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President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Zion Church in Batticaloa this morning (22) to inspect the on-going restoration work after it was damaged in the Easter Sunday bombing. During his visit, the President engaged in a discussion with the Senior Pastor at Zion Church, Rev. Roshan Mahesan.

The President inquired about the delays in the renovation work and instructed officials to provide an immediate report on the matter.

President Wickremesinghe directed Senior Advisor on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, to ensure that the repairs are promptly completed using provisions from the Presidential Secretariat.

Additionally, the President instructed the Army Commander to provide the support of the Sri Lanka Army for the renovations. Governor of the Eastern Province Senthil Thondaman and State Minister S. Viyalendran were also present on this occasion.

The UNP and the NPP are the partners to the biggest political deal of all, charged opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.

That became evident at the fiasco orchestrated by ITN in a programme a few days ago.

The moderator of the programme is a person against whom the JVP has gone to courts, said Premadasa at a farmers’ meeting in Anuradhapura yesterday (16).

He also said that being a principled person, he declined the premiership on 71 occasions, and that he would accept positions with the blessings of the people only.

He stressed that he rejected the presidency and the premiership as he never ever wanted to become the guardian of the Rajapaksas.

He said that his only deal would be with the 22 million people of the country.

The Department of Meteorology says that heavy showers of about 100 mm may occur in some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa provinces and Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Puttalam districts.

The department adds that slight showers may also occur in Matale, Anuradhapura and Mannar districts.

The Department of Meteorology also says that strong winds of around 40 or 50 kilometers per hour may occur in the western slopes of the central hills, and in the northern, north-central and northwestern provinces as well as in the Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the future of Sri Lanka will be determined by the economic policies implemented over the next five years.

The President delivered this statement while addressing the youth and business community in Mannar during his participation in the “Youth Conference” held yesterday (16).

The President initially attended the Mannar District “Youth Conference” yesterday (16) at the Conference Hall in Mannar Town Hall. The conference, themed “Journey for a Bright Future,” included an award ceremony where the President presented certificates and cash prizes to students who excelled in the 2023/2024 G.C.E Advanced Level Examination.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe interacted directly with the youth, addressing their questions and providing positive responses.

He explained that over the past four years, job creation was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. However, he assured the audience that the upcoming economic program would create new job opportunities for those previously unable to secure employment.

The President emphasized that it is up to the youth to decide whether they wish to advance their own future and contribute to the country through the government’s program.

Additionally, President Ranil Wickremesinghe convened a meeting with the business community of Mannar district yesterday (16) in Mannar.

The President emphasized that continuing the current government’s economic policies will attract a significant number of investors to the country in the future.

He also underscored that maintaining consistent economic policies over time will lead to success for the country.

The President highlighted that the new economic policy, introduced through the Economic Transformation Law, represents a pivotal step forward for the country. He underscored that this framework equips any government with the capability to drive the nation forward.

The President noted that despite longstanding efforts by the people of Sri Lanka to seek political solutions, there has been a noticeable absence of initiatives aimed at addressing economic challenges. He stressed that sustainable national development hinges on the implementation of robust economic policies.

Highlighting his achievement in revitalizing the country’s economy within a short span of two years, the President assured that further relief measures would be extended to all sectors as the economy continues to strengthen.

Furthermore, the President briefed the youth and business communities on the government’s initiatives aimed at fostering comprehensive development in the Mannar district.

State Minister Kader Mastan, Members of Parliament Selvam Adaikalanathan, Northern Province Governor P.S.M.Charles and other political representatives of the province were also present on this occasion.

Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, commenced his official visit to Sri Lanka with a significant meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President House in Colombo this morning (20).

This visit marks the first diplomatic exchange between India and Sri Lanka following the inauguration of the new government. Upon arrival, Minister Jaishankar was warmly received by Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Advisor to President on National Security and Chief of Staff. Subsequently, President Wickremesinghe held bilateral discussions with Minister Jaishankar to review the progress of ongoing development projects between the two nations.

During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe and Minister Jaishankar jointly unveiled a digital plaque commemorating the inauguration of 106 houses constructed under the Indian Housing Project in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale districts. Additionally, they handed over 24 houses from model villages in Colombo and Trincomalee to their respective beneficiaries.

