Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, at the Parliament today for discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the education sector.

According to the Prime Minister’s Media Division, Ambassador Chung highlighted the ongoing progress of Peace Corps initiatives and other US-supported programmes in education and cultural exchange. She also emphasized the strong educational ties between the two countries, including opportunities offered through the Fulbright International Exchange Program.

The Fulbright Program—America’s flagship academic and cultural exchange initiative—provides students and scholars from over 160 countries with opportunities to study, teach, conduct research, and engage in knowledge exchange that strengthens mutual understanding.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Amarasuriya underscored the need for technical expertise in key areas of Sri Lanka’s education sector, including the Ministry of Education, the Department of Examinations, and the National Institute of Education. She noted that such support is vital as the country moves away from an exam-centric system toward formative assessments and more collaborative, student-centered learning.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of attracting emerging scholars whose knowledge and research align with Sri Lanka’s human development goals.

Senior officials from both sides were present. The US delegation included Menaka Nayyar, Public Affairs Officer; Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the US–Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission; and Prof. Prabha Manuratne of the University Grants Commission. The Sri Lankan delegation comprised Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Pramuditha Manusighe, Director of the Europe and North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.