Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who previously advised against politicians attending school functions, is now under scrutiny for participating in such events herself. This has led to accusations of inconsistency and calls for her to align her actions with her statements.
In September 2024, Dr. Amarasuriya directed education officials to cease inviting politicians to school events, aiming to prevent the politicization of educational environments. However, during a recent parliamentary session, she clarified that no official ban exists, emphasizing that schools should remain apolitical.
The controversy intensified when Dr. Amarasuriya attended the 150th-anniversary celebration of her alma mater, Bishop’s College, Colombo. The event, held on January 20, 2025, featured notable alumni, including the Prime Minister and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, highlighting the school’s legacy in shaping leaders.
Critics argue that her presence, especially when she was invited on stage to receive a special edition of a book chronicling the school’s history, contradicts her earlier stance. They contend that attending in her capacity as Prime Minister, rather than solely as a past pupil, undermines her previous directive.
Opposition MP D.V. Chanaka highlighted this inconsistency, questioning the application of her guidelines and suggesting that her actions send mixed messages about political involvement in educational settings.
As a leader, Dr. Amarasuriya faces mounting pressure to demonstrate consistency between her policies and actions, reinforcing the importance of leading by example in maintaining the integrity of educational institutions.