The highlight of the event was the formal commissioning of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), comprising a main centre at the Colombo Naval Headquarters, a sub-centre in Hambantota, and unmanned installations in strategic locations across Sri Lanka’s coastline. This initiative underscores the deepening maritime security cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

The meeting was attended by a distinguished delegation including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ali Sabry PC, President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake, and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr. Santosh Jha.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that pilgrims to Madhu will be provided with all necessary facilities to engage in their pilgrimage activities without any hindrance.

Addressing the Mannar District Development Committee meeting held at the Mannar District Secretariat yesterday (16), he emphasised that it is unfair to arrest and fine pilgrims on their way to sacred sites like Madhu Church and Sri Pada.

He instructed that if pilgrims are arrested in the future, the President’s Office should be informed immediately.

During the meeting, the President directed the Sri Lanka Army to clean and develop both sides of the existing Madhu Road for the convenience of the pilgrims visiting Madhu Church.

He also coordinated with a representative of the Mannar Bishop, the Department of Forest Conservation, the Road Development Authority, and the Sri Lanka Police to ensure these tasks are completed before the upcoming annual festival of the church of Our Lady of Madhu.

Member of Parliament Rishad Bathiudeen commended the President for visiting Mannar and providing solutions to many of the problems. "Your allocation of DDC funds to me and the TNA MPs for the development of the Mannar District has been greatly helpful to us. On behalf of the people of Mannar and all MPs, I extend my heartfelt thanks to you, Mr. President," the lawmaker said.

"There are also certain issues that can be resolved expeditiously, and several projects initiated by the Good Governance regime that were purposefully stopped, could have been completed. Furthermore, Mannar did not receive any development funds in the past few years; however, this year, substantial funds have been allocated for Mannar’s development. This allocation, under your leadership, is a tremendous source of strength for the people. Therefore, Mr. President, I express my gratitude to you for addressing our issues and for providing solutions to the roadblock issue concerning the Madhu Church. We are very grateful to you, Mr. President.' he added.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is scheduled to pay an official visit to Sri Lanka on Thursday (20 June).

During the visit, the Indian foreign minister will have meetings with the leadership of Sri Lanka on wide-ranging issues of the partnership, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

This will be Jaishankar’s first bilateral visit after the formation of new Government under Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

“Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time tested friend.”

The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors, the statement said.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Most Rev. Dr. Fidelis Lionel Emmanuel Fernando, the Bishop of Mannar, Diocese of Mannar at the Mannar Bishops House today (16).

The bishop of Mannar commended President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his economic reform efforts aimed at rescuing the country from its financial crisis. During their meeting, they also discussed future development plans for the Mannar district.

Key topics included the development of Point Pedro and Mullaitivu as renewable energy hubs. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that these development activities are carried out in an environmentally friendly manner.

During their discussion it was noted that negotiations are underway regarding the sale of surplus renewable energy to India. A feasibility study is currently being conducted on establishing a power line connection between Sri Lanka and India, with further discussions expected during the upcoming visit of the Indian Foreign Minister to Sri Lanka.

President Wickremesinghe also mentioned that a pre-feasibility study for a land connection between Sri Lanka and India has been completed, and a full feasibility study will be conducted in the near future.

Additionally, plans to develop Mannar as a tourist hub were discussed, including the potential development of Mannar Fort to attract cruise tourists.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe further remarked that these initiatives would lead to extensive development across all sectors in the Mannar district in the future. The Bishop of Mannar also urged the President to address the issues faced by the fishermen of Mannar.

The meeting was attended by Vicar General of the Mannar Diocese, Father P. Christunayagam; Reverend Father Gnanpragasam of Madu Church; Father Peppi Sosei; former Vicar General of the Mannar Diocese; and other clergy members.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced the establishment of a new development bank aimed at providing financial support to industrialists in Sri Lanka. This initiative will offer industrialists the opportunity to obtain loans at low interest rates.

Additionally, the President revealed plans to set up an Economic Commission to oversee these activities. A new institution, “Enterprise Sri Lanka,” will also be created to empower small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this announcement during the inauguration of the International Industry Expo 2024, the first event of its kind in Sri Lanka.

Organized by the Industrial Development Board under the guidance of the Ministry of Industry, and with the support of Industries and Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, the exhibition will run from today until June 23 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike International Conference Hall.

