New Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya Of Sri Lanka: Will She Be Able To Achieve Gender Equality? – OpEd

Harini Amarasuriya, assumed the role of the 16th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on September 24, 2024. She is the third female Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, succeeding Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Amarasuriya deologically aligns with the centre-left of the National People’s Power and identifies as a Liberal. She is a member of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party and has served as a Member of Parliament for the National List since August 20, 2020. Her political career marks a significant milestone, as she is the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister since Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 2000. Her appointment signifies a substantial shift in Sri Lankan politics, underscoring the imperative for female leadership and representation in a historically male-dominated arena.

Amarasuriya is acclaimed for her research on gender issues including the youth unemployment, feminism, gender inequality, child protection, and the shortcomings in the Sri Lankan education system. Amarasuriya holds significant academic credentials, comprising a Bachelor of Science from the University of Delhi, a Master of Science from Macquarie University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh. Her professional background exemplifies her commitment to social issues, as she is a prominent social activist, advocate for women’s rights, youth activist, and university lecturer. 

Political System of Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka’s political system operates under a unitary semi-presidential system, integrating presidential and parliamentary components as delineated by its 1978 Constitution. The President, elected for a five-year term, functions as the head of state and government, possessing considerable authority, including the power to appoint the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The Prime Minister, usually the head of the majority party in the unicameral Parliament, facilitates governance. Parliament comprises 225 members elected via a mixed electoral system, tasked with legislation and budget approval, while the independent judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court, interprets laws. The political landscape is complex, comprising multiple parties that represent various ethnic and religious groups, particularly the Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims. Notwithstanding its democratic framework, Sri Lanka contends with issues including ethnic strife, corruption, and calls for increased autonomy from minority populations. The newly elected president Anura Kumara Dissanayake using the constitutional power, he appointed Harini Amarasuriya as new PM. 

The Constitutional Vision of Gender Equality in Sri Lanka

Under article 27 of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka embodies a progressive framework aimed at fostering social justice, equality, and inclusive development across the nation. Central to this constitutional mandate is the commitment to ensure equality of opportunity for all citizens, irrespective of their race, religion, language, caste, sex, political opinion, or occupation. This principle is coupled with a strong directive to dismantle economic and social privileges that perpetuate exploitation and inequality.

The state is charged with the critical responsibility of preventing the concentration of wealth and means of production, thereby ensuring that the economic system serves the interests of all citizens equitably. In alignment with these economic principles, the Constitution prioritizes social security and welfare, recognizing the importance of safeguarding diverse cultures and languages within the nation.

Religious freedom is a cornerstone of the constitutional framework, mandating the state to cultivate an environment where all faiths can flourish without obstruction. Furthermore, the family unit is acknowledged as the foundational element of society, with the state tasked with its protection and support. Particular emphasis is placed on the holistic development of children and youth, ensuring their protection from exploitation and discrimination. These provisions of the constitution ensure social equality and equality. 

Gender Issues in Sri Lanka 

Gender issues in Sri Lanka presents a multifaceted challenge that significantly impacts women’s lives, manifesting in issues such as sex-selective abortions, limited educational access, and restricted employment opportunities. Although the country ranks relatively high on gender equality indices, it still falls short on the global level. The systematic marginalization of women restricts their access to essential services like healthcare, employment and education, while also curtailing their political engagement and social rights, as highlighted by Dr. Elaine Enarson (2015). The deeply rooted patriarchal structure perpetuates these inequalities, reinforcing male dominance and cultural norms that obstruct women’s roles in both public and private spheres. 

Marriage sustains patriarchal norms, enforcing societal expectations that require women to prioritize family responsibilities over career options. A 2022 survey indicated that over 70% of women felt compelled to prioritize familial obligations (Sri Lanka Gender Equality Survey, 2022). The lack of supportive work-life balance policies, such as parental leave and affordable childcare, exacerbates these challenges, with the International Labour Organization noting limited progress in family-friendly workplace policies in Sri Lanka (ILO, 2023). 

