Not prime ministerial Madam Premier

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya was the darling of the urbanite, liberal supporters of the NPP. Her appointment to the premiership earned praise across the political spectrum. She is known as an ardent advocate of good governance, law and order, justice, and accountability. But to the disappointment of many, her conduct upon attaining the coveted post raises serious question marks about her capacity as well as suitability to continue in the role of premiership.

The former academic-turned politician’s remarks at the NPP rally – which was held in Moratuwa – few hours before the campaigning for the recently concluded Local Council election ended, was severely condemned across the board. While addressing crowds at the meeting, Amarasuriya was openly encouraging her supporters to engage in election propaganda activities in spite of the official end of the canvassing period. In a complaint to the Election Commission, the election monitoring organisation PAFFREL accused Amarasuriya of violating the legal framework governing elections. The politician who began her parliamentary career from the national list has passionately stood for virtues of exemplary political conduct apart from high standards of accountability. However, her controversial statements were in complete contravention of the high ideals she proclaims to represent.

The incumbent premier comes mainly from an academic background and critics have questioned her awareness of the intricacies of the socio, political, and economic apparatus prevalent in the State. It is felt by many that the decision to grant her the premiership was taken by the brain trust of the JVP – the ideological parent of the NPP – to gain acceptance among the upper echelons of the Sri Lankan society who have been historically averse to the Marxist political outfit, which undertook two armed uprisings against the State. 

Amarasuriya’s rather affluent social background in contrast to the rank and file of the JVP/NPP cadres would have given comfort to the Colombo elite. In an administration the top political leaders of which lack confidence and capacity to interact in English language, the past pupil of the prominent private girls’ school Bishop’s College stands out.

Few even compared Harini Amarasuriya to Kamala Harris. Yet, such interpretations were quite misleading and inaccurate. The only woman ever to become US Vice President in history was an elected Senator from California prior to becoming Joe Biden’s deputy in 2021. She also served as Attorney General of the most populous US State for seven years before getting elected to the US Senate. During her legal career, she was known as a highly tough criminal prosecutor. On the other hand, the Sri Lankan is more or less a novice to politics. 

On numerous occasions, the premier’s conduct and utterances have clearly demonstrated how out of depth she is with the realities of the country’s socio-economic framework. Many have repeatedly questioned her awareness of the intricacies of the socio, political, and economic apparatus prevalent in the State. Once she revealed that she had asked her security officials to reduce the protection provided to her, only to be told by them that the island is neither Switzerland nor Sweden. 

Though she is officially the second-in-command, her influence and power within the coalition in terms of decision making appears to be insignificant. In terms of precedence and the constitution, the individual who is occupying the post of Prime Minister in Sri Lanka is expected to become Acting President in the event anything untoward happens to the Executive. Unfortunately, one wonders whether the Colombo District MP has got the capability to lead the country in such an eventuality. She is certainly no Margaret Thatcher, Angela Merkel or even Jacinda Ardern. 

The Prime Minister’s immature and inappropriate conduct would be a huge political liability to the Government going forward. Conversely, her continuous presence in the limelight would be hugely welcomed by the political opponents of the NPP.