Harini Amarasuriya was sworn in as Sri Lanka’s 16th prime minister on Tuesday, making her the third woman in the nation’s history to hold this prestigious position. She follows in the footsteps of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first female prime minister, who held office in 1960 and again in 1994.

Amarasuriya, a prominent rights activist and academic, was chosen by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, becoming a key figure in the JVP-NPP coalition. In addition to her role as prime minister, she will oversee crucial portfolios including justice, education, health, labour, industries, and technology, making her one of the most influential figures in the country’s caretaker cabinet.

A Feminist Trailblazer with a Strong Academic Background

The 54-year-old Amarasuriya brings a unique blend of activism and academic expertise to her leadership role. She holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh, with research focusing on state-society relations, political movements, and activism. Her educational journey spanned continents, from undergraduate studies in India to a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology in Australia.

Born into a tea planter’s family in southern Sri Lanka, Harini moved to Colombo as a child after the government nationalized the tea estates. Her time in a private school shaped her feminist ideology, a passion she carried into her later academic and political pursuits. Her international experience, including studies in the US and work in the humanitarian sector, has given her a global perspective on social justice and human rights.

From Activist to Political Leader

Amarasuriya’s shift to mainstream politics came during the turbulent political climate of the 2010s. In 2011, she gained attention as an outspoken critic of the Rajapaksa regime, participating in protest marches against government policies. Her involvement with the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) deepened after the 2015 election of Maithripala Sirisena, marking her official entry into politics.

Her appointment as prime minister is seen as a significant step for Sri Lanka, particularly in a caretaker government that will lead the nation until parliamentary elections, expected to be held by November 2024. She will serve alongside fellow JVP-NPP members Vijitha Herath and Laxman Nipunarachchi in the interim cabinet, tasked with guiding the nation through a period of political transition.

What Lies Ahead?

Harini Amarasuriya’s leadership comes at a critical time for Sri Lanka, with the country facing significant economic, social, and political challenges. As the first woman to hold the office of prime minister since 1994, she symbolizes a fresh chapter in Sri Lankan governance. Her academic insight and background in social justice provide a unique perspective that could shape the nation’s policies on education, healthcare, and labor reforms.

As the country heads toward a snap parliamentary election, all eyes will be on Amarasuriya’s leadership and the potential shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.