“Equality in Education is a Right, Not a Privilege” – Sri Lanka PM Harini Amarasuriya Launches School Shoe Project
By Lions Roar News National Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (January 1, 2026) — Marking her first official act of the New Year, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that ensuring quality education for every child—regardless of their background—is the primary responsibility of the Ministry of Education.
The Prime Minister was speaking at a high-level discussion and agreement-signing ceremony for a pilot project aimed at distributing school footwear to students across the Western and Southern Provinces.
🏗️ More Than Just Footwear: A State Strategy
PM Amarasuriya clarified that the project is not merely about providing a pair of shoes, but is a vital component of a larger state plan to guarantee equal educational rights.
- No Child Left Behind: The PM stated that the Ministry must ensure no child is excluded from the education system due to financial barriers.
- Student Welfare: Welfare initiatives are an inseparable part of the learning process.
- Public-Private Partnership: The project is designed as a collaboration between the government, the private sector, and the public—a “triple-win” strategy for national development.
“To be able to carry out such a social welfare task as the first duty of the New Year is a blessing,” the Prime Minister remarked.
🏭 Boosting Local Industry and Saving State Funds
Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship, Sunil Handunnetti, also addressed the gathering, sharing a personal reflection on the emotional impact of the “gap between the haves and have-nots.”
Key highlights of the industrial plan:
- Local Manufacturers First: The project prioritizes local shoe manufacturers, providing a boost to the domestic economy.
- Cost Efficiency: By sourcing directly and streamlining distribution, the Minister noted that a significant amount of government funds would be saved.
- National Rollout: While starting as a pilot in two provinces, the government plans to cover all schools nationwide by next year.
🤝 Formalizing the Partnership
The event concluded with the official signing of agreements between the government and local footwear producers. This collective effort is a joint venture between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship.
High-ranking officials in attendance included:
- Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education.
- Thilaka Jayasundera, Secretary to the Ministry of Industries.
- Representative groups of local footwear manufacturers.
