By Adolf
Harini Amarasuriya’s political ascent is, by any standard, extraordinary. From a life once grounded in modest routines—travelling by bus or three-wheeler to the Open University—she rose, by a remarkable stroke of circumstance, to occupy the 2 nd highest executive office in the land. Such leaps are rare, and when they occur, they demand not celebration alone, but humility, restraint, and a deep respect for the weight of public office.Unfortunately, that humility now appears to be in short supply. The transition from academic and activist spaces into the office of Prime Minister is not merely a change of designation; it is a profound shift in responsibility. Public office is not a classroom seminar, nor is it an NGO forum. It requires political judgement, institutional sensitivity, and an understanding that personal beliefs—however sincerely held—must always be filtered through democratic process, public consultation, and national consensus.
Attitude of Harini
Instead, what the country has witnessed is a rapid transformation not just in office, but in attitude. The optics alone are troubling. The move from public transport to convoys, luxury vehicles, and layers of security may be justified as “protocol,” but symbolism matters in a country still grappling with economic scars, institutional fatigue, and eroded public trust. Leaders are judged not only by policy outcomes, but by conduct—and visible disconnect sends the wrong signal at a fragile moment.
Education Sector
More troubling, however, is the controversy surrounding the Grade 6 English Language module. The inclusion of sensitive and questionable content, combined with factual and pedagogical errors, exposed serious weaknesses in the government’s approach to education reform. What followed was even more damaging: confusion, deflection, and an unconvincing attempt to shift blame when public concern mounted. Governance by scapegoating is neither ethical nor competent. If decisions are taken at the top, responsibility must also be owned at the top. Hiding behind officials or committees when pressure mounts is an abdication of leadership.
Liberal outlook
Harini’s personal worldview is no secret. Her Western academic exposure and progressive social outlook are well documented, and she is entitled to those views. In a pluralistic democracy, such perspectives have a legitimate place in debate. But entitlement to belief does not translate into authority to impose. When it comes to children, education, and deeply rooted cultural sensitivities, the bar must be higher—not lower. Curriculum reform, particularly on issues intersecting values, identity, and family, demands rigour, transparency, and broad-based consultation. Parents, educators, and subject specialists must be part of the process. It cannot be driven by ideological enthusiasm or activist urgency. To do so is to confuse advocacy with governance, and conviction with consent. The Prime Minister’s response to criticism has only compounded the problem. The reflexive tendency to shift blame or involve law enforcement agencies such as the CID in matters of public debate creates a chilling effect and undermines democratic accountability. Governments are elected to govern, not to intimidate dissent or deflect scrutiny. Public patience is not limitless.
Impeachment
It is against this backdrop that the opposition has moved to prepare a no-confidence motion against Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in her capacity as Minister of Education. On 7 January 2026, a discussion was held under the auspices of Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, with wide participation from opposition Members of Parliament. According to those involved, the motion is being planned due to unsuitable content in school materials, numerous errors in subject matter, and the failure to address these shortcomings in a timely, transparent, and systematic manner.Calls for resignation do not arise in a vacuum. They emerge when a pattern forms—of weak execution, poor judgement, and an inability to manage fallout responsibly. The real issue here is not rights versus conservatism, nor progress versus tradition. It is about process, accountability, and respect for the public. A Prime Minister is a trustee of the people’s mandate, not a custodian of personal preference. When that distinction is blurred, institutions suffer and trust erodes. Sri Lanka has endured enough damage from leaders who believed they knew better than the people. We cannot afford another chapter of moral certainty coupled with political inexperience. When serious errors are made, the only credible response is ownership, correction, and accountability. If the discipline demanded by high office proves incompatible with personal convictions or governing style, then stepping aside is not a failure—it is an honourable duty.History is unkind to leaders who mistake power for permission. Sri Lanka, at this fragile moment, deserves better.
The post The Sorry State into Which Harini Has Fallen appeared first on LNW Lanka News Web.
