By: Isuru Parakrama
September 24, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed National People’s Power (NPP) MP Dr Harini Amarasuriya as Sri Lanka’s 16th Prime Minister.
An academic, rights activist, and university lecturer, Amarasuriya’s elevation to this prominent role marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape.
Renowned for her work in education and social justice, Dr Amarasuriya’s appointment reflects a shift towards a more inclusive political environment.
She becomes the third woman to hold the title of Prime Minister, following Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first woman prime minister, and her daughter, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
Dr Amarasuriya’s journey into politics began with her involvement in the NPP, entering Parliament in 2020 through the party’s national list. As the first academic-turned-politician to ascend to the office of Prime Minister, she brings a unique blend of intellectual rigor and activism to the position.
Her appointment is expected to shape discussions on social reforms, particularly in the fields of education and human rights, as her background strongly aligns with these areas.
Amarasuriya’s rise to the second-highest office in Sri Lanka represents a break from traditional political paths, offering hope for a more progressive and policy-driven approach to governance.
