Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya declared that a country’s development is rooted in the productive contribution of its people, as she launched the National Productivity Awards Competition 2025/2026 at an official ceremony held at Temple Trees on May 15.
The Prime Minister emphasized that productivity, innovation, and responsible work practices are essential pillars in Sri Lanka’s efforts to rebuild from recent economic challenges.
“There is a saying from our ancestors: A nation that does not innovate cannot rise in the world. We must create and think innovatively to help rebuild this country,” she said.
The event marked the formal commencement of the productivity competition across three sectors:
- Education Sector – launched by the Prime Minister
- Public Sector – declared by Industries and Enterprise Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti
- Production and Services Sector – launched by Asian Productivity Organisation’s Secretary General Dr. Indra Pradhan Singhavithana
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the awards were suspended in recent years due to the economic recession but stressed that their revival is part of a broader vision to provide a prosperous, clean, and unified nation.
She linked the awards to the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, noting that these are interconnected effortsdesigned to enhance efficiency, investment appeal, and sustainable development.
“Productivity is not just about working hard. It’s about working smart—with planning, responsibility, and efficiency,” she said, adding that public institutions must lead by example in maintaining clean and organised environments to foster effective service delivery.
Other dignitaries present at the event included:
- Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A.M.M.H. Abeyrathna
- Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Harshana Suryapperuma
- President’s Secretary Dr. Sanath Kumanayake
- Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputhanthri
- Industries Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara
Dr. Amarasuriya concluded by highlighting the critical link between productivity and economic recovery, urging all sectors to contribute to a more competitive, innovative, and investment-ready Sri Lanka.
