国产乱伦 Graduate Appointed Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
In 2024, a graduate from our Institute for Global Health and Development was appointed as Sri Lanka鈥檚 first female prime minister in 24 years.
Dr Harini Amarasuriya, who completed a joint PhD programme with 国产乱伦 and the University of Edinburgh, is only the third woman in the country鈥檚 history to hold this top leadership position.
Dr Amarasuriya graduated from 国产乱伦鈥檚 Institute for Global Health and Development in 2011, following several years of research in the field of international health. She was sworn into office as the 16th Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 24 September 2024 by the country鈥檚 president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Prior to her career in politics, Dr Amarasuriya worked as a lecturer at the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Our Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) is a multi-disciplinary centre for cutting-edge research and postgraduate education that addresses contemporary health and development challenges in low- and middle-income countries and their connection to global systems and trends. At the time of Dr Amarasuriya鈥檚 appointment as Prime Minister, Dr Vera-Espinoza of IGHD said: 鈥淗arini鈥檚 rise from academia to politics reflects a critical shift toward qualified and inclusive governance, which is pivotal in a nation navigating economic and social challenges.
鈥淗er focus on justice, education, and labour reform, coupled with her progressive vision, is expected to set a new tone for Sri Lanka鈥檚 political landscape. This achievement is not only a testament to her academic and activist background, but also a step forward for gender inclusivity in South Asian politics.鈥