Over a thousand international industrial entrepreneurs from various countries, along with local large-scale and medium-scale industrialists, are participating in this event. The expo features 1,307 exhibition booths, with the special inclusion of a separate green industrial zone for the first time. Additionally, an experimental academic conference on green industrialization will be held during the exhibition.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the International Industry Expo 2024 by cutting the ribbon and the President engaged in a tour of the exhibition.

In his address, the President remarked that some individuals have become accustomed to taking every development initiative to court. He emphasized that such actions hinder progress and stressed that the country can only be developed through a consistent national policy.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s complete speech is outlined below,

Minister of Industries and Health Ramesh Pathirana is diligently spearheading the development of the industrial sector in the country, with the industry exhibition being a significant initiative under his stewardship. It stands as the largest exhibition in the country.

We were once a bankrupt nation. However, in the coming weeks, we anticipate shedding this label entirely. Negotiations for the related agreement are also slated for completion in the near future, facilitating smoother dealings with private creditors. These achievements have been realized over the past two years.

Yet, we must not rest on these achievements. Our focus must now shift to debt repayment strategies, as we aim to settle outstanding loans over an extended period, ideally extending until 2042.

Given that we are primarily an import-based economy, we continually need foreign exchange to cover these imports. Without sufficient foreign exchange reserves, we are compelled to resort to taking loans. However, this practice can potentially lead to another economic crisis within the next 15-20 years. Hence, our current focus is on transitioning to an export-oriented economy.

In this shift towards an export-oriented economy, the manufacturing sector plays a pivotal role. This sector needs to evolve into a competitive and digital economy, aligned with our goal of achieving zero carbon emissions and fostering a green economy. These initiatives must guide our efforts moving forward.

Our immediate priority is to enhance the competitiveness of existing industries through strategic plans. Achieving competitiveness cannot happen overnight; neighbouring countries like India, particularly in states such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, have made significant strides in industrial development. It is crucial for us to align and collaborate with these developments. Furthermore, we aim to engage with other global partners to advance these objectives.

Therefore, our primary objective is to ensure our industries attain competitive capabilities. The government is committed to providing all necessary support to facilitate this transformation.

We are currently exploring the establishment of a development bank to facilitate the required funding for this initiative. Back in 1960, we established the DFCC Bank, followed by the founding of the NDB Bank in 1980. Post-privatization, both banks have evolved into major commercial entities in our country. Notably, without these banks, President Premadasa’s success with 200 garment industries would not have been possible. Hence, there is a strong need to initiate a new bank.

This new bank aims to maintain low interest rates. Additionally, an economic commission will be instituted to advance these initiatives. Furthermore, we plan to introduce a new entity called Enterprise Sri Lanka to support small and medium-scale entrepreneurs. This institutional framework is designed to assist all industrialists across the country. We aim to progress steadily along this path over the next 5-10 years.

Furthermore, our policy aims to explore opportunities for production in countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar in the future. Concurrently, we are actively collaborating with India on these endeavours. I have already discussed this with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and anticipate further discussions with the Indian Foreign Minister tomorrow. Our cooperation with India will focus on solar and wind power, as well as acquiring green hydrogen. We aim to leverage these advantages, potentially even in the North Sea. As the first step Adani Company has initiated its presence in Sri Lanka. Embracing this new direction is imperative.

However, it’s observed that some individuals in our country resort to legal action for every issue, primarily benefiting lawyers. It’s imperative to understand that litigation alone cannot foster national development; instead, we must adhere to our national policies. I have instructed the Minister of Industries to initiate discussions and formulate a new program to advance industrial growth. We intend to present the Economic Transformation Law to Parliament to reinforce these initiatives.

Minister of Industries and Health Dr. Ramesh Pathirana,

The year 2022 posed significant economic challenges for Sri Lanka. However, I commend all industrialists in the country for their perseverance in advancing the industry despite numerous obstacles. They deserve recognition from the nation for their efforts. During his tenure as Minister of Industry, the current President played a pivotal role in the development of Sri Lanka’s industries. He demonstrated strong commitment by establishing garment factories and facilitating free trade agreements to promote the industrial sector.

Currently, Sri Lanka’s exports are predominantly focused on garments and products related to the plantation industry. Nevertheless, this exhibition highlights the vast potential for our country to progress in diverse sectors such as food technology, pharmaceutical production, packaging, and car assembly. As a nation, we must harness and further develop these strengths. It is noteworthy that the President is actively prioritizing this area of development.

