• Premier notes need for exploring integration into India’s manufacturing and service value chains

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stressed the Government’s commitment to work in cooperation with India and the international community for prosperous Sri Lanka, and noted the Government’s commitment to build a sound society with inclusivity and democracy followed by a future vision.

She made these remarks at the 2025 NDTV World Summit held in New Delhi, India on 17 October, where she delivered the keynote address titled ‘Steering Change in Uncertain Times’. The Summit, themed ‘Edge of the Unknown: Risk, Resolve, Renewal,’ brought together global leaders, thinkers, and innovators to discuss the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.

In her remarks, the Prime Minister reflected on Sri Lanka’s democratic renewal, economic recovery, and partnership with India. She emphasised the need for responsible leadership, resilience, and cooperation in navigating global uncertainty. Addressing further, she recounted Sri Lanka’s recent journey through crisis to recovery, highlighting the Aragalaya movement as a turning point in citizens’ demand for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. 

Moreover, she outlined the Government’s economic reform agenda under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, including debt restructuring, sound fiscal management, and digital transformation. She noted the unprecedented increase in women’s representation in Parliament, now nearly 10%, and the inclusion of diverse voices, including persons with disabilities and members of the Malayagam community.

During the event, the Prime Minister further underscored the deepening partnership between India and Sri Lanka, grounded in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision. She acknowledged India’s vital support during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis and the ongoing collaboration in areas such as energy, connectivity, education, defence, trade, and technology. She acknowledged the need for upgrading the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (1998) and exploring integration into India’s manufacturing and service value chains, aligning with the Viksit Bharat vision. The Prime Minister highlighted initiatives such as GovPay, e-identity systems, and open data portals to promote transparency and eliminate corruption. She stressed that laws alone cannot rebuild nations, and that values and civic ethics are also essential.

Addressing young people across South Asia, the Prime Minister urged them to view innovation not only as technological, but also as moral as it extends to shaping systems that are fair, inclusive, and humane.