Meet Harini Amarasuriya: Sri Lanka's New Prime Minister with Indian Connections
Meet harini Amarasuriya: Sri Lanka's New prime minister with indian Connections
Harini Amarasuriya has made history as Sri Lanka's 16th prime minister, becoming the first woman to hold the position since 2000 and only the third woman in the country's history. Her appointment follows Anura Kumara Dissanayake's ascension to Executive President, marking a significant political shift in the nation.
A Connection to India
Amarasuriya, 54, has strong ties to India, having spent much of her academic life there. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from delhi university, studying at Hindu college from 1991 to 1994. This institution is renowned for its influential alumni and has played a pivotal role in shaping her political trajectory.
Anju Srivastava, principal of Hindu college, expressed pride in Amarasuriya’s achievements, stating, “It’s an honour to know that a Hinduite has become the prime minister of Sri Lanka.”
Academic and Political Background
Born on march 6, 1970, Amarasuriya has a robust academic background, holding an MA in Applied Anthropology and Development Studies, along with a PhD in Social Anthropology from the university of Edinburgh. Before entering politics, she was a social activist and university lecturer.
In addition to her role as prime minister, Amarasuriya will oversee multiple portfolios, including Justice, Industries, Science and Technology, Health, and Investment. Her presence in the Sri Lankan parliament was notable, with 269 days attended compared to 120 absences in the current term (2020-2024).
Harini Amarasuriya’s ascent to the Prime Ministership is seen as a milestone not only for gender representation in sri lanka but also for the deepening of connections between sri lanka and India.
Harini Amarasuriya has made history as Sri Lanka's 16th prime minister, becoming the first woman to hold the position since 2000 and only the third woman in the country's history. Her appointment follows Anura Kumara Dissanayake's ascension to Executive President, marking a significant political shift in the nation.
A Connection to India
Amarasuriya, 54, has strong ties to India, having spent much of her academic life there. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from delhi university, studying at Hindu college from 1991 to 1994. This institution is renowned for its influential alumni and has played a pivotal role in shaping her political trajectory.
Anju Srivastava, principal of Hindu college, expressed pride in Amarasuriya’s achievements, stating, “It’s an honour to know that a Hinduite has become the prime minister of Sri Lanka.”
Academic and Political Background
Born on march 6, 1970, Amarasuriya has a robust academic background, holding an MA in Applied Anthropology and Development Studies, along with a PhD in Social Anthropology from the university of Edinburgh. Before entering politics, she was a social activist and university lecturer.
In addition to her role as prime minister, Amarasuriya will oversee multiple portfolios, including Justice, Industries, Science and Technology, Health, and Investment. Her presence in the Sri Lankan parliament was notable, with 269 days attended compared to 120 absences in the current term (2020-2024).
Harini Amarasuriya’s ascent to the Prime Ministership is seen as a milestone not only for gender representation in sri lanka but also for the deepening of connections between sri lanka and India.