NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka welcomed its 16th Prime Minister on Tuesday, Harini Amarasuriya, an academic-turned-politician who became the first woman to hold the position since Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 2000. Amarasuriya brings both a deep academic background and a significant link to India.
Amarasuriya, 54, spent her formative college years at Delhi University, studying at the renowned Hindu College in the early 1990s.
From 1991 to 1994, she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Delhi University, a period that her alma mater believes may have shaped her future trajectory.
“It’s an honour to know that a Hinduite has become the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Harini was a student of Sociology from 1991 to 1994, and we are extremely proud of her accomplishments,” Hindu College Principal Anju Srivastava told PTI. “I hope her time at Hindu played a part in shaping her path to success.”
Srivastava highlighted that Hindu College has a rich tradition of student governance. “Hindu College has a long tradition of student government, and we elect a prime minister and a leader of opposition every year. Harini’s appointment is another milestone in our college’s storied history” she added.
Nalin Rajan Singh, now a Bollywood director and a batchmate of Amarasuriya, recalled the early 90s at Hindu College. “I vaguely remember her, but I know she was very involved in college festivals and debates. It was the 90s, and a lot of us — people like Imtiaz Ali and Arnab Goswami — were starting to make our mark. To see her become prime minister is amazing.”
Singh, who served as the president of the Hindu College students’ hostel, noted the excitement among alumni and hoped to welcome Amarasuriya back to the college in the future.
Many believe her appointment could further strengthen ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Amarasuriya was sworn in by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also appointed himself to the cabinet alongside three others. As the new Prime Minister, Amarasuriya will oversee key ministries, including justice, education, labour, industries, science and technology, health, and investment.