Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has called for comprehensive institutional and economic transformation rather than simply recovering to pre-crisis conditions, addressing professional organisations on the need for sustainable structural change.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has underscored that Sri Lanka's response to its recent economic crisis must extend far beyond restoring economic stability, instead requiring fundamental institutional and structural reforms. Speaking at the inauguration of the Organisation of Professional Associations' 39th Annual Convention, the Prime Minister argued that recovery should function as a starting point for deeper change rather than a return to previous conditions that contributed to the crisis.
The Prime Minister identified strengthened institutions, economic resilience, improved public services and expanded citizen opportunities as key objectives for the country's development. She emphasised that sustainable progress cannot rely solely on economic growth and infrastructure projects, stressing instead the importance of transparent governance and better utilisation of professional expertise across sectors. The government, she indicated, views evidence-based input from professional bodies as essential to policy formulation, particularly when translating strategies into tangible improvements in people's lives.
Addressing the challenges posed by rapid technological and environmental change, the Prime Minister called for Sri Lanka to prepare for developments driven by artificial intelligence, digital innovation and climate concerns. She highlighted the responsibility of professionals to provide informed perspectives grounded in scientific evidence while maintaining ethical standards and supporting democratic values, particularly amid growing misinformation. The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant role professional organisations play in national transformation, noting that a country's development depends substantially on how effectively it mobilises the knowledge and experience of its workforce.