The Global Gender Gap Report 2023 positions Sri Lanka at 108th among 146 nations, indicating substantial inequalities in economic participation and opportunities (World Economic Forum, 2023). Despite constituting approximately 50% of the workforce, women frequently hold low-paying and informal positions, thereby constraining their career progression and economic security (Department of Census and Statistics, 2022). Women, on average, earn 27% less than their male counterparts for identical work, surpassing the global average gap of 20% (International Labour Organization [ILO], 2024). This disparity is especially evident among informal sector workers and individuals with lower educational attainment, largely as a result of systemic discrimination.

The employment-to-population ratio is 47.4%, signifying that fewer than half of the working-age population is employed (Labour Force Survey – Annual Report 2021). This ratio underscores a significant gender disparity, with male employment at 68.4% in contrast to a mere 29.3% for females. In urban regions, the employment rate is similarly alarming, standing at 44.6%, with male participation at 64.4% and female participation at 27.5%. Rural regions exhibit a marginally improved scenario with an overall ratio of 47.5%, although female participation remains limited at 28.9%. These statistics highlight the systemic barriers women encounter, such as cultural prejudices and insufficient support for working mothers, which ultimately impede their access to stable employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the absence of supportive work-life balance policies, including parental leave and affordable childcare, intensifies the difficulties women encounter in reconciling family and career obligations. The ILO has observed minimal advancement in the execution of family-friendly workplace policies in Sri Lanka (ILO, 2023). The rising demand for unpaid caregiving significantly limits women’s participation in the labor force, with 73.5% of working-age women not engaged in employment compared to 26.5% of men, primarily due to domestic obligations (ILO, 2024). The labor market in Sri Lanka is distinctly segmented, especially within the agriculture and plantation sectors, where female workers often face discrimination and earn lower wages than their male counterparts (Withers & Biyanwila, 2023). The gendered division of labor in these sectors restricts economic opportunities and reinforces traditional gender roles that favor male employment over female participation.

In summary, gender issues in Sri Lanka illustrate entrenched societal norms and systemic obstacles that profoundly affect women’s lives. To tackle these challenges, it is essential to implement targeted policies that eliminate the obstacles women face in the labor market, enhance educational access, and cultivate a more equitable society. 

New PM-A Gender Studies Expert 

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Amarasuriya possesses a Ph. D. in Social Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh. She has authored several books and engaged in research focusing on youth, politics, dissent, activism, gender, development, state-society relations, child protection, and the dynamics of globalization and development. Having dedicated several years in the service of child protection and psychosocial practice, even she worked in the Open University of Sri Lanka, where she took on the role of senior lecturer in Sociology.

Amarasuriya is an activist, a member of the Federation of University Teachers’ Association, and a participant in protests advocating for free education. She has championed gender equality, supported LGBTQ+ rights. Concomitantly, the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka embodies a progressive framework aimed at fostering social justice, equality, and inclusive development across the nation. Central to this constitutional mandate is the commitment to ensure equality of opportunity for all citizens, irrespective of their race, religion, language, caste, sex, political opinion, or occupation. This principle is coupled with a strong directive to dismantle economic and social privileges that perpetuate exploitation and inequality. Against this background, it become worthwhile to see how the prevailing critical gender equality under the dynamic leadership of new PM would be will be achieved. 

Can New PM for Achieving Gender Equality 

To foster gender equality in Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya can play a positive role to implement a holistic strategy that dismantles systemic barriers to women’s empowerment. This approach should encompass robust policies across labor, education, and healthcare, including anti-discrimination laws, equal pay initiatives, and parental support systems. Prioritizing education and vocational training for women, particularly in STEM and entrepreneurship, is essential to combat societal biases and promote economic independence.

She can also play a significant role in increasing women’s representation in political spheres through quotas and active party involvement. Comprehensive support services for victims of domestic violence and harassment, including legal aid and safe shelters, are critical, alongside improved healthcare access for survivors. An intersectional lens is vital, addressing how ethnicity, class, and geography influence women’s experiences, and tailoring programs to meet the needs of marginalized communities. Finally, a sustained commitment to gender equality must be embedded in national development plans, with consistent funding for initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Although, achieving gender equality is difficult, but having wide experience in teaching, research, politics and stature of Harini Amarasuriya, it is achievable with holistic vision of inclusivity.

About the authors:

• Prof.  Bawa Singh, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda India. 
• Ms. Diksha Kanwat, PhD Scholar, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda India.