Sri Lanka’s President Retains Finance Minister Role and Reappoints Harini Amarasuriya as Prime Minister

In a historic move signaling a new era of governance, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Monday installed Sri Lanka’s new 21-member Cabinet, just days after his National People’s Power (NPP) alliance secured a resounding victory in the parliamentary elections. This monumental shift marks the first time the NPP has assumed full control of the Sri Lankan government, backed by an overwhelming majority in Parliament, and presents an opportunity to pursue bold reforms aimed at healing the country’s deeply fractured political system and ailing economy.
The new Cabinet was sworn in at the Presidential Secretariat on November 18, 2024, and includes key figures from the NPP, who will be tasked with addressing the nation’s long-standing issues of corruption, economic hardship, and political polarization. President Dissanayake, a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s leftist movement, retained crucial portfolios, including Defence, Finance, Planning, and the newly established Digital Economy ministry, reflecting his central role in shaping the country’s recovery agenda.
Harini Amarasuriya Reappointed as Prime Minister
In a significant political gesture, Harini Amarasuriya was reappointed as Prime Minister, continuing her role as a key ally of President Dissanayake. Amarasuriya, known for her civil rights advocacy and her stance on social justice, will play a pivotal role in executing the government’s ambitious social welfare programs.
Additionally, Vijitha Herath, who served as the Foreign Minister in the interim government, will continue in that position. Herath’s expertise and experience are expected to help guide Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, particularly as the nation navigates economic recovery efforts and international relations.
A Progressive and Diverse Parliament
The 225-member legislature, dominated by the NPP, is notable for its diversity and inclusion. The new parliament includes several young first-time Members of Parliament (MPs) and 21 women, marking the highest female representation in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary history. This reflects the NPP’s commitment to a more inclusive political environment and aligns with the broader goal of reshaping the country’s political culture.
In a groundbreaking development, Sugath Wasantha De Silva, a visually impaired individual, has been nominated to Parliament. De Silva, elected through the additional seats system based on the NPP’s vote share, will make history as the first person with a disability to serve as an MP in Sri Lanka. His appointment underscores the NPP’s emphasis on disability inclusion and its promise to represent marginalized groups in governance.
A Historic Victory and Ambitious Reform Agenda
President Dissanayake’s NPP has secured 159 seats in the new Parliament, giving the party a two-thirds majority. This substantial mandate offers the NPP the ability to drive through its reform agenda without major opposition, enabling the government to enact sweeping changes to address Sri Lanka’s corruption, economic disparities, and inequities in governance.
In his remarks after the swearing-in ceremony, President Dissanayake acknowledged the monumental nature of the victory, but also emphasized the immense responsibility that now rests on the shoulders of the newly appointed Cabinet. He urged his ministers to exercise their newfound power with care and integrity, saying, “While the victory is monumental, the weight of the responsibility that comes with it is equally important.”
Dissanayake reiterated that the NPP’s rise to power marks the end of the divisive politics that has long characterized Sri Lankan governance, signaling a shift toward a more unified and progressive political culture. He called the election result a “call for the freedom of the oppressed and economically marginalized” people, emphasizing the need to transition from political activism to strong governance.
Economic Challenges and the IMF’s Role
As Sri Lanka grapples with severe economic difficulties, President Dissanayake has urged international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to adopt a balanced approach when negotiating bailout terms, mindful of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens. His government is focused on implementing effective social spending, particularly to address issues such as child poverty, malnutrition, and increased support for the differently-abled population.
The IMF-backed austerity measures that Sri Lanka has implemented in recent years, including fuel price hikes, tax increases, and public sector reforms, have been met with public unrest. Citizens are still struggling with the high cost of living, though essential goods have been restored to the market. Moving forward, the government will need to find a balance between meeting the IMF’s fiscal targets and providing relief to the population, especially those hardest hit by the ongoing crisis.
Rebuilding Sri Lanka: The Road Ahead
In his speech following the swearing-in ceremony, Dissanayake emphasized the importance of collective effort in rebuilding the country’s economy and restoring public trust. He outlined his government’s commitment to tackling issues such as debt, unemployment, and economic inequality, which have been exacerbated by the global economic downturn and Sri Lanka’s internal mismanagement in recent years.
The NPP’s reform agenda is expected to focus heavily on improving governance standards, increasing transparency, and rooting out corruption at all levels of government. The new Cabinet will also likely prioritize investments in the digital economy, renewable energy, and sustainable development, as the country works to recover from a devastating financial collapse.
President Dissanayake made it clear that the success of his government will ultimately be measured by the quality of governance it delivers. “From November 14 [general election day], the measure of our success will be the quality of governance we deliver,” he stated, signaling his administration’s commitment to ensuring that promises made during the election campaign are translated into tangible improvements for the people of Sri Lanka.
A New Era of Governance
With a strong mandate in hand and a clear agenda for reform, the NPP now faces the difficult task of transforming Sri Lanka’s economy and governance. As the country’s political landscape shifts under the leadership of President Dissanayake, Sri Lankans will be watching closely to see how the new government manages the country’s ongoing economic recovery, addresses public discontent, and begins the arduous work of healing deep societal wounds.
The future of Sri Lanka depends on the ability of the NPP government to deliver on its promises of a new political culture, economic stability, and social justice for all. The stakes are high, and the world is watching as Sri Lanka steps into a new chapter in its history.