Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 26 January inaugurated the newly constructed Innovation Building at Nalanda College, Colombo, underscoring that technological advancement must remain firmly rooted in human values.

The facility, constructed as part of the school’s centenary celebrations, represents an investment of Rs. 300 million for its first phase.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said one of the greatest challenges facing educators today was preparing students for a future that cannot yet be clearly defined. With no precedents to guide the next decade, she said education must focus on equipping young people with the ability to navigate uncertainty.

“When we have no idea and no precedent, it becomes a great challenge for those engaged in education to imagine what kind of world we are creating ten years from now, and how we prepare our next generation for it,” she said.

Dr. Amarasuriya stressed that modern education should prioritise problem-solving, creativity, innovation, and, above all, a human-centred approach. While acknowledging the rapid advancement of technology, she cautioned against allowing it to develop in isolation from society.

“Ultimately, technology has to serve human beings,” she said, adding that technical expertise without an understanding of humanity and social realities was of little value. “We do not need technologists who do not understand human society. We do not need that kind of technology.”

She further emphasised that as technological progress accelerates, schools must place greater emphasis on nurturing human qualities and a sense of social responsibility alongside technical skills.

The Prime Minister noted that institutions such as Nalanda College have a critical role to play in shaping future generations who are not only technologically capable but also ethically grounded and socially conscious.