QMU graduate appointed Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Dr Harini Amarasuriya, who completed a joint PhD programme with QMU and the University of Edinburgh, is only the third woman in the country's history to hold this top leadership position.

Dr Amarasuriya graduated from QMU's 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's president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Prior to her career in politics, Dr Amarasuriya worked as a lecturer at The Open University of Sri Lanka.

Dr Marcia Vera-Espinoza is the Deputy Director of the Institute for Global Health and Development at Queen Margaret University. The Institute is a multi-disciplinary centre for cutting-edge research and postgraduate education which addresses contemporary health and development challenges in low- and middle-income countries and their connection to global systems and trends. Dr Vera-Espinoza said: "Harini's 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.

"Her focus on justice, education, and labour reform, coupled with her progressive vision, is expected to set a new tone for Sri Lanka's 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."

Dr Vera-Espinoza concluded: "We are extremely proud that a QMU graduate has secured the top political role in Sri Lanka, especially as it has been over two decades since a female has achieved this role. We are excited to see how she will use the knowledge she gained while studying in the Institute for Global Health and Development to bring positive change and prosperity to her country."

QMU places a strong focus on transnational education, with many university partnerships across the world. Since 2023, QMU has been in partnership with the Imperial College of Business Studies to provide modern, professionally relevant business management degrees to students in Sri Lanka, with graduates receiving a degree from Queen Margaret University.

The University looks to continue building on its strong links with Sri Lanka, and developing more aspiring graduates who can make a significant contribution to society and emerge as change makers and future leaders in the fields of global health and business management.