September 15, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has affirmed that the President’s Fund, once perceived as a vehicle for political favouritism, is now being directed entirely towards initiatives that benefit the wider public under the current administration.
Speaking at a special recognition ceremony held at the Kandy District Secretariat, Dr Amarasuriya addressed a gathering assembled to honour students from the Central Province who achieved outstanding results in the 2023 (2024) and 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examinations. The Prime Minister personally awarded certificates to the top-performing students across all subject streams and districts.
In her speech, Dr Amarasuriya extended heartfelt congratulations to the students and their families, remarking that their achievements are not only commendable but also vital to the country’s long-term development. She underscored the role of the President’s Fund in supporting educational advancement and social mobility, adding that it is now being deployed more transparently and equitably than ever before.
“There was a time when the President’s Fund was viewed with scepticism—seen as a resource monopolised by a privileged few for personal or political gain,” she said. “That era has ended. Today, this fund is being channelled directly into projects and programmes that uplift communities, empower young people, and serve the nation as a whole.”
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of nurturing compassionate, forward-thinking citizens who are equipped to navigate the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape. She emphasised that the government’s commitment to education extends well beyond financial investment, encompassing values-based learning and critical thinking skills that prepare students for meaningful civic engagement.
Also speaking at the event, Speaker of Parliament Dr Jagath Wickramaratne reiterated that the President’s Fund is a public asset and must be managed in a way that ensures tangible returns to the people. He linked the Fund’s renewed focus to broader efforts at democratic reform, noting that with a significant youth population, Sri Lanka must prioritise human capital development.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Highways Dr Prasanna Gunasena echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to cultivate a generation of socially conscious young people who are capable of challenging outdated norms and contributing to national progress.
The ceremony was attended by a number of senior dignitaries, including Central Province Governor Prof. S. B. S. Abayakoon, Deputy Ministers Dr Madhura Seneviratne, Gamagedara Dissanayake, Dr Hansaka Wijemuni, and Dr Prasanna Gunasena, as well as Members of Parliament, senior civil servants, officials from the President’s Fund, students, and parents.
