Economics and entrepreneurship must be rooted in humanity: Harini

18 July 2025 09:30 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, July 18 (Daily Mirror) - Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today said that economics and entrepreneurship should be built on a foundation of human values, rather than driven purely by monetary gain. She highlighted the importance of the “care economy” as a powerful example of this human-centered approach.

Speaking at a program held at the Education Ministry, Dr. Amarasuriya said that while current societal norms prioritize financial value, true development must include ethical and spiritual growth.

“We need a developed society—not just economically, but spiritually and ethically as well. Wealth is not only about money,” she said, adding that the new education reforms go beyond just curriculum changes.

She also said that issues such as theft, corruption, and fraud are often committed by individuals who are highly educated in their fields, highlighting the need to integrate human values into disciplines like finance and entrepreneurship.

“Entrepreneurs should not just chase profit, but also care for the environment, society, and each other,” she noted.

The Prime Minister further questioned what shape society would take if women were only engaged in work considered financially valuable, underscoring the broader role of care and compassion in sustainable development.

Comments - 12

Zarook Saturday, 19 July 2025 12:08 AM

Yoda Pachini no action Pacha talking only. Enjoying super luxury vehicles similar to kaputas.

2 6

jab Saturday, 19 July 2025 05:07 PM

not a member of the SLMC.

2 0

Jude Saturday, 19 July 2025 01:31 AM

To be a successful businessman you must be heartless.!! That's figure of speech. Then again can't be "Faint of Heart" either!! The entrepreneur has invested his money blood sweat and tears in to the business !!!

3 5

Anura G Saturday, 19 July 2025 02:44 AM

A purely human-centered approach risks becoming ideological rather than practical

2 5

Chartered Electrical Engineer Saturday, 19 July 2025 06:21 AM

Our education system needs reform urgently. We need more STEM graduates

1 6

Jude Saturday, 19 July 2025 06:52 AM

Entrepreneurs should be encouraged!! Government should offer incentives like low interest loans!!! And government land on low lease to build manufacturing plants.

2 4

Pusa Saturday, 19 July 2025 07:19 AM

Just keep talking nonsense and don’t do anything which will preserve the economy!

3 6

P Kunchithapathan Saturday, 19 July 2025 07:20 AM

Economics and entrepreneurship must go hand in hand and ought to be integrated into the national school curriculum. Regrettably, in this country, entrepreneurship has long been relegated to the background, while undue prominence has been given to the unethical practices of certain Pettah traders. The rate of entrepreneurial penetration remains a dismal 2%, in stark contrast to over 20% in neighbouring countries. The entire governmental framework designed to facilitate the registration of partnerships and sole proprietorships is in a state of disrepair. One must ask—what do Grama Niladharis or clerical staff at District Secretariats truly understand about the intricacies of business incorporation? A comprehensive overhaul of this archaic system is both urgent and imperative.

0 8

Gona Saturday, 19 July 2025 02:39 PM

The Pettah system has been created in favour of Expolanka Western Province strongman. He throws filthy lucre to any party who is set to receive power. Keep this as a secret. OK okay okay.

2 2

Namal W Saturday, 19 July 2025 08:14 AM

You are 100% right prime minister. If , Sri Lanka had ethical thinking presidents and prime-ministers, ministers, officials and people, Sri Lanka would not be where it is now. But, there is one very important thing to do at the moment, that is to double the export income to 24 Billion dollars. If this is not done we all should know where Sri Lanka would be in 2027. We will be again a bankrupt country, with no ethics to talk about.

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Khayyam Saturday, 19 July 2025 09:47 AM

Sustainable business practices involve balancing profits with the needs of the community and environment. This is obvious and one any rational person should wholeheartedly agree with. But context is important. Sri Lankan businesses are already not globally competitive across most sectors. Our medium-term national focus should remain on making businesses more profitable and entrepreneurship more attractive. When our business sector is healthy and world beating, then it would be wholly appropriate for the Government to talk about the need for businesses to give back to society. Until then, the best interests of our country and our people would be served by a Government that works with businesses to drive competitiveness and productivity. Speeches like this from the Prime Minister set the wrong tone.

2 4

Gona Saturday, 19 July 2025 02:34 PM

Harini sahodariya (how JVP address their female cadres), you are talking about entrepreneurship, why didn't you choose that path, leaving the opportunity for somebody else who could have been more suitable to handle all the trainees in the Parliament who only knows to raise their arm when decisions are made by a few hardliners at Pelawatte?

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