Who is Harini Amarasuriya, the new Sri Lankan Prime Minister?

September 26, 2024

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumar Dissanayake appointed Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as the country’s Prime Minister, making her the first woman in 24 years to hold this position since Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 2000. She is only the third woman to ever serve as Prime Minister in Sri Lanka’s history.

Significance of the Appointment

Dr. Harini ‘s appointment is important for several reasons:

Multiple Roles: She holds key government positions, including responsibilities for Justice, Education, and Health, making her one of the most influential leaders in the country.

Rare Female Leadership: She is only the third woman to become Prime Minister out of the 16 people who have held this position in Sri Lanka’s history.

Political Shift: Her rise to power represents a shift toward more gender and ethnic inclusivity in Sri Lankan politics, breaking traditional barriers.

Background of Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Personal Life: Born in March 1970 in Galle, Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini is the youngest of three children. Her family went through economic struggles after the government nationalized many industries.

Education: She studied Sociology at Delhi University and earned a Master’s degree from Macquarie University. She later completed her Ph.D. at the University of Edinburgh.

Professional Career: Dr. Harini worked as a social health officer before entering politics. She also led the Humanities and Social Sciences department at the Open University of Sri Lanka.

Her Political Journey

Entering Politics: Dr. Harini joined full-time politics in 2021 after years of being an academic and activist.

Political Party: She is a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a political party that was once associated with militant actions but has since moved toward a more reformist and democratic image.

Advocacy and Beliefs

Women’s Rights: Dr. Harini is a strong advocate for women’s rights and has been critical of the toxic and exclusionary political culture in Sri Lanka, pushing for more gender equality.

Ethnic Inclusivity: Growing up among Tamil neighbors has shaped her belief in the need to address ethnic inequalities. She is particularly focused on helping Tamil women who were affected by Sri Lanka’s civil war.

Impact on Sri Lankan Politics

Dr. Harini’s leadership could mark a turning point for Sri Lanka. Her position as Prime Minister could lead to more efforts at reconciliation with the Tamil minority and bring about a more inclusive government that seeks to improve the lives of all Sri Lankans. Her rise in politics also highlights a positive move towards gender equality and better representation in the country’s political landscape.

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