Harini Amarasuriya Appointed as Sri Lanka's New PM

Harini Amarasuriya, leader of the National People's Power (NPP) party, has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

She becomes the first woman to hold the post since Sirimavo Bandaranaike (1994-2000). A human rights activist and university professor, Amarasuriya was sworn in by the newly elected President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on Tuesday. As the country heads towards parliamentary elections, Amarasuriya will serve as a caretaker Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, President Dissanayake dissolved the Sri Lankan Parliament, signing the Gazette on Tuesday night, announcing elections to be held on November 14.