Anura Kumara Dissanayake Appoints First-Time Lawmaker as Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister

Sri Lanka's new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, appointed first-time lawmaker Harini Amarasuriya as prime minister. Dissanayake plans to address economic crises while holding crucial finance and tourism portfolios. He has appointed veteran legislator Vijitha Herath to manage foreign affairs. The nation expects a parliament dissolution and a snap election soon.

Sri Lanka's new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has named first-time lawmaker and college professor Harini Amarasuriya as the new prime minister, marking her as the third woman to hold the post.

Dissanayake, who will manage key finance and tourism portfolios, faces the challenge of navigating the country out of its worst economic crisis in 70 years. Investors are concerned about his plans to slash taxes and revisit a $2.9 billion IMF bailout, fearing delays in a $25 billion debt restructuring.

Amid expectations of parliament dissolution and a snap election, Dissanayake has also assigned veteran legislator Vijitha Herath to oversee foreign affairs and public security. Amarasuriya, an academic and social anthropologist, will manage education, media, and women and children's affairs portfolios.

(With inputs from agencies.)