Sri Lanka’s newly elected president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has appointed first-time lawmaker Harini Amarasuriya as the new prime minister, making her the third woman to hold the position. Dissanayake, who also took on the finance portfolio, aims to lead the country out of its economic crisis while focusing on helping the poor.
The president’s plans to cut taxes and renegotiate terms with the IMF have sparked concerns among investors about potential delays in debt restructuring. Dissanayake’s inauguration speech hinted at a commitment to cleaner politics and a different approach to governance.
With veteran legislator Vijitha Herath overseeing foreign affairs and public security, Amarasuriya will handle education, media, and women and children affairs. An academic with a background in social anthropology, she follows in the footsteps of Sri Lanka’s first female prime ministers.
Facing an economy in turmoil since 2022, Sri Lanka looks to Dissanayake and his cabinet for stability. Analysts predict a snap election as the new government seeks to establish itself. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene resigned to pave the way for the new administration.
Source link