By Adolf
Power has a remarkable way of changing people, their lifestyles and, sometimes, their perception of the world around them. The political journey of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya offers an interesting case study in how quickly circumstances can transform an individual’s public life. Harini is known for her academic background and her association with Sri Lanka’s intellectual circles. Her family is also said to have a distant connection to Sir Thomas Amarasuriya, a prominent figure in the country’s history. Educated in history and social sciences, she built her professional career as an academic at the Open University of Sri Lanka before entering politics. Her entry into Parliament was through the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which selected her as a National List MP over Lawyer Waransuriya. Gender also played a part. Before assuming high political office, she was known for leading a relatively modest lifestyle, travelling by public bus and three-wheeler. That image appeared consistent with the egalitarian principles traditionally associated with the political movement she joined.
Fortunes Changed
Then came a dramatic change in fortunes. Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, the first time in history when a President was elected with out a 50% majority. This followed by the National People’s Power’s sweeping parliamentary victory, transformed the political landscape. Harini was appointed Prime Minister, a position that elevated her from an academic and relatively new parliamentarian to one of the most powerful figures in government.
Vijitha Herath
Her appointment also raised questions about the party’s internal calculations. Vijitha Herath, a longstanding JVP member with considerable political experience and an established electoral record, was another prominent figure. Yet the party leadership chose Harini for the premiership. The reasons behind that decision remain a matter of political interpretation. Analysts say Vijitha Herath was a favourite of the previous JVP leader, Somawansa Amerasinghe, to become leader of the JVP. Anura Kumara won the contest.
Contrast
Today, the contrast between Harini’s earlier public image and the privileges associated with high office has attracted attention. Official vehicles, security arrangements before her arrival and the protocols accompanying her political positions inevitably distinguish those in power from ordinary citizens. The question, however, is whether these arrangements are proportionate, necessary and consistent with the principles of public accountability.
Vijitha Herath, by comparison, is often perceived as maintaining a relatively low public profile. Such comparisons should not become a contest over vehicles or personal security. What matters is whether public resources are being used responsibly and whether political leaders demonstrate the restraint they expect from others.
The government has promised a different political culture, greater transparency and an end to wasteful expenditure. Those commitments must apply equally to every minister and the Prime Minister herself. The public will inevitably scrutinise expenditure, official travel, security arrangements and decisions that impose additional costs on the taxpayer. Harini’s political rise has been extraordinary. But political success is never permanent, and public confidence cannot be taken for granted. Governments change, electoral fortunes fluctuate and the privileges of office eventually disappear. The real test of leadership is not how comfortably a politician travels while in power, but whether that politician remains connected to the people who put them there.Harini should remember that the bus and the three-wheeler are not merely symbols of her past. They are reminders of the ordinary Sri Lankans whose expectations helped bring this government to power. Her current travel in bulletproof vehicles at taxpayers’ expense can last only until the next election. Should political fortunes change, a return to a more modest lifestyle may once again become a reality. Power is temporary. Public accountability is not—as the Rajapaksa clan is now discovering.
