Harini Amarasuriya, Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Prime Minister, has a unique connection with India through her time at Delhi University’s prestigious Hindu College. The 54-year-old academic-turned-politician completed her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the institution from 1991 to 1994. Her tenure as a student in India is a point of pride for her alma mater, especially as she becomes the first woman in over two decades to hold the prime ministerial post in Sri Lanka.
Amarasuriya, who is the third woman in Sri Lankan history to assume the role of Prime Minister, is celebrated for her contributions to academia, activism, and politics. Her college years in Delhi played a crucial role in shaping her worldview, equipping her with a strong foundation in social sciences that she later applied to her work in human rights and governance.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka, as she is expected to navigate the nation through economic recovery and social reform. Her Hindu College connection has sparked a wave of excitement in academic circles in India, particularly at her former institution. College authorities and former batchmates have expressed optimism about her future leadership and its potential to further strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations.
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The Delhi University experience has clearly left a lasting impact on Amarasuriya. As she embarks on this new journey as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, her formative years in India might contribute to fostering closer ties between the two neighboring countries. With her appointment, both nations look forward to a promising chapter in their diplomatic relations.
