Harini Amarasuriya, alumnus of Delhi University, is Sri Lanka’s 3rd woman PM

Harini Amarasuriya, Sri Lanka’s newly appointed prime minister, shares a unique connection with India, having spent her college years at Delhi University.

The 54-year-old academic-turned-politician, who was sworn in as Sri Lanka’s 16th Prime Minister on Tuesday, studied at the renowned Hindu College in the early 1990s. Amarasuriya, the first woman to hold the position since Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 2000, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Delhi University between 1991 and 1994.

Hindu College Principal Anju Srivastava expressed pride in the achievements of their distinguished alumna. “It’s an honour to know that a former student of Hindu College has become the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Harini studied Sociology from 1991 to 1994, and we are extremely proud of her success. I hope her time at Hindu helped shape her path to leadership,” Srivastava told PTI.

She also highlighted the college’s strong tradition of student governance, adding, “At Hindu College, we elect a prime minister and a leader of opposition every year. Harini’s achievement adds another milestone to our college’s rich history.”

Nalin Rajan Singh, a Bollywood director and former batchmate of Amarasuriya, shared his memories of their time together at college. “I vaguely remember her, but I recall her active participation in college festivals and debates. It was the 90s, and many of us—people like Imtiaz Ali and Arnab Goswami—were beginning to make our mark. Seeing her rise to prime minister is truly amazing”.

Singh, who served as the president of the Hindu College student hostel during their time there, believes that Amarasuriya’s new role could further strengthen the ties between India and Sri Lanka. He added that the college’s alumni circle, known for its close connections, would be eager to invite her to a future alumni gathering.

Amarasuriya was sworn in by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also appointed a four-member cabinet, including himself. In addition to her role as Prime Minister, Amarasuriya has been entrusted with the portfolios of Justice, Education, Labour, Industries, Science and Technology, Health, and Investment.