational activities are now continuing without interruption. She confirmed that renovation of the affected building depends on first addressing the risk of further slope failure, with the National Building Research Organisation carrying out slope-stabilization work. Technical evaluations are underway, the contract is expected to be awarded in October 2025, and completion is anticipated within six months, after which building renovation is planned for 2026. Oral Question: Three-Storey Building of Thelijjawila Central College, Matara - Renovation (Q.1083/2025) EducationInfrastructure Read →
7 October 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya presented the People’s Bank Annual Report for 2024 to Parliament. She moved that the report be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations, and the motion was agreed to. Papers Presented - Annual Reports and Ministry Reports Parliamentary Procedure Read →
26 September 2025 AI summary The Prime Minister presented the Bank of Ceylon Annual Report for 2024 and moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations, which was agreed to. She also presented a report under Standing Order No. 119(4) on observations and steps taken regarding Ministry of Digital Economy matters raised by the Committee on Public Accounts, and moved that it be referred back to that Committee, which was also agreed to. Auditor-General's Report and Annual Report of Bank of Ceylon Parliamentary Procedure Read →
25 September 2025 AI summary The Prime Minister said any distortion or omission of relevant historical events or figures in educational content would be reviewed. She explained that religion modules, including Hinduism, are examined by subject-specific Advisory Committees before publication, and noted that recent concerns raised by a Member had been discussed with the Hindu Religious Advisory Committee, whose recommendations were forwarded to the National Institute of Education. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy EducationReligion & Culture Read →
25 September 2025 AI summary Curriculum reforms are planned to begin in January 2026 for Grades 1 and 6 and then be introduced progressively to subsequent grades each year. The Prime Minister stated that the reform document will be submitted to Cabinet after review by the relevant Ministerial Consultative Committee and Subcommittee, and that the curriculum will emphasize inclusivity and social plurality. She confirmed that Tamil-speaking members are included in National Institute of Education committees and said the names of those involved, including Tamil-speaking participants, will be provided once collated. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Statement on Na Uyana Tragedy Education Read →
25 September 2025 AI summary The Prime Minister presented the 2023 Annual Report of the University of Vavuniya and moved that it be referred to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital, which was agreed to. She also tabled a note on supplementary allocations from the Development Activities Programme under Expenditure Head No. 240 for August 2025, in terms of Section 6(1) of the Appropriation Act, No. 3 of 2025. Papers Presented EducationParliamentary Procedure Read →
24 September 2025 AI summary No commissions have been established since the present Government came to power. As a result, the remaining parts of the question raised by Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara were stated to be not applicable. Adjournment Questions and Adjournment Parliamentary Procedure Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya criticized the justification of a reaction to a woman’s speech by comparing it to victim-blaming narratives used against women facing violence. She argued that saying the response would not have occurred if the woman had not spoken further insults and blames the woman for the conduct directed at her. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Justice & Human RightsWomen & Children Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya objected to remarks made by another Member, saying they were threatening and carried a gendered implication. She urged him and the SJB to understand the issue and align their conduct with their stated commitments on women’s rights. National Audit (Amendment) Bill Second Reading and Supplementary Estimates Debate Women & Children Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya clarified that the MP she had referred to earlier was Hon. Prasasd Siriwardena, identifying him as the media spokesperson for the Leader of the Opposition. She questioned whether the Leader of the Opposition condones the behaviour in question by continuing to retain him in that role. Ministerial Statements and Privilege Question Parliamentary Procedure Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya stated that the matter referred to is under investigation and that the Government will not interfere with the relevant authority or Commission. She said the complaint is being treated seriously and that action will be taken after the investigation is completed and recommendations are made. Ministerial Statements and Privilege Question Justice & Human Rights Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya rejected the Opposition’s no-confidence efforts, stating that the Government could defeat them even with limited support from Western Province MPs. She argued that the public demanded a cultural change in Parliament and urged the Opposition to engage in debate while maintaining ethical conduct. Ministerial Statements and Privilege Question Parliamentary Procedure Read →
11 September 2025 AI summary The Prime Minister stated that the Bribery Commission has initiated a preliminary inquiry under Section 42 of the Anti-Corruption Act into Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna’s complaint, and that further answers can be given only after an investigation begins or concludes. She said the Government is pursuing anti-corruption action within the legal framework while respecting the Commission’s independence. She also raised concern over alleged threatening and harassing conduct towards MP Lakmali Hemachandra, linking it to the wider issue of violence against women in politics, and requested the Speaker to caution Members or establish procedures to prevent such behaviour. Ministerial Statements and Privilege Question Corruption & Governance ReformParliamentary ProcedureWomen & Children Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya requested two weeks to provide an answer to the question. The question was accordingly ordered to stand down. Oral Questions: Stand Down (Q.2-117/2024 and Q.3-1253/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya answered a question on the 2025 university intake, stating that 274,361 candidates sat the G.C.E. (A/L) examination and 177,920 obtained minimum qualifications for university admission. She said the proposed 2024/2025 intake is 43,237, equal to 15.76% of candidates who sat and about 24.3% of those qualified, with additional places allocated through new and existing programmes across several universities. She added that ongoing higher education reforms aim to expand academic, professional and technical degree pathways so that at least 50% of students entering Grade 1 eventually access advanced higher education. Oral Question: University Admissions based on G.C.E. (A/L) Examination Results Education Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary The Ministry of the Digital Economy is assessing national digital infrastructure needs and coordinating interventions with relevant ministries. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that, with the Ministry of Education, about 80% of required digitalization infrastructure has been assessed across provinces, schools and education zones, and an action plan has been prepared to provide the necessary facilities. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Public FinanceEducationInfrastructure Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya outlined expected outcomes of Digital Month, including strengthening the tech startup ecosystem, expanding fintech and digital payments, enabling digital payment of government fines through eGovPay, modernizing transport payments through the National Transport Payments Platform, and demonstrating Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity applications. She stated that the programme aims to mobilize the public for digitalization through sessions, forums, demonstrations, awareness programmes, sandbox opportunities and showcases, in collaboration with schools, universities, youth groups and SMEs islandwide. The anticipated public benefits include easier access to paperless government services, new digital-sector learning and career opportunities, wider use of secure digital solutions, and improved convenience, transparency and security in digital interactions. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) InfrastructurePublic FinanceEmployment Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya stated that September has been designated “Digital Economy Month” as part of a 100-day national initiative to promote digital adoption, e-Government services, digital finance and AI-led innovation. She said the programme will be coordinated by the Ministry of Digital Economy with 68 partner institutions and private-sector stakeholders, supporting 2030 targets of a USD 15 billion digital economy, USD 5 billion in digital exports and a 200,000-strong digital workforce. Key activities include the Disrupt Asia Festival and Expo, the Sri Lanka FinTech Summit and a National AI Expo, with further details to be announced as the programme proceeds. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Public FinanceInfrastructure Read →
10 September 2025 AI summary The Prime Minister stated that a response requires input from the Ministry of Justice and National Integration. She informed Parliament that the Ministry has requested additional time to provide a detailed reply. Oral Question: Ceylon Electricity Board (Q.1/2024) and Digital Economy Initiatives (Q.2/2025) Parliamentary Procedure Read →