A Chapter of Almost Accidents

Harini Amarasuriya, Sri Lanka

Harini Amarasuriya’s swearing-in as prime minister, September 24, 2024.

Video from The Indian Express, in English. Open it on YouTube

Also worth a look: CNBC-TV18 report, from CNBC-TV18.

Think about it

Harini once said Sri Lankan politics was “toxic, masculine, violent and exclusive.” Can one person change a whole political culture from the inside? What would it take?

More questions from this chapter

Arguing at home. As a teenager, Harini disagreed with her father about politics. Have you ever disagreed with your family about something important? How do you argue with people you love?
Saying yes. Experienced men in her alliance wanted the seat in Parliament, but she was chosen. If you were offered a big job you hadn’t planned for, would you take it?

Your turn: Harini tells young people to get into politics and change it. What is one thing about the way decisions are made at your school or in your town that you would change?

For parents and teachers: these videos come from news organizations and official channels. You may want to watch first with younger readers.