Introduction
Sri Lanka’s new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has dissolved the nation’s parliament, triggering a snap general election scheduled for 14 November. This move is aimed at gaining a fresh mandate to pursue his political and economic policies in a country still recovering from a significant economic collapse.
Parliament Dissolution and New Election Announcement
Dissanayake, who won the recent presidential election, dissolved the 225-member parliament through an official notification published in the government gazette. His left-leaning National People’s Power (NPP) alliance currently holds only three seats in parliament. The dissolution comes nearly a year ahead of the scheduled elections, as Dissanayake seeks a parliament that better reflects the public’s demands.
Appointment of New Prime Minister
In a historic move, Dissanayake appointed Harini Amarasuriya, a member of his NPP, as Sri Lanka’s new prime minister. Amarasuriya, a former university lecturer, is the third woman in Sri Lankan history to hold the position of prime minister. She now holds significant ministerial roles, including justice, education, and labour. Her appointment follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene.
The Rise of Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Dissanayake’s rise to power marks a remarkable political turnaround. In the 2019 presidential election, he garnered just 3% of the vote, but his anti-corruption and anti-poverty platforms have since gained increasing support. His victory in this year’s election was seen as a response to the country’s widespread protests following the 2022 economic collapse, which forced former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign and flee the country.
Economic Challenges and the IMF Bailout
One of Dissanayake’s first tasks as president is to renegotiate parts of Sri Lanka’s $2.9 billion bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The bailout agreement, while critical to stabilizing the country’s economy, has imposed tough austerity measures on the public. Dissanayake has acknowledged that there is no quick fix for the economic hardships faced by the people but has called for a collective effort to address the crisis.
Harini Amarasuriya: Sri Lanka’s Third Female Prime Minister
Harini Amarasuriya’s appointment as prime minister is notable for several reasons. As a social activist and academic, she has been a vocal advocate for youth development, child protection, and gender equality. Her public career began in 2011 when she took part in protests for free education, and she has since built a reputation as a champion for social justice. Amarasuriya’s appointment makes her the first academic to assume the role of prime minister, following in the footsteps of Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, both of whom came from prominent political families.
Conclusion
As Sri Lanka prepares for its upcoming snap general election, the political landscape is set for significant change under President Dissanayake’s leadership. His decision to dissolve parliament and appoint a new prime minister reflects his commitment to creating a government that aligns with the people’s desires for reform and stability. However, the economic challenges ahead, particularly the renegotiation of the IMF bailout, will be a critical test for his administration.