evidence: Amarasuriya now joins Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Bandaranaike as only the third woman to hold this position, and notably, the first from a non-political family background. [...] As Amarasuriya takes on the mantle of leadership, she faces the formidable task of translating her vision into tangible policy outcomes. The potential impact of her premiership extends beyond Sri Lanka, potentially offering a new model of leadership for the entire South Asian region. Her journey from the classroom to the cabinet is more than a personal triumph; it’s a mandate for transformation that could reshape the political landscape of Sri Lanka and inspire a new generation of leaders across South Asia. Amarasuriya’s message to the youth of Sri Lanka, shared in our interviews, becomes even more powerful in light of her new role. She urged youth to get into politics and change the culture rather than fitting in.