Famous Sri Lankan Leaders

Sri Lanka maybe a small island country in South Asia but that doesn’t mean it is unimportant. The country, popularly known as the tear drop of India due to its shape, is the largest exporter of tea in the world. Did you know that cinnamon which you so fondly use in your daily food owes its roots in Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka’s deep harbours and its strategic geographic location made it an important seat during the World War II. It has a high human development index. Much of that has been possible due to its leaders who have played a quintessential role in putting Sri Lanka as one of the most important countries in the world map. Prior to the current presidential system, Sri Lanka had a parliamentary system until 1978. The Prime Minister was vested with executive powers while the role of the President was largely ceremonial. However, in 1978, the constitution changes introduced by J.R Jayewardene empowered President with executive powers, thus making the position of the Prime Minister nominal. Jayewardene presided over Sri Lankan governmental affairs for more than ten years before being taken over by Ranasinghe Premadasa who was later assassinated. Chandrika Kumaratunga was the first female President to serve the country from 1994 until 2005. Maithripala Sirisena currently serves as the President of Sri Lanka. Check this section to know more about famous Sri Lankan leaders.