Harini Amarasuriya Sworn in as Sri Lanka Prime Minister

Sri Lanka has appointed its first female Prime Minister in 24 years, Harini Amarasuriya, following the election of leftist President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Amarasuriya, a member of the National People’s Power coalition, will oversee key ministries including justice, education, and health as part of a four-member cabinet formed by Dissanayake, who is focused on renegotiating the country's International Monetary Fund bailout amidst ongoing economic challenges. Dissanayake won the presidency amid widespread dissatisfaction with previous leadership, particularly ex-President Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose austerity measures contributed to the nation’s economic crisis. The IMF has expressed readiness to collaborate with the new government on economic reforms, signaling a potential shift in the country's financial strategy. Parliamentary elections are anticipated by the end of November, as the new administration seeks to stabilize the political landscape and address pressing economic issues.