Rights, women’s groups commend president for appointing Harini as Premier

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya (left) being sworn in as Prime  Minister of Sri Lanka in the presence of President Anura Kumara  Dissanayake

This significant milestone marks Harini Amarasuriya as the third woman to hold this esteemed position in Sri Lanka’s history  

A group representing a large number of human rights and women rights organisations and over hundreds of women politicians representing local councils around the country in a letter to the newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake have commended his initiative to appoint a female-Dr. Harini Amarasuriya- as the Prime Minister of the new government. This group of representatives has urged the president to nominate at least 50% women for parliamentary seats and leadership positions.
The statement reads, “On behalf of the signatories supporting this document, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your election as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka. We applaud the trend set by the NPP, other political parties and Election Commission for free, fair, and peaceful elections. We appreciate the simplicity adopted by the NPP in its post-election endeavours, particularly avoiding extravagant victory celebrations or 
humiliating competitors.  
“We commend your party for appointing Dr. Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister. This significant milestone marks her as the third woman to hold this esteemed position in Sri Lanka’s history, breaking the notion that South Asian women enter politics solely through family dynasties. Dr. Amarasuriya is an inspiration, demonstrating that running for higher office is possible for all of us. Her leadership brings hope for access to justice, equality, and inclusive governance, paving the way for a brighter future for all. We hope her prominent leadership role extends beyond the caretaker government, continuing even after the parliamentary elections.  
“Furthermore, we believe that your achievements will inspire countless young women and men across the nation from all communities, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with confidence. In this context, we request that you consider involving as many women as possible in politics as you work towards establishing a new political culture free from corruption, patronage, and violence, while promoting inclusivity. With the parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on 14 November, we are anticipating to see a strong example set under your leadership by nominating at least 50% women for parliamentary seats and leadership positions, including within party structures where women participate in decision making as organizers and spokespersons.  
“We acknowledge the immense challenges ahead in realising the economic, political, and social reforms that the people of Sri Lanka seek and voted for. However, without the full participation of half the population in decision-making processes, these reforms may fall short of their potential impact.  
“The ongoing economic crisis, coupled with deep-rooted corruption, has fostered a strong demand for systemic change. Central to this transformation is the equal involvement of women in governance and legislative processes. Yet, traditional barriers and conflict-related disparities continue to prevent many women, particularly those from minority communities, from entering politics.  
“Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has long been a champion of these issues, and we are hopeful that, with her support, you can lay the foundation for greater representation aiming for over 50% of decisionmaking roles in government to be held by women as a starting point.  
“We respectfully highlight the importance of the two significant upcoming elections and urge you to prioritise local and provincial elections as soon as possible. This aligns with your manifesto, particularly in terms of equitable treatment of minorities, empowering them to manage their resources, and establishing the accountability frameworks they have been seeking for over 15 years.  
“As you are aware, the provincial and local election laws mandate a 25% quota for women. We appeal to you to prioritize this matter and ensure that women, youth, and other marginalized groups receive their rightful representation in these elections. We urge you to act swiftly once “the new parliament is in place.  
“We are hopeful that your administration will take decisive action to address the long-standing grievances of Tamil-speaking communities, ensuring that all citizens feel equal, valued and respected in their own country. The NPP manifesto’s commitment to expediting the constitutional drafting process initiated during the Yahapalanaya government is vital. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who was a member of the Public Representations Committee on Constitutional Reform, has firsthand knowledge of the aspirations of women, especially minority women, for a new Sri Lanka, making it essential to continue with the existing draft.  
“Wishing you success in your important endeavors”.