State Ministers Prasanna Ranaweera and Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, along with Members of Parliament Vajira Abeywardena and Sampath Athukorala, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry Shantha Weerasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Health Palitha Gunaratne Mahipala, Chairman of the Industrial Development Board Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, Director General of the Industrial Development Board H. M. S. Samarakoon, Western Province Governor, Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilake, were joined by a group of foreign Ambassadors, High Commissioners Chairmen of the Industries and officials from sponsoring companies at the event.

The draft constitution, prepared by the Judge Chitrasiri Committee for the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat today (15).

The draft was handed over to President Ranil Wickremesinghe by the Committee Chairman, retired Supreme Court Judge K.T. Chitrasiri, accompanied by other committee members.

To address the challenges faced by Sri Lanka Cricket and provide appropriate recommendations, a Cabinet Sub-Committee was appointed on November 6, 2023. Chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs and President’s Counsel Ali Sabry, the sub-committee included Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara, and Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles. Following extensive discussions with stakeholders involved in cricket, the sub-committee presented its report to the Cabinet on January 8, 2024.

The recommendations covered several key areas, including the composition and structure of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, administration, training, and the overall well-being of players at various levels such as the national men’s and women’s teams, and the under-19 and under-17 age groups. Emphasis was placed on promoting good governance, transparency, professionalism, and accountability within Sri Lanka Cricket. Additionally, proposals were made to reform the nutritional framework of Sri Lankan cricket across school, district, provincial, and community levels, focusing on merit, equality, and fairness.

Based on the recommendations presented in the report by the Cabinet Sub-Committee, the Cabinet convened on February 13, 2024, and appointed an expert committee to draft a new constitution for the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. This committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge K.T. Chitrasiri, includes President’s Counsel Harsha Amarasekara, Attorney-at-Law Dr. Aritha Wickramanayake and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce Duminda Hulangamuwa. Deputy Solicitor General Manohara Jayasinghe, representing the Legislative Department, and Shamila Krishanthi, Assistant Draftsman representing the Legal Draftsman’s Department and nominated by the Minister of Justice, were also included in the committee.

Additionally, Loshini Peiris, Additional Secretary to the President, was appointed by the President’s Secretary to serve as the Secretary/Convener of the committee.

Also in attendance were Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, and Assistant Secretary to the President Samith Talakiriyawa (Ministry Affairs).

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that through the “Urumaya” program, the government’s intent is to express gratitude to farmers who have supplied rice to the country despite not owning the land. He also emphasized that the current government aims to provide both knowledge and rights to the people, akin to how C.W.W. Kannangara promoted education through free schooling.

President Wickremesinghe made these remarks at a ceremony held this morning (17) at the Embilipitiya Mahaweli Stadium. The event was for the awarding of freehold land deeds to 1,524 out of 45,253 eligible settlers in the Mahaweli Walawa region as part of the national “Urumaya” program to provide 02 million freehold land deeds. The President participated in the Urumaya ceremony and the symbolic distribution of land deeds.

Addressing the event, President Wickremesinghe further stated,

I have instructed all relevant authorities to issue freehold land deeds within the next two months. District Secretaries, the Land Commissioner General, and the surveyors’ office will collaborate to expedite the delivery of these land deeds. Local government officials will also contribute, ensuring the efficient implementation of this program.

For the past 75 years, people have been given land without freehold rights. The “Urumaya” program was introduced to grant these legal land rights, marking a significant change. During difficult times, everyone shared the burden. Now that the economy is improving, everyone should benefit, especially the farmers who provide rice to the nation.

In addition to granting free land rights to farmers, we are working to provide housing rights to 250,000 low-income residents living in the Colombo flats. This program aims to ensure that every citizen owns land, a house, or a vehicle. Just as C.W.W. Kannangara provided free education in 1944, this government is committed to providing both knowledge and rights to the people.

Farmers in this area have been growing crops and harvesting without owning the land, preventing them from obtaining bank loans. This problem has persisted for three generations. To address this, the government implemented the “Urumaya” program to grant them land rights as a gesture of gratitude to the farmers of this country.

