Alumni successes, events and reunions
QMU graduate appointed Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
We were thrilled that a QMU graduate had been appointed Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
Dr Harini Amarasuriya, who studied with our Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD), is the country’s first female prime minister in 24 years. She is only the third woman in Sri Lanka’s history to hold this top leadership position.
Following several years of research in the field of international health, Dr Amarasuriya completed a joint PhD programme with QMU and the University of Edinburgh in 2011. She was sworn into office as the 16th Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 24 September 2024 by the country’s president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Prior to her career in politics, Dr Amarasuriya worked as a lecturer at The Open University of Sri Lanka.
Dr Marcia Vera-Espinoza is the Deputy Director of the Institute for Global Health and Development at QMU. She said: “Harini’s rise from academia to politics reflects a critical shift toward qualified and inclusive governance, which is pivotal in a nation navigating economic and social challenges.
“Her focus on justice, education, and labour reform, coupled with her progressive vision, is expected to set a new tone for Sri Lanka’s political landscape. This achievement is not only a testament to her academic and activist background, but also a step forward for gender inclusivity in South Asian politics.”
Alumni Events and Class Reunions
Alumni events and class reunions are an excellent way to stay connected with the University and your fellow alumni.
Last year, the alumni team was delighted to host several catch-ups for our alumni community — one in Dublin, two in London, and two in Edinburgh. The staff loved the opportunity to meet many graduates in person for the first time, as well as seeing familiar faces.
Last September, the team also attended the Scottish Universities Alumni Event at Scotland House in London. The event proved to be an effective platform for alumni to grow their personal and professional networks in the capital.
Class Reunions
Last year, we welcomed many of our alumni back to campus, individually or as part of class year groups. It was great to reconnect, and have the opportunity to listen, as everyone reminisced about their student days.
