PM Positions Education and Arts as Drivers of Innovation and Economic Growth

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says the government sees education, creativity, culture and the arts as part of the country’s long-term economic development.

Speaking at the opening of the Colombo Literary Festival 2026, she said these areas help people develop new ideas, solve problems and support democracy.

“The government recognises that investing in education, creativity, culture and the arts is part of national development,” Amarasuriya said. “A society that values knowledge, creativity and free expression is better placed to innovate, address challenges and strengthen democracy.”

Her comments show that the government views knowledge and creative industries as contributors to future economic growth. These sectors also help develop skills that businesses need to compete and adapt.

The Prime Minister also met Indian Member of Parliament and author Shashi Tharoor, who attended the festival as a special guest.

Organisers launched the Colombo Literary Festival at Arcade Independence Square. They describe it as the country’s first international trilingual literary festival.

The six-day event runs from July 24 to July 29. It gives equal focus to Sinhala, Tamil and English.

Writers, publishers, academics, filmmakers, artists and readers from Sri Lanka and overseas are taking part. The programme includes book launches, literary discussions, workshops, film screenings, cultural events, music performances and book exhibitions.

The festival also supports business activity in publishing, printing, bookselling and event management. It creates opportunities for local and international participants to work together across the creative sector.