Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met former Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo Yong-Boon during a study visit to Singapore, where they discussed governance, economic transformation and public policy reform.
The meeting took place at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, where the two discussed how Singapore has adapted to global technological and economic shifts, including artificial intelligence, automation and advanced manufacturing, through strong institutions and evidence-based policymaking.
Premadasa said Sri Lanka should learn from Singapore’s experience in building resilient systems and institutions rather than relying on individual leadership alone. He also highlighted the importance of national unity and long-term strategic planning amid global uncertainty.
He briefed Yeo on Sri Lanka’s recent economic and humanitarian challenges, including the impact of national disasters and economic shocks, and stressed the need to strengthen institutional capacity, diversify export markets and enhance expertise in trade negotiations and foreign economic relations.
During the meeting, Yeo agreed to engage with Sri Lanka through a future multi-partisan workshop on public policy, aligned with Premadasa’s reform agenda, to share Singapore’s experiences in governance, economic transformation, foreign policy strategy and managing technological disruption.
Yeo served in Singapore’s Cabinet for more than two decades and held several key portfolios, including information and the arts, health, trade and industry, and foreign affairs. He is widely regarded internationally as a statesman and strategic thinker. (Newswire)