Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has said that overcoming Sri Lanka’s economic crisis cannot be the country’s ultimate goal, arguing that a broader economic and institutional transformation is needed for sustainable progress.
She made the remarks in Colombo on Tuesday at the inauguration of the 39th Annual Convention of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA), held under the theme “Envisioning Sri Lanka: Beyond Recovery.”
The Prime Minister said the economic, social and institutional challenges of recent years had weakened public confidence and created uncertainty about the country’s future.
“Recovery only provides the foundation,” she said, according to a statement issued by her office. “A country can move forward sustainably only if that foundation is used to bring about a significant change, a transformation.”
Beyond a return to normal
Amarasuriya said the objective should not be limited to returning to normalcy, but to building a country with strong institutions, a resilient economy, quality public services and opportunities for every citizen.
That could not be achieved through economic growth or physical development alone, she said, pointing to transparent governance and the effective use of the country’s professional expertise as essential conditions.
A call for professional input
The Prime Minister said professional bodies such as the OPA have an important role in that transformation, noting that a country’s development is determined not only by its physical resources but by how effectively the knowledge, skills and experience of its people are used.
She said the government considers evidence-based knowledge, data and practical experience from professionals essential to sound policymaking, and that policies must not remain confined to documents but have a measurable effect on daily life.
Amarasuriya also pointed to rapid global change driven by artificial intelligence, digital technology and climate change, saying Sri Lanka must be prepared to respond. She said professionals carry a responsibility to uphold ethical leadership and to express views grounded in evidence and scientific knowledge at a time when misinformation spreads rapidly.
The OPA Journal was presented to the Prime Minister during the convention, and the official logo of the 39th Annual Convention was unveiled.
Those attending included British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick, Advocata Institute Chairman Murtaza Jafferjee, OPA President Jayanthi Gallehewa, incoming President and Convention Committee Chairman Thisara de Silva, and General Secretary Engineer Ravi Rupasinghe.
Sources: Sri Lanka must move beyond economic recovery: PM Harini — Ada Derana, August 12; The contribution of Professionals is vital to Sri Lanka’s Broad Economic and Institutional Transformation for Sustainable Progress — Prime Minister’s Office, August 11.
