Hon. (Dr.) S.A.D. Susil Premajayantha 

Minister of Education and The Leader of The House of Parliament
Government of Sri Lanka 

Having completed his primary and secondary education from St. Johns College, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka since year 1960, Dr.S. A. D. Susil Premajayanthagraduated with a Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of Colombo in 1982 and subsequently he was sworn in as an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court in year 1985. He also has gained a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Post Graduate Institute of Management, University of Si Jayawardenapura in year 2004. Furthermore, he has followed a short term Leadership programme at Kennedy school of Government, Harvard University in USA in 2008. After successful completion of his Ph.D. programme, he obtained his Doctorate in Public Administration from University of Horizon, Paris, France.

He is a Member of Parliament representing the ruling party, presently serving as the Minister of Education having portfolios of Educaion, Higher Education, Science, Technology, Research, Innovations, Skill Development and Vocational Training while serving as the Leader of the House of the Parliament of Sri Lanka since 2022.

He entered politics by assuming duties as the Deputy Chairman of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Urban Council in 1991. In 1993, he was elected as a Provincial Council Member of the Western Provincial Council where he was appointed as the Minister of Local Government, Agriculture,
Sports & Cooperative. Subsequently,having increased confidence on him among the public, he was re-elected to the Western Provincil Council and as a result he became the Chief Minister of Western Province for 1995-2000. In year 2000, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the first time and he was able to held his seat as a Member of Parliament in subsequent parliamentary elections. Ever since, he held many ministerial portfolios, Education, Power & Energy, Petroleum Industries, Environment, Renewable Energy and presently serving the nation as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Science, Technology & Research.

With his rise to political fame, he was appointed as the National Organizer of the political party he represented and served as the General Secretary of United people’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) for many years.

Apart from his political career, he is actively involved and holds various positions in many local and international organizations representing the Government of Sri Lanka, some of which are Life Member of Sri Lanka Russia Friendship Society since year 2000, Vice President of Sri Lanka Russia Parliamentar Friendship Association in 2002, Chairman of the Sri Lanka National Commissions for UNESCO from 2005 to 2010, elected to the Executive Board of UNESCO in year 2007, President of Sri Lanka Russia Parliamentary Friendship Association in year 2011 and from year 2015 to-date, Vice President of Sri Lanka Japan Parliamentary Association, Vice President of Sri Lanka China Friendship Association and the present President of Sri Lanka Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Society.

He also represented the Government of Sri Lanka as a Special Presidential Envoy on many occasions and historic Paris Agreement too has been signed by him as the special envoy of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka.

He has been confer with “Rising Sun” by the Emperor of Japan in recognition of Dr. Premajayantha’s significant contribution in Sri Lanka Japan Friendship in the area of Science Technology and Research.

Presently, he is serving as a Member of Board of Governors of Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and a Member of the UNESCO Executive Board

The Times Group presents
ET Now Global Business Summit 2025

Evolve | Emerge | Expand

Contact Us

For Enquiry:

Follow
Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube

Conceptualized & Executed by

Refund Policy | Privacy Policy | Whistle Blower Policy | Terms of Use

© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.

The Next Gen: DISRUPTION

Economic Disruption: We live in an era of disruption in which powerful global forces are changing how we live and work. Powerful disruptions are changing our world. The gig economy, remote work, and the sharing economy have disrupted traditional employment models. The new generation is often at the forefront of these economic changes, seeking flexibility and independence in their careers.

Technological Disruption: The new generation is witnessing rapid technological advancements and digital transformation. They are at the forefront of embracing and driving these changes, leading to disruptions in various industries. Examples include the rise of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the gig economy. Frontier technologies such as the Internet of Things, smart robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are boosting productivity growth, raising prosperity, and replacing mundane or dangerous tasks. They have the potential to do good across a wide range of domains, from healthcare to education

Cultural Disruption: Social movements and changing cultural norms are disrupting traditional societal structures. The new generation is actively involved in advocating for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice, challenging the status quo and pushing for more inclusive societies. The connection between resilience, equity and inclusion is widely accepted by policymakers: evidence has shown that creating more equitable and inclusive societies is a crucial part of any economic strategy focused on resilience and recovery.

This will close in 49 seconds

The Next Gen: DEVELOPMENT

Skill Development: The new generation places a strong emphasis on personal growth and development. They prioritize continuous learning, self-improvement, and mental well-being. Tools like online courses, self-help apps, and social networks play a significant role in their development journey. It is important to have a conversation about how to begin closing the gap between what our students are learning and what the demands of the workforce will be once they enter. Half of us will need to reskill in the next five years, as the "double disruption" of the economic impacts of the pandemic and increasing automation transforming jobs takes hold.

Sustainable Development: This generation of leaders bears the responsibility of preserving and advancing the legacies of their businesses while actively championing sustainable practices across businesses, governments, local communities, and personal lifestyle changes to secure a brighter future for the planet. Sustainability, the buzzword across the world today, will have to take on a new avatar and become the soul of every organization - business or otherwise. Businesses cannot succeed in societies that fail.

Social Development: The next generation is deeply rooted in creating positive change in society by incorporating CSR, promoting digital literacy, improving access to quality education, and supporting public health initiatives. Smart living is about adapting the fruits of technology through models that are scalable, profitable and, importantly, ecologically and socially more sustainable.

This will close in 49 seconds

The Next Gen: DIVERSIFICATION

Geographical Diversification: The prime focus of the new-gen leaders will be on a geographic diversification strategy, either domestically or internationally, aiming to integrate its products and services as a routine in consumers’ lifestyles. This will mitigate the risks associated with regional economic fluctuations. In an interconnected world, diversity, shaped by globalization and technological advances, forms the fabric of modern society.

Business Diversification: The strategic expansion and diversification of businesses with investments in newer business avenues, will enhance the return on investment, reflecting the forward-thinking approach of the next-generation leaders' eagerness to innovate. Companies are discovering that, by supporting and promoting diverse products and services, they are gaining benefits that go beyond the optics.

Workforce Diversification: To achieve geographical and business diversification, the next generation of leaders will aim at prioritizing workforce diversity, to boost job growth and create together a multitude of ideas and perspectives, igniting innovation and creativity. In times of increasing disruption and uncertainty, companies need to continue to prioritize diversity and inclusiveness (D&I) for the benefit of their culture — and their bottom line.

This will close in 49 seconds