– Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has highlighted the need to build a more cultured and sensitive society, saying certain comments made on social media, particularly those targeting children, women and vulnerable people, highlight the need for greater humanity in public discourse.The Prime Minister said a cultured person should not be defined merely by academic knowledge or the ability to reproduce information learned from books, but by the ability to develop empathy, sensitivity and humanity through exposure to literature and the arts.She made the remarks yesterday (6) while attending the Gampaha Literary Festival (GAMLIT 26) at the Gampaha Municipal Council Auditorium as the Chief Guest.

According to the Prime Minister, a person who has developed such sensitivity would not deliberately humiliate, hurt or disrespect another individual. Prior to the festival, Dr. Amarasuriya visited exhibitions organized by schoolchildren showcasing their talents in art, literature and technology. She interacted with the students, listened to their presentations on emerging trends and commended both their talents and the efforts of teachers who had guided them.She also presented gifts and certificates to students who demonstrated special talents and to schools that participated in the exhibition.Addressing the festival, the Prime Minister said the decision by the Gampaha Municipal Council to organise a literary festival was an example that could be followed by other parts of the country. She described the festival theme, “In Search of a Cultured Citizen,” as particularly timely.

She said that while rebuilding the economy, developing infrastructure and strengthening state institutions remain important, creating people capable of transforming society is also a key responsibility of the Government.The Prime Minister said that the impact of a literary festival extends beyond the event itself, noting that the preparation, training, discussions and engagement with literature and the arts can help develop more empathetic and sensitive individuals.She said the Government has a responsibility to create suitable pathways for schoolchildren, based on their individual talents and abilities, as they represent the country’s future.

Dr. Amarasuriya also encouraged students to make literature and the arts part of their lives, while expressing confidence that the initiative could eventually be expanded into a national-level program. Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe said building the country both materially and culturally was a shared responsibility, while appreciating the support extended by municipal councillors from different political parties towards organizing the festival.Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Mulaffer, Gampaha District MP Lasith Bhashana, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Gampaha, municipal councilors and residents also attended the event.