A prominent professor, activist, and politician from Sri Lanka is Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. She is a member of parliament representing the National People’s Power (NPP) party. In Sri Lanka, Dr. Amarasuriya is well-known for her persistent support of progressive reforms, equality, and social justice.
Important details about Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Political Connection:
She is a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a leftist political alliance in Sri Lanka.
Academic Background:
Strong academic achievements characterize Dr. Amarasuriya. She was a senior lecturer at the Open University of Sri Lanka before entering politics. Her scholarly interests are in sociology, anthropology, and social policy, with particular focus on issues related to children and youth.
Social Activism:
Renowned for her involvement in social matters, Dr. Amarasuriya has been outspoken on subjects including human rights, social fairness, and education reform. Also, she has experience working with a range of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that promote social change and development.
Role in Parliament:
Dr. Amarasuriya has been advocating for systemic changes in governance, tackling corruption, improving education, and safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities since her election to Parliament.
She is well-liked in Sri Lanka’s political and intellectual circles for her ability to combine academic rigor with a strong dedication to social involvement.
Specific Highlights in her career
1. Academic Path
Background in Education:
Dr. Harini Amarasuriya graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a PhD in social anthropology. Her anthropological and sociological academic background served as the basis for her subsequent research on social policy, development, and governance in Sri Lanka.
Senior Lecturer at Sri Lanka’s Open University:
At the Open University of Sri Lanka, Dr. Amarasuriya held the position of Senior Lecturer in the Department of Social Studies. She conducted extensive research and taught in this capacity, specializing in social policy, child and youth development, and poverty and inequality-related topics.
Research Project:
Her scholarly work has frequently focused on institutional reform, social development, and governance, especially in post-colonial and emerging settings such as Sri Lanka. She has authored a large number of research papers on these topics, some of which have had a major impact on national policy discussions as well as academic thought.
Cooperation with International Organizations and NGOs:
Dr. Amarasuriya collaborated closely with international organizations and NGOs on projects pertaining to youth empowerment, child rights, and social policy change in addition to her academic career.
2. Working with NGOs and Social Activism
Put an emphasis on youth development and child rights:
Dr. Amarasuriya had a long history of activism and advocacy before going into politics. She concentrated on the welfare of children and the development of young people while working extensively with groups like Save the Children and other development agencies.
Social justice and community development:
As part of her advocacy, Dr. Amarasuriya frequently collaborated with grassroots movements and community-based groups to address issues of social justice, gender equality, and inequality. She has been an outspoken opponent of neoliberal policies since she feels they worsen inequality and deny chances to underprivileged groups.
Human Rights and Equitable Gender Roles
She has dedicated her professional life to promoting human rights, especially those of women, children, and other marginalized groups. Her work has included promoting the rights of underprivileged people, advancing social services, and pushing for gender equality.
3. A Career in Politics
2019: Introduction to Politics:
Through the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, which is headed by the communist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Dr. Harini Amarasuriya entered Sri Lankan politics in 2019. Her drive to effect systemic change—particularly in areas like social fairness, education, and governance—led her to enter politics.
2020 National List MP:
Dr. Amarasuriya was chosen as a National List Member of Parliament (MP) for the NPP in the 2020 parliamentary elections. Those with particular knowledge or skill who may add to legislative debates are typically appointed as National List MPs, which are determined by the total percentage of votes a party receives.
Parliamentary Advocacy:
Dr. Amarasuriya has concentrated on important topics in Parliament, including:
- Reforming Education: She has been a steadfast supporter of raising the standard of education in Sri Lanka and making it more equal and inclusive. She has expressed worry about students from lower-income and rural homes not having equal access to school.
- Combating Corruption: Dr. Amarasuriya and the NPP have consistently criticized the political establishment for corruption and nepotism, calling for greater accountability and transparency in governance.
- Fairness in social and economic matters: Her views on policy frequently represent her commitment to building a society that is more just and equal. She has advocated on behalf of working-class and impoverished people for economic reform and stressed the significance of combating discrimination and violence against women.
4. Principal Activities and Goals
Reforms in Education:
Leading the charge in promoting reforms to Sri Lanka’s educational system is Dr. Amarasuriya. She has advocated for reforms that would guarantee all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality education, criticizing the emphasis on exam-based learning and the absence of practical, skills-based education.
Women’s Rights:
As a champion of women’s rights, Dr. Amarasuriya has endeavored to establish a society that is more equitable in terms of gender, specifically with regard to political representation, economic engagement, and protection from gender-based violence.
Constructive Law’s Contributions:
She has actively participated in talks about progressive legislation in Parliament. She has given speeches on a variety of topics, including the need for a more socially conscious economic model and the protection of workers’ rights as well as environmental sustainability.
Protection of Youth and Children:
She continues to support laws that promote children’s welfare and youth development, with an emphasis on social safeguards, mental health, and community support networks, in light of her past experiences.
5. Challenges and Critics
Being an opposition member and a vocal opponent of the administration, Dr. Amarasuriya has encountered several difficulties. Reform is challenging in Sri Lanka because of the country’s deeply ingrained power systems and corruption. She also receives criticism from her adversaries, especially from those who disagree with her progressive policies.
6. Public Attitude and Power
Esteemed Public Figure:
Dr. Amarasuriya’s knowledge, moral character, and dedication to public service have earned her widespread respect both inside and outside of Parliament. Her activism and academic background have contributed to her reputation as an ethical and thoughtful leader.
Promote Change:
In Sri Lanka, she is frequently seen as a change agent who promotes long-term fixes for structural issues with social welfare, education, and governance. She is seen by many as the leader of a new generation of politicians that place a high priority on social justice, equality, and openness.
In summary
A strong dedication to social change is evident in Dr. Harini Amarasuriya’s career, which is based on her activism and academic background. Her shift from activism and academics to politics has given her the ability to impact national policy and discussions on important topics like social justice, education, and governance. She is still a significant player in Sri Lankan politics and is well-known for her support of systemic change, equality, and openness.
Personal Information
| Born | 6 March 1970 (age 54) |
| Political party | Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna 2020 – present |
| Occupation | Social activist Women’s rights activist Youth Activist Academic Politician |
| Website | https://www.parliament.lk/en/members-of-parliament/directory-of-members/viewMember/3449 |
| https://www.facebook.com/HariniNPP?mibextid=ZbWKwL | |
| https://www.instagram.com/hariniamarasuriya?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== | |
| X (Formerly Twitter) | https://x.com/Dr_HariniA |