Harini Amarasuriya: DU Graduate Becomes Sri Lanka's 1st Female PM In 24 Years

Harini Amarasuriya was sworn in as the 16th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on September 25 by newly-elected president, Anura Kumar Dissanayake. The academic-turned-politician is making history as the first woman in over two decades to lead the island country after Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 2000. Amarasuriya, the third woman PM of Sri Lanka, is a leader of the National People’s Power (NPP). She has been a prolific author and human rights advocate and is known to have actively campaigned against dissent and resistance. 

Who Is Harini Amarasuriya?

Amarasuriya, 54, is the first person in her family to step into politics. She was born and raised in Colombo by a homemaker mother and tea planter father. Her ascent from being a commoner to now leading the country is not only a testament to her proficiency but also her determination to fight barriers.

Amarasuriya grew up with a strong passion for political and social impact. She completed her undergraduate studies in India, earning her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Hindu College, Delhi University. Her achievement as the PM of Sri Lanka has been a celebratory occasion for her Indian alma mater.

Anju Srivastava, the principal of Hindu College, told the Press Trust of India, “It’s an honour to know that a Hinduite has become the PM of Sri Lanka. Harini was a student here from 1991 to 1994 and we are extremely proud of her accomplishments. I hope her time at Hindu played a part in shaping her path to success.”

Bollywood director Nalin Rajan Singh, a batchmate of Amarasuriya, reminisced that she actively collaborated with the student government and often participated in debates and events. "It was the 90s, and a lot of us were starting to make our mark. To see her become prime minister is amazing," Singh said.

Amarasuriya completed her doctoral research at the prestigious University of Edinburgh. She pursued a revered career a professor of Sociology and Anthropology for over a decade in Colombo. She also served as the leader of the teachers' trade union before making her political debut in 2015 .

Amarasuriya is also an activist who advocates for for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and is part of the Parliamentary Caucus for Animal Welfare. She has also published books and researched youth, politics, development, state-society relations, child protection, globalisation, etc.