She made these remarks while addressing the 2026 Annual Prize Giving Ceremony of De La Salle College in Colombo 15, where she attended as the chief guest.
During her speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the government's core philosophy regarding the country's youth, stating that the state firmly believes every child deserves access to a high-quality education. She stated that the nation's education policies are being structured and implemented on the foundational belief that the absolute best opportunities must be made available to all children equitably.
Commending the school's inclusive environment, Dr. Amarasuriya noted that the diverse fabric of Sri Lanka is well-reflected within De La Salle College. She pointed out that this diversity serves as a great strength, fostering an atmosphere where students can appreciate differences, understand one another, and learn to coexist harmoniously from a young age.
The Prime Minister further stressed that academic certificates alone are insufficient in the modern era. To truly conquer the global stage, she noted that the development of soft skills, a positive attitude, a well-rounded personality, and robust leadership traits are absolutely critical. She expressed her deep confidence in the younger generation, sharing her vision that these students will rise to become exceptional leaders across various sectors, eventually elevating the country to a far more prosperous position than it stands today.