When we assumed office, the country was in crisis, with no electricity, and a lack of fuel and medicines. To recover, we prioritized increasing production. Paddy production rose during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, thanks to the farmers’ efforts. The government provided necessary support, including fertilizer.

Our support for farmers goes beyond land ownership. To eliminate rural poverty, we must carry out an agricultural revolution. The agricultural modernization program is designed to increase farmers’ incomes alongside land ownership.

We urge everyone to participate in this program, which will begin next year with prompt funding. The government also plans to modernize and restructure the agricultural service centers. I extend my gratitude to the farmers of this area for their service over three generations without land rights.

Minister of Wildlife,Forest Resources Conservation and Irrigation, Pavithra Wanniarachchi,

Today marks the historic achievement of receiving land rights after generations of deprivation. The suffering endured without these rights has been immense. Today, the President has taken decisive steps to fulfill the fundamental needs of our people: land, housing, and food. The joy experienced by families through owning freehold land is invaluable. This initiative, led by the President, is seen as a transformative revolution aimed at empowering and bringing immense joy to your families.

A significant revolution is underway as 02 million families are granted freehold deeds, providing them with long-awaited land rights. In addition, the President aims to launch the agricultural modernization program. Equipping farmers with modern technology cannot be achieved alone, which is why the initiative to provide modern agricultural equipment has begun with support from the Asian Development Bank.

Development initiatives in schools, hospitals, and infrastructure across the country are progressing steadily. Today, under the President’s astute leadership, the nation has achieved remarkable development. We cannot afford further experimentation; therefore, your support is crucial for sustaining this program.

Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Mahinda Amaraweera,

There was a time in our country when disputes over land led to tragic conflicts, even within families. Land issues remain a significant cause of police complaints and public grievances that we, as public representatives, frequently encounter.

Today, you have received a freehold title deed, marking President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s largest privatization effort. He is committed to allocating millions of acres of land to the people. Despite the country facing immense challenges, the President stepped up to lead, yet some criticize instead of offering support. Under his leadership, farmers protesting were returned to their fields, ensuring our nation’s rice needs were met locally, not imported.

State Minister of Plantation Industries and Mahaweli Development Lohan Ratwatte,

The Mahaweli Authority oversees a significant portion of the country’s land, and under President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision, numerous families have received freehold land deeds through the Urumaya program. President Wickremesinghe has steered the country with a well-structured program, rescuing it from dire circumstances. As various candidates vie for the presidency and social media buzzes with campaigns, it is crucial that the President’s initiatives continue for another five years. It is imperative for all of us to prioritize the nation’s interests and collaborate towards its progress. Failure to do so risks plunging the country into turmoil once more.

The event was attended by the Maha Sangha of the province, former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksa, State Ministers Janaka Wakkambura, Shashindra Rajapaksa, Jagath Pushpakumara, Lohan Ratwatte, Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Chairman Kanchana Jayaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Irrigation Saman Darshana Padikorala, Mahaweli Authority Director General M. L. D. C. M. Abeywardena, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Chandra Herath and numerous government officials and policymakers.

The landmark event, the official launch of the Public Learn Education Platform http://www.publiclearn.lk/ for the Sri Lankan youth community took place yesterday (13) at the Chamber Hall of the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Public Learn is a platform that guides users to free courses from the world’s top universities. Operated by Regent Global, it has been funded by the Sri Lankan diaspora in the UK to bring this resource to Sri Lanka.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe officially launched www.publiclearn.lk a new education platform aimed at transforming Sri Lanka’s learning landscape.

Emphasizing the importance of adapting to a knowledge-intensive society, the President highlighted Sri Lanka’s strong educational results despite various systemic flaws. He noted that the new platform would enhance the education system’s effectiveness and stressed that Sri Lanka must swiftly advance in digitization to drive the new economic transformation.

He further underscored the necessity of an economic transformation bill, which requires a shift in thinking. PublicLearn.lk, he said, is an essential tool for achieving this goal by providing more post-school learning opportunities without traditional classroom constraints. This digital platform can also help address the shortage of skilled, experienced teachers within classrooms and pave the way for many Sri Lankans to advance and transform the country.

