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Harini Amarasuriya: New Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Harini Amarasuriya, the first woman to hold the office since 2000, has been sworn in as Sri Lanka's new Prime Minister. She holds a PhD in Social Anthropology and is the first academician-turned-politician to become Prime Minister in Sri Lanka.

Harini Amarasuriya's Appointment and Background

  • Sworn in as Sri Lanka's new Prime Minister on Tuesday, September 24, 2024
  • First woman to hold the office since Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 2000
  • Third female Prime Minister in Sri Lanka's history
  • 54-year-old leader of the National People's Power (NPP) alliance
  • Extensive portfolio responsibilities:
    • Justice, Education, Labor, Industries, Science and Technology, Health, and Investment

Background:

    • University lecturer and rights activist
    • Holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh
    • Became a Member of Parliament through the NPP national list in 2020
    • First academician-turned-politician to become Prime Minister in Sri Lanka

New Government Formation and Cabinet Appointments

  • President Anura Kumara Dissanayake sworn in on Sunday, September 22, 2024
  • Dissanayake appointed a new cabinet of four members, including himself

Other cabinet appointments:

    • NPP parliamentarians Vijitha Herath and Laxman Nipunarachchi sworn in as ministers

Dissanayake's roles:

    • Assumed office as Sri Lanka's ninth Executive President
    • Took on key finance portfolio
    • Also holding economic development and tourism jobs
  • Caretaker government formed ahead of expected snap parliamentary election
  • Parliament dissolution imminent, with elections possibly in late November

Political and Economic Implications

  • Amarasuriya succeeds Dinesh Gunawardena, who resigned following the presidential election
  • Marks a significant step for gender representation in Sri Lankan politics
  • NPP's focus on progressive leadership and reform highlighted

Challenges ahead:

    • Navigating ongoing economic and political challenges
    • Fostering unity and stability after a turbulent period

Economic concerns:

    • Dissanayake's intentions to slash taxes and revisit IMF bailout terms worry investors
    • Potential delay in crucial $25 billion debt restructuring
    • Need to address Sri Lanka's recovery from severe economic crisis

Political landscape:

    • NPP currently holds only three of 225 seats in parliament
    • Snap election aimed at aligning legislative body with new presidential leadership

Opportunity for NPP to increase its parliamentary representation

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