On September 24, 2024, Sri Lanka witnessed a significant political shift as Harini Amarasuriya officially took oath as the 16th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. This marked an important milestone in Sri Lankan history as she became the third woman to hold the position of Prime Minister, following the legacy of Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Kumaratunga.
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- Leadership Change in Sri Lanka: Harini Amarasuriya, aged 54, leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) party, replaced Dinesh Gunawardene after he stepped down from his role following the recent Sri Lankan presidential election results.
- Oath of Office: The oath was administered by Anura Kumar Dissanayake, the President of Sri Lanka, at a ceremonial event held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
A Historic Moment for Sri Lanka’s Women in Politics
The swearing-in of Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister is a notable moment in Sri Lanka’s political landscape, further solidifying the presence of women in high offices of power. With her extensive background as an academic and a human rights activist, her leadership promises to bring a fresh perspective to the country’s governance.
- Third Woman PM of Sri Lanka: Harini Amarasuriya joins the ranks of Sri Lanka’s pioneering women leaders, Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Kumaratunga, both of whom have had significant influence in shaping the country’s political history.
About Harini Amarasuriya: From Activist to Prime Minister
Harini Amarasuriya has a remarkable journey from academia to becoming a leader in Sri Lanka’s political sphere.
- Academic and Activist: Before venturing into politics, Harini Amarasuriya was a respected university lecturer at the Department of Social Studies, Open University of Sri Lanka.
- Public Activism: Her political career began in 2011 when she actively participated in protests against the Rajapaksa government, advocating for free education. This earned her recognition as a dedicated public activist.
- Campaigner for JVP: In 2019, she campaigned for Anura Dissanayake, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), in the presidential elections.
- Member of Parliament (MP): In 2020, she entered Sri Lanka’s parliament for the first time, representing the NPP, an alliance led by the JVP.
Sri Lanka’s New Cabinet: A Caretaker Government
As part of the changes following the recent political reshuffle, President Anura Kumar Dissanayake has appointed a new cabinet consisting of four key members. This caretaker government will serve until the parliamentary elections on November 14, 2024.
- Cabinet Composition: The new cabinet includes:
- Anura Kumar Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka
- Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
- Vijitha Herath, NPP Parliamentarian
- Laxman Nipunarachchi, NPP Parliamentarian
This new leadership structure marks a transitional phase in Sri Lanka’s political history, with a focus on stabilizing governance until the next elections.
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FAQs
Who is the new Prime Minister in Sri Lanka?
The new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka is Harini Amarasuriya as of 2024.
Who is Sri Lanka’s current president?
The current President of Sri Lanka is Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Who was the first PM of Sri Lanka?
The first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka was D.S. Senanayake.
Who is the prime minister of the country?
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka is Harini Amarasuriya.
New prime minister of Sri Lanka
The new Prime Minister is Harini Amarasuriya.
Former prime minister of Sri Lanka
The former Prime Minister was Dinesh Gunawardena.
First woman prime minister of Sri Lanka
The first woman Prime Minister was Sirimavo Bandaranaike.
First Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
The first Prime Minister was D.S. Senanayake.
Is Sri Lanka a rich or poor country?
Sri Lanka is considered a developing country with economic challenges.
Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes, Indians need a visa to visit Sri Lanka, which can be obtained online.
Is it safe to go to Sri Lanka now?
Yes, Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists.
What is the religion in Sri Lanka?
The main religion in Sri Lanka is Buddhism.
Is India better than Sri Lanka?
Both countries have unique strengths, but India is larger with a bigger economy, while Sri Lanka is known for its natural beauty.
Is Sri Lanka a cheap country?
Yes, Sri Lanka is relatively affordable for travelers.
Sri Lanka people
The people of Sri Lanka are known for being warm and hospitable.
Sri Lanka Tourism
Sri Lanka is popular for its beaches, wildlife, and historical sites.
Sri Lanka population by religion
The majority are Buddhists (about 70%), followed by Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
Is Sri Lanka part of India?
No, Sri Lanka is an independent island nation.
Sri Lanka history
Sri Lanka has a rich history dating back over 2,500 years, with influences from various kingdoms, colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and finally gaining independence in 1948.