Dr. Harini Amarasuriya: Sri Lanka’s Most Qualified Prime Minister

Introduction

Dr. Harini Nireka Amarasuriya, Sri Lanka’s third female Prime Minister, has made history as the most academically qualified individual to assume this prestigious position. Her remarkable journey, marked by activism and intellectual rigor, has propelled her from advocating for educational reforms to becoming a transformative leader in Sri Lankan politics.

Early Life and Education

Born on 6th March 1970 in Galle, Dr. Amarasuriya grew up in a family rooted in tradition and tea planting. Her father was a tea planter, and her mother was a homemaker. After the nationalization of her father’s estate during the Sirima Bandaranaike administration, her family relocated to Colombo. Dr. Amarasuriya began her education at Bishop’s College, Colombo, amidst a turbulent time in Sri Lankan history, marked by war and political unrest.

Educational Journey in India

In the face of local university closures due to political unrest, Dr. Amarasuriya sought alternatives and secured a scholarship to pursue her higher education in India. She completed her BA (Hons) in Sociology at Hindu College, Delhi University, an experience that ignited her interest in social anthropology. This exposure to diverse societal issues laid the foundation for her future activism and political career.

Her alma mater, Hindu College, expressed immense pride in her achievements, highlighting her leadership development during her time in the institution, which included participation in a student-led parliamentary system.

Activism and Academic Pursuits

After completing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Amarasuriya pursued an MA in Applied Anthropology and Development from Macquarie University, followed by a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh. Her academic focus was always intertwined with real-world issues, as demonstrated by her work with Nest Sri Lanka, an NGO dedicated to marginalized mental health patients.

In the post-tsunami era, she expanded her work to support affected children and HIV/AIDS patients, displaying an unyielding commitment to addressing societal inequalities.

Transition to Academia and Political Involvement

In 2011, Dr. Amarasuriya joined the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) as a lecturer in Sociology and Social Anthropology. Her involvement in the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) led her to participate in one of Sri Lanka’s longest strikes, advocating for better working conditions and fair treatment for university staff.

Her political journey took a significant turn in 2019 when she joined the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), becoming a key figure in the National Intellectuals Organisation (NIO). In 2020, Dr. Amarasuriya was appointed as a National List MP representing the National People’s Power (NPP), officially resigning from her academic role to focus on her political career.

Parliamentary Contributions

Dr. Amarasuriya’s contributions in Parliament reflect her deep commitment to public welfare and social justice. She has served on numerous committees, including the Committee on Public Accounts and the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Education. Her work in areas such as gender equality, public health, and animal welfare has been widely recognized.

In 2024, she played an instrumental role in the Parliamentary Caucus for Animal Welfare and served on committees addressing gender-based discrimination and children’s rights.

A Trailblazer in Sri Lankan Politics

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya’s ascension to the office of Prime Minister underscores her dedication to creating a more equitable society. As Sri Lanka’s 16th Prime Minister and third female leader, her impressive academic qualifications and unwavering commitment to activism make her one of the most influential leaders in the nation’s history.

Conclusion

From her early activism to her appointment as Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya embodies the spirit of progress and intellectual excellence. Her journey serves as an inspiration for future generations, particularly young women, to engage in politics and contribute to societal transformation. Sri Lanka’s political landscape has been forever changed by the influence of this remarkable leader.