Politics is not something separate from development and it shapes every choice we make in governance, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stated.

She made these remarks while addressing the 60th anniversary commemoration of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, Brighton during her official visit to the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister and the accompanying delegation landed at London's Heathrow Airport on 18 May, commencing the official visit to the UK.

The delegation was warmly received at the Heathrow Airport by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, together with the Special Representative to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom and former British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Richard Wildash, along with other diplomatic officials, the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.

Commencing her official duties, the Prime Minister visited the University of Sussex in Brighton, where she was received by Professor Anu Joshi, Director of the Institute of Development Studies, Professor Mick Moore, and senior representatives of the University of Sussex.

Addressing a public event, the Prime Minister reflected on the relationship between politics, governance, and development, drawing from Sri Lanka’s recent political and economic experiences. She emphasized the challenges of balancing governance, economic recovery, social protection, and institutional reform while responding to public expectations and maintaining democratic accountability. 

Prime Minister Amarasuriya also highlighted the government’s ongoing policy focus on recognizing paid and unpaid care work as a central component of the national economy, particularly the contribution and challenges faced by women within the care sector, the Prime Minister’s office stated. 

During the visit, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is also expected to address a session at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies at the University of Oxford, followed by an interactive discussion with scholars and students.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is also expected to meet senior representatives of the United Kingdom government, including Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, and Bridget Phillipson, the Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom. She is also expected to meet Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.