President Wickremesinghe highlighted that the Public Learn platform serves as a crucial tool for enabling many Sri Lankans to advance personally and transform their nation. He reflected on Sri Lanka’s historical learning journey in three phases: first, during the era of Arahath Mahinda and the Pirivena system; second, with the introduction of the British public school system; and now, with the advent of digital education platforms like Public Learn, marking the third phase. He emphasized the importance of leveraging digital technology and knowledge to propel Sri Lanka forward in the digital economy, underscoring the need for continuous adaptation and innovation.

The President expressed gratitude to Dr. Selva Pankaj and Regent Global for extending this opportunity to benefit the Sri Lankan people.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his additional remarks, stated,

“I must first and foremost thank Dr. Selva Pankaj for the gift he has given Sri Lanka. I call this reconciliation. We are living in a knowledge-intensive society. In such a society, if we are to get ahead, we should also join the race and certainly emerge as top players. That is not difficult for Sri Lanka; I think our education results are good.

Whatever the faults of the education system, there are many, but we have still delivered. Now, this will help us make better use of the education system. In fact, Sir Gavin described so well the objectives of such a program on this platform.

In any case, the economic transformation bill requires a transformation of our thinking. This certainly is one of the instruments by which we can achieve that. We must also get used to the fact that there will be more and more post-school learning opportunities without classrooms and without walls. This is what we are doing, and even within classrooms, we can also overcome our shortage of skilled experienced teachers.

So, this is certainly an instrument that paves the way for a large number of Sri Lankans to get ahead in life and transform their country.

We have been good at learning, and our learning has gone through three phases. First, when Arahath Mahinda brought Buddhism, and with it came the Pirivena. Senarath Paranawithana said those who fail to become Arahaths spent their time designing the canals, the dagabas, Sigiriya, and the other buildings we have, as well as contributing to the health system.

Secondly, when the British came and started the public school system. Now, that system has spread across the country; it’s what we call Mahavidyalayas, Madhya Mahavidyalaya, more than that, what we call prestigious and national schools. The whole system has come here, and again, we have adapted ourselves to learning just as much as we did two hundred years ago.

The third stage of learning has come; we learned the system, we learned English, we moved ahead, and now we have the third stage of learning, which is the use of knowledge on an open platform that digitizes the education system. We are looking at a digital economy, looking at using the latest knowledge because Sri Lanka can only get ahead if we use our heads and think. And certainly, what we call reprogram.”

The event also featured a virtual address by Sir Gavin Williamson, Former Secretary of State for Education in the United Kingdom, who commended the initiative of the President’s enlightened vision of prioritizing education, highlighting that this effort goes beyond benefiting individuals; it is about reaping the long-term harvest for the nation. The initiative aims to provide broad access and accessibility to education for all ages, recognizing that in a global and competitive world, a skilled and educated populace is crucial.

The platform is expected to be a cornerstone of President Wickremesinghe’s legacy, making significant impacts on people’s lives and the future of Sri Lanka. By fostering a wealth of talent necessary for global competition, the initiative seeks to transform lives in ways that were unimaginable a generation ago.

Acknowledging the President’s vision and willingness to invest in new ideas, Sir Williamson expressed gratitude for the opportunities being provided across Sri Lanka.

Chief Executive Officer of Regent Global Dr. Selva Pankaj expressed gratitude for President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s support of the program aimed at fostering a new economic transformation in Sri Lanka. Highlighting the President’s dedication to serving the Sri Lankan people, both as a former Prime Minister and the current President, Dr. Pankaj praised him as a role model.

He further said that President Wickremesinghe has steered Sri Lanka through challenging times, including the recent economic instability marked by a 70% inflation rate in 2022. Dr. Pankaj and his wife are proud to contribute to the President’s efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Sri Lankans. Notably, they spent their formative years in Sri Lanka before leaving for the UK due to the civil war, yet their connection to their homeland remained strong.

Despite leaving at ages 13 and 19, their commitment to their homeland remained steadfast, with a strong desire to contribute to Sri Lanka’s future development. Dr. Pankaj acknowledged President Wickremesinghe for providing them with the opportunity to do so through this program.

State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, Chairman of the University Grants Commission Professor Sampath Amaratunga, Sri Lanka High Commissioner to United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama, United Kingdom High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman, former Minister John Amaratunga, Chairman of the Board of Investment Dinesh Weerakkodi, President’s Special Projects Director Theekshana Abeywardena, Tarshani Pankaj, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, diplomatic officers and other dignitaries attended the event.