Ms. Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, on 22 June at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Welcoming the Governor, the Prime Minister recalled the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Australia, particularly in the sphere of education. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration with an emphasis on education reform, vocational training, and institutional partnerships.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the Government’s priority to deliver outcomes that address the immediate needs of the people in light of the recent economic and political challenges. She elaborated on ongoing education reforms, including strengthening higher education policy and regulating non-state higher education institutions, alongside reforms in vocational education and the introduction of vacation streams in schools.
The meeting was held in the presence of H.E Paul Stephens, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, along with senior Australian officials. The Sri Lankan delegation included Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewe, Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, and Ms. Udani Gunawardena, Director of the East Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.