Current Affairs - Politics

Harini Amarasuriya has made history by being sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to assume this role since Sirimavo Bandaranaike in 2000. Known for her activism and contributions to social justice and education, Amarasuriya's appointment reflects a commitment to progressive leadership and reform within the National People’s Power party. She is the third woman to serve in this capacity in Sri Lanka, and her responsibilities include key portfolios such as Justice, Education, and Health, underscoring her influential position in the government.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been elected as Sri Lanka’s new president, receiving 42% of the votes in the first election since the country’s economic collapse in 2022. Leading the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition, Dissanayake defeated his main opponent, Sajith Premadasa, who secured 23% of the vote. The election was marked by a significant voter turnout of 76%, reflecting the public's engagement in shaping the country's future. Following his victory, the outgoing Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena resigned, marking a notable shift in Sri Lanka's political landscape and governance.

Atishi Marlena, a 43-year-old leader from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is set to become the new Chief Minister of Delhi, replacing Arvind Kejriwal. Born to Delhi University professors, Atishi holds impressive educational credentials, including a Bachelor's degree in History from St. Stephen's College and a Master's degree from Oxford University. She has played a significant role in shaping AAP's policies, particularly in education and social welfare. As the MLA from Kalkaji, Atishi has held multiple critical portfolios, showcasing her capabilities as a leader. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in Delhi's politics.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been re-elected as Algeria's President for a second term, securing 84.3 per cent of the vote. Tebboune was originally elected in December 2019 with 58 percent. In this recent election, over 24 million Algerians were registered to vote. The results were announced by the country's electoral authority, ANIE, confirming Tebboune's significant victory and continued leadership in the North African nation.

Sitaram Yechury was a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), a left-wing political party in India. Yechury played a significant role in Indian politics, serving as General Secretary of the CPI(M) from 2015. He was also a two-term member of the Rajya Sabha, representing West Bengal from 2005 to 2017. His career began with his election as President of the JNU Students Union, demonstrating his long-standing involvement in political activism, which eventually led to his leadership within CPI(M).