Harini Nireka Amarasuriya, the 16th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, is set to deliver a significant address at her alma mater, Hindu College, during her upcoming visit to Delhi. This event marks a poignant moment, underscoring her deep connection with educational institutions and her unwavering dedication to advancing education and social development.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya’s visit comes as she spearheads crucial national reforms in Sri Lanka, with a particular focus on the education sector. Renowned for her persistent efforts to eliminate political interference in schools, prohibit corporal punishment, and champion inclusive education, she has skillfully integrated her extensive academic background with her political career to drive fundamental systemic change. Her forthcoming address offers a unique opportunity for her to impart her valuable experiences and insights to students who now walk the same hallowed halls she once did, illustrating the powerful interplay between academic pursuit and national leadership.
From Humble Beginnings: Early Steps in Galle and Colombo
Born on March 6, 1970, in Galle, Harini Amarasuriya is the youngest of three siblings. Her early life saw her father working as a planter while her mother managed their household. Following the government’s takeover of their family estate under the Land Reform Act of 1972, the family relocated to Colombo. She attended Bishop’s College and further broadened her horizons by spending a year in the United States as an exchange student, which provided her with early exposure to diverse international education and community engagement programs.
A Distinguished Scholar: Delhi and Beyond
Amarasuriya’s academic prowess earned her an Indian government scholarship, leading her to study sociology at Hindu College, University of Delhi, from 1991 to 1994, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree. Her time in Delhi was instrumental, allowing her to engage with students from varied backgrounds, an experience she later cited as pivotal in shaping her understanding of social inclusion. She then pursued a Master of Arts in Applied and Development Anthropology at Macquarie University in Australia, followed by a PhD in Social Anthropology from the prestigious University of Edinburgh. Her doctoral research delved into critical areas such as human rights, ethics, and social dissent, reflecting her profound commitment to these fields.
From Community Roots to Campus Leadership
Upon her return to Sri Lanka, Amarasuriya began her career as a community health worker with Nest Sri Lanka, dedicating her efforts to support children impacted by the devastating 2004 tsunami. Her commitment to social causes transitioned into academia in 2011 when she became a senior lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at the Open University of Sri Lanka, eventually rising to become the head of the department. During this period, she spearheaded significant research projects, often funded by international organizations, investigating the influence of radical groups on social dissent and meticulously examining ethical practices within human rights work.
Championing Education and Workers’ Rights
Harini Amarasuriya’s activism extended to the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA), where she passionately advocated for improved working conditions for university staff. Simultaneously, she became a prominent voice for national education system reforms, notably calling for a government allocation of 6 percent of the GDP to education. She firmly believed that equitable access to quality education was crucial for dismantling cycles of inequality and diminishing the undue influence of elite schools across Sri Lanka.
A New Chapter: Stepping into Politics
Harini Amarasuriya embarked on her political journey in 2019, joining the National Intellectuals Organization and actively endorsing NPP candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the presidential election. A year later, she entered Parliament as a National List MP for the National People’s Power (NPP). In her parliamentary capacity, she focused intently on issues such as reconciliation, social inclusion, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and comprehensive education policy. Her involvement in committees on animal welfare and social development further showcased her broad reform agenda, seamlessly blending social advocacy with legislative action.
Taking the National Helm
On September 24, 2024, Amarasuriya made history when she was sworn in as Prime Minister, becoming the first from her party and only the third woman to ever hold this esteemed office in Sri Lanka. Leading a caretaker government with a compact cabinet, she took charge of diverse portfolios including justice, health, education, trade, and industries. She swiftly moved to implement sweeping reforms, notably removing political influence from educational institutions, enforcing bans on corporal punishment and psychological abuse, and promoting conflict resolution and ethical practices as core tenets of her education policy.
Making History in Colombo and Beyond
In the November 2024 parliamentary election, Amarasuriya led the NPP nominations from the Colombo District, securing an unprecedented 655,289 preferential votes. This astounding achievement not only set a new record for the district but also marked the second-highest vote count in Sri Lankan parliamentary history. Following this resounding victory, she was reappointed as Prime Minister and continues to serve as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, solidifying her pivotal role in shaping the nation’s educational landscape.
Returning to Her Academic Roots
Prime Minister Amarasuriya’s forthcoming address at Hindu College is more than just a formal visit; it’s a symbolic return to the very institution where her distinguished academic journey began. The visit profoundly illustrates her enduring dedication to education, equal opportunity, and social development, offering students a rare chance to gain wisdom directly from a national leader who has masterfully navigated both the academic world and the complex sphere of politics.