Sri Lanka: Harini Amarasuriya Sworn in as New Prime Minister

Lagatar24 Desk

Colombo: Harini Amarasuriya was sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister on Tuesday, following the inauguration of Anura Kumara Dissanayake as the island nation’s ninth Executive President. Amarasuriya, a prominent member of the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, takes over from Dinesh Gunawardena, who stepped down after Ranil Wickremesinghe‘s unsuccessful re-election bid in the presidential race.

First Female Premier in 25 Years

Amarasuriya’s appointment as the 16th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka makes her the third woman to hold this office, following Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Kumaratunga. She is also the first female premier in nearly 25 years, since Bandaranaike’s last term ended in 2000.

Additionally, Amarasuriya has been entrusted with multiple key portfolios, including Justice, Industries, Science and Technology, Health, and Investment.

Who Is Harini Amarasuriya?

1. Early Life and Education: Born on March 6, 1970, Harini Amarasuriya holds a distinguished academic background. She has earned a BA (Honours) in Sociology, an MA in Applied Anthropology and Development Studies, and a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh.
2. Political Journey: Amarasuriya entered the political arena as a Member of Parliament (MP) through the NPP national list in 2020. Her dedication to public service and activism has made her a well-respected figure within the party.
3. Parliamentary Contributions: According to Parliament records, Amarasuriya has maintained an active presence in legislative matters, being present for 269 days in the ninth Parliament.
4. Career as a Lecturer and Activist: Prior to her political career, Amarasuriya was a university lecturer and an advocate for social change, focusing on issues like education, equality, and development.
5. Breaking Barriers: As the first academician-turned-politician to assume the role of Prime Minister in Sri Lanka, Amarasuriya’s appointment marks a significant shift in the political landscape, bringing intellectual and social activism into the country’s leadership.