Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has called for greater consciousness, sustainability and inclusive leadership in addressing the interconnected challenges facing global food systems, delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Global Conscious Food Systems Summit 2026 in Bhutan.

The summit, held at Dungkar Dzong, was convened under the theme “Activating the Heart of Food Systems Transformation,” with the broader summit theme “Rising to the Moment: Igniting Consciousness to Address the Polycrisis.”

The Global Conscious Food Systems Summit is the first global gathering focused on examining how consciousness, values, culture, spirituality and inner transformation can contribute to building sustainable, equitable and regenerative food systems.

The summit is jointly hosted by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Conscious Food Systems Alliance (CoFSA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya highlighted Sri Lanka’s long-standing agricultural heritage and its emphasis on maintaining harmony with nature throughout the food system.

She said Sri Lanka’s traditional food systems reflected a deep understanding of sustainability and balance, with generations of people developing agricultural and food practices intended to work with nature rather than against it.

The Prime Minister also expressed pride in Sri Lanka’s national heritage, noting that traditional knowledge had shaped approaches to food production, storage, preservation and consumption that recognized the importance of living in harmony with the natural environment.

Following her keynote address, Prime Minister Amarasuriya joined Bhutanese Prime Minister H.E. Dasho Tshering Tobgay in a panel discussion titled “Conscious Leadership – The Art of Facilitating Transformation for a More Just and Regenerative World.”

The discussion focused on the role of leadership and collective consciousness in driving social, economic and environmental transformation at a time of multiple interconnected global challenges.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya later participated in a press conference, responding to questions from local and international media representatives on issues including food security, agricultural practices, women’s employment, and sustainable social and economic development.

Her participation in the summit provided Sri Lanka with an international platform to share its experiences and perspectives on sustainable food systems, inclusive development and conscious leadership.

The summit brought together policymakers, development practitioners and other stakeholders to explore approaches to transforming food systems while addressing the wider social, environmental and economic challenges facing communities around the world, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.