Sri Lanka’s women leaders reshape politics after historic elections

Female leaders drive policy changes and challenge political norms in Sri Lanka’s new government.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya attends the 77th Independence Day parade on February 4, 2025, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images

By Clarisa Sendy and Nada Fadiyah

A seemingly minor remark in Parliament marked a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s prime minister, Harini Amarasuriya. During a routine session, a male colleague—one not typically known for championing feminist causes—acknowledged the need to recognize the "care economy" to boost women's participation in the workforce.

For Dr. Amarasuriya, a longtime advocate for gender equality, this moment symbolized the country’s political transformation. After years of activism, a shift was taking place within government institutions, signaling a greater openness to addressing gender disparities.

Two years after Sri Lanka’s mass protests led to the ousting of its political dynasty, the country is undergoing a significant reinvention. With the rise of a leftist government following last year’s elections, efforts to create a more equal society have gained momentum. Women, who played a key role in the 2022 protests, are now at the forefront of reshaping governance and policy.

The rise of women in Sri Lankan politics

Women constitute 56% of registered voters in Sri Lanka, making them a decisive force in electoral politics. Their influence was evident in last year’s national elections when the leftist National People’s Power (NPP) party secured a sweeping victory.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a veteran leftist politician, appointed Dr. Amarasuriya as prime minister, making her the highest-ranking woman in South Asia who is not part of a political dynasty. Her appointment represents a break from tradition, emphasizing merit over legacy in leadership roles.

During an interview in Colombo, Dr. Amarasuriya reflected on the evolving political landscape. She noted that women’s participation in politics is not just about increasing numbers but about embedding feminist sensitivity in governance.

The new administration has prioritized gender-inclusive policies, focusing on workplace equality and improved economic opportunities for women. The government aims to increase female participation in the formal workforce from 33% to 50%, recognizing that economic empowerment is key to sustained gender equality.

Breaking political norms

Since assuming power, Sri Lanka’s new leadership has worked to dismantle the VIP culture that once dominated the country’s political scene. Lavish perks, large motorcades, and excessive government spending have been curtailed.

Dr. Amarasuriya’s office reflects this shift. Once bustling with over 100 staff members under its previous occupant, the prime minister’s workspace is now streamlined, with a core team of about a dozen people. Framed drawings from schoolchildren adorn her desk, offering a stark contrast to the extravagant surroundings that once characterized Sri Lanka’s political elite.

One such drawing, depicting Dr. Amarasuriya in a blue sari with her characteristic curls, is inscribed with a heartfelt message: “Prime Minister Auntie, may Lord Buddha bless you.”

While symbolic changes in governance have resonated with the public, the real test for the administration lies in economic recovery. Sri Lanka’s financial crisis, exacerbated by years of mismanagement, has stabilized but remains fragile.

Economic realities and women’s aspirations

For many Sri Lankans, particularly women, economic recovery is paramount. Kaveesha Maduwanthi, an 18-year-old garment worker, exemplifies the challenges faced by working-class women. Earning roughly $100 per month, she struggles to support her family, with much of her income going toward baby formula for her daughter.

“We don’t need the government to provide us with food—we can manage,” Maduwanthi said. “What we need is a country where I have the space to make a little extra cash so I can invest in my daughter’s future.”

Recognizing the economic struggles of women like Maduwanthi, the government has intensified efforts to create economic opportunities. The administration has introduced policies to enhance job security, improve wages, and support women entrepreneurs.

Mobilizing women for long-term change

Before last year’s elections, the NPP actively engaged women voters, highlighting the need for leaders who would address gender-specific concerns. Their efforts paid off, as women played a crucial role in securing the party’s victory.

Dr. Amarasuriya’s electoral success was particularly significant. Running in Colombo, she secured a record-breaking number of votes, surpassing former president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s long-held record.

The election results shattered the myth that women could not win political office in Sri Lanka. However, despite the progress, women still make up just 10% of Parliament and hold only two out of 21 ministerial positions in the cabinet.

Dr. Amarasuriya and other female leaders acknowledge that while representation remains low, structural changes are underway. The focus is now on strengthening grassroots political mobilization to ensure that more women rise through the ranks.

Building a foundation for future female leadership

The government has established women’s committees across 13,000 of Sri Lanka’s 14,000 grama niladhari divisions—the country’s smallest administrative units. These committees aim to create leadership pipelines, ensuring a steady flow of qualified female candidates for higher office.

At a recent gathering in a Colombo suburb, a new women’s committee was inaugurated. About 100 women sat in plastic chairs as Samanmalee Gunasinghe, a local member of Parliament, addressed the crowd.

“We used to be flower pots on the political stage,” Gunasinghe said, referring to the tokenistic role women often played in Sri Lankan politics. “They would take our votes and throw us into the fire afterward, abandoning us with our children.”

Now, she emphasized, the women’s committees have created a space where women can “shout together,” advocating for policies that directly impact their lives.

A shift toward inclusive governance

Sri Lanka’s political transformation is still unfolding, but the increasing role of women in governance is undeniable. Dr. Amarasuriya and her colleagues believe that embedding gender equality into policymaking will have a lasting impact.

While challenges remain, the momentum is growing. Women are no longer just voters or protestors—they are leaders shaping the country’s future.

As Sri Lanka navigates this new political era, the involvement of women at all levels of governance may prove to be the key to lasting reform and stability.

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