Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Harini Amarasuriya as the country’s 16th Prime Minister, according to reports. Amarasuriya, a member of the National People’s Power (NPP) party, is an academic, rights activist, and university lecturer recognized for her contributions to education and social justice. Her appointment marks a significant achievement as she becomes the third woman to hold the Prime Ministerial post in Sri Lanka, following in the footsteps of Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
First Academic-Turned-Politician in Office
Amarasuriya entered Parliament in 2020 through the NPP national list, making her the first academic-turned-politician to assume the Prime Minister’s office in Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake Takes Office Amid Promises of Reform
On Monday, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist-leaning politician, was sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new president after winning the elections on September 21. Following his inauguration, Dissanayake expressed his commitment to restoring public trust in politicians, acknowledging the complex challenges facing the nation. He stated, “I am not a conjurer, I am not a magician… I will seek the best advice and do my best. For that, I need the support of everyone.”
Electoral Victory and Future Challenges
According to the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, Dissanayake won the presidential election with 42.31% of the vote, representing the People’s Liberation Front (JVP) party and the NPP alliance. His campaign focused on combating corruption and reforming the political landscape in Sri Lanka, which is recovering from a severe economic crisis that led to food and fuel shortages and forced former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee in July 2022.
Stabilization Efforts Amid Austerity Measures
The situation in Sri Lanka has stabilized with assistance from the International Monetary Fund, although citizens continue to endure hardships due to strict austerity measures. Dissanayake, who was involved in the JVP-led rebellions of the 1970s and 1980s, has softened some of his policies, advocating for an open economy while not entirely opposing privatization.
