Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has participated in the International Studies Association (ISA) – South Asia in World Politics (SAWP) Conference 2026, held in Colombo.
Speaking on the event, the Prime Minister emphasizing on the Government's ongoing education reforms, stated that Sri Lanka is transforming its education system from an examination-oriented model to one that creates diverse opportunities for professional development while nurturing socially responsible citizens, the PM’s Office said.
The conference, was held in Sri Lanka from 6 to 8 August under the theme "South Asia in a Changing International Order," is the first to be hosted in Sri Lanka and in South Asia.
It has brought together leading scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of international relations from across South Asia and beyond to exchange knowledge and perspectives on contemporary global and regional issues, the statement said.
Reflecting on the broader regional context, the Prime Minister observed that South Asia's young population, growing talent, and expanding economic potential present significant opportunities for the future.
She stressed that deeper regional dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing would not only strengthen individual countries' development efforts but also contribute to a more resilient, prosperous, and interconnected South Asia.
The Prime Minister noted that Sri Lanka is steadily advancing its institutional reform agenda by strengthening transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance, the statement said.
The Prime Minister further stated:
“Sri Lanka's own transformation remains a work in progress. Institutional reform requires patience, intellectual humility, continuous self-reflection, and the courage to confront difficult truths. But our direction is clear. We remain committed to building a transparent, accountable, inclusive, and compassionate state that governs not over its people, but with them.
The future of South Asia will not be determined solely by shifts in global power or economic competition. It will be shaped by the strength of our democratic institutions, the inclusiveness of our development, and our collective willingness to imagine new possibilities for justice, equality, and regional cooperation.”
Responding to a question raised by Prof. Neil DeVotta, Professor of Politics and International Affairs, on how the international community, particularly the South Asian region, could support Sri Lanka's reform agenda, the Prime Minister, in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, stated that many countries in the region face common challenges, particularly education systems that remain heavily centered on examinations.
The Prime Minister noted that such systems often limit young people's learning experiences and future opportunities.
Accordingly, emphasizing the Government's ongoing education reforms, the Prime Minister stated that Sri Lanka is transforming its education system from an examination-oriented model to one that creates diverse opportunities for professional development while nurturing socially responsible citizens, the statement added.
Noting Sri Lanka's long-standing reputation as a regional hub for education, she invited greater regional cooperation, dialogue, and knowledge-sharing to support this transformation and address common challenges across South Asia.
Responding to a question on economic progress, the Prime Minister stated that Sri Lanka's improving international recognition for transparent, accountable, and clean governance reflects the country's ongoing political transformation.
She noted that these positive assessments signal that Sri Lanka has moved beyond recovery and is increasingly viewed as a destination for investment and opportunity.
While acknowledging that poverty remains a challenge, she emphasized that economic growth, sectoral expansion, and institutional reforms in the public sector are essential to creating opportunities, and invited international partners to engage with Sri Lanka's development journey, the PM’s Office said.
The ISA–SAWP Conference 2026 serves as a significant academic platform for advancing scholarship in international relations while fostering collaboration between researchers and practitioners.
The conference is expected to contribute to new research collaborations and policy discussions on issues including geopolitics, regional security, economic cooperation, climate change, governance, and the evolving international order, the statement added.
