A Nation’s Growth Hinges on Its People’s Productive Contributions
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that a nation’s progress relies on the productive efforts of its citizens.
The official launch of the National Productivity Awards Competition 2025/2026 took place yesterday at Temple Trees’ main hall, with the Prime Minister presiding.
During the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced the competition for the Education Sector, Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti for the Public Sector, and Secretary General of the Asian Productivity Organization Dr. Indra Pradhan Singhavithana for the Production and Services Sector.
In her address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya remarked:
“In recent years, the economic recession prevented us from hosting this awards ceremony. As a nation, we must acknowledge the consequences. Past ruling parties failed to make timely decisions, leading to our current situation. As we work towards rebuilding the nation for a better future, we stand at a significant crossroads. Progress depends on the productive contributions of our people. An ancient saying reminds us that ‘A nation that does not innovate cannot rise in the world.’ This emphasizes the need for innovative thinking and creations. I urge everyone to unite and foster innovations to aid in rebuilding the country.
Reviving this festival is part of our effort to provide a prosperous nation and improve people’s lives. The ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative aligns with this vision. These interconnected efforts support the government’s ambition to create a cohesive and unified nation.
Productivity involves more than hard work; it focuses on achieving better outcomes through efficiency, strategic planning, and responsibility.
Maintaining a clean and organized environment, especially within state institutions, facilitates efficient operations. Improved productivity enhances our living standards, while a decline damages the country.
Our economic challenges even led to declaring the country bankrupt. Thus, boosting productivity is crucial for attracting investments, ensuring sustainable development, and enhancing competitiveness.
Attendees included Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A.M.M.H. Abeyrathna, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suryapperuma, Secretary to President, Dr. Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, and Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development Thilaka Jayasundara.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that a country’s development relies on its citizens’ contributions. The National Productivity Awards Competition 2025/2026 was launched at Temple Trees, covering education, public, production, and services sectors. Dr. Amarasuriya noted past economic challenges and highlighted the need for innovative thinking to rebuild the nation. Reviving the awards aims to promote prosperity and align with the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative. She stressed that productivity involves efficiency and responsibility, necessary for investment, sustainable development, and competitiveness. Key government officials attended the ceremony, underscoring the importance of productivity in improving living standards.
