Famous Sri Lankan Leaders

Sirimavo Bandaranaike was a prominent Sri Lankan politician who made history as the world's first female prime minister. She led the Sri Lanka Freedom Party for several decades and served three terms as prime minister, implementing socialist policies and nationalist agendas. Bandaranaike faced challenges such as economic instability, ethnic tensions, and civil unrest during her tenure. She played a key role in shaping the country's political landscape, both domestically and internationally, as a negotiator and leader among Non-Aligned Nations.

Ranil Wickremesinghe is a prominent Sri Lankan politician who has held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Finance, Minister of Defence, Minister of Technology, and Minister of Women, Child Affairs, and Social Empowerment. He has been the leader of the United National Party since 1994 and has served as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on multiple occasions. Wickremesinghe has navigated through political challenges, including being removed and re-appointed as Prime Minister, and eventually became the 9th President of Sri Lanka in July 2022.

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, known as CBK, is a prominent Sri Lankan politician who served as the country's fourth executive president from 1994 to 2005. Prior to her presidency, she held positions as prime minister and chief minister of the Western Province. Kumaratunga was the first and only female president of Sri Lanka and the second female prime minister. She led the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and achieved a historic victory in the 1994 election, securing 62% of the votes cast.

D. S. Senanayake was a prominent Ceylonese statesman who played a crucial role in the country's independence movement. He began his career as a clerk in the Surveyor General's Department before joining his family's business. Senanayake actively participated in the temperance movement, which later evolved into the independence movement. He served in various legislative bodies, holding positions such as Minister of Agriculture and Lands. Senanayake eventually became Ceylon's first Prime Minister, leading the nation from 1947 until his passing in 1952.

Ranasinghe Premadasa was a prominent Sri Lankan politician who served as the third President of the country from 1989 until his assassination in 1993. He also held the position of Prime Minister from 1978 to 1989, making him the longest-serving uninterrupted Prime Minister in Sri Lanka's history. During his tenure, he was known for his dedication to public service and was recognized for his contributions by being awarded Sri Lanka's highest civilian honor, the Sri Lankabhimanya, in 1986.

Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara was a prominent Sri Lankan lawyer and politician who played a crucial role in the country's independence movement. As the Minister of Education, he introduced extensive reforms to the education system, including the Central Colleges scheme that provided quality secondary education to underprivileged students. His efforts led to the implementation of free education in Sri Lanka, earning him the title of the Father of Free Education. Kannangara's legal expertise and political leadership were instrumental in shaping the educational landscape of the country.

Arulappu Richard Arulpragasam, also known as Arular and A. R. Arulpragasam, was a Tamil activist and former revolutionary involved in the formation of the Eelam Revolutionary Organisation of Students (EROS) during the Tamil independence movements. He transitioned to becoming an independent peace negotiator during the civil war and later led the Global Sustainability Initiative in the UK. Arulpragasam had a significant impact on the Tamil community and played a crucial role in seeking solutions for conflict resolution and sustainability initiatives.

Field Marshal Gardihewa Sarath Chandralal Fonseka is a prominent Sri Lankan politician and former army officer. He served as the eighteenth Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, leading the successful conclusion of the 26-year Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009 by defeating the militant group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Fonseka later entered politics and faced controversies including being briefly imprisoned after contesting the 2010 presidential election. He received a full pardon and reinstatement of his military rank and civic rights, eventually holding various ministerial positions before announcing his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election.

Junius Richard Jayewardene, commonly known as J.R., was a prominent Sri Lankan lawyer, public official, and statesman. He played a key role in the nationalist movement in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and held various cabinet positions post-independence. As a member of the United National Party, he led the party to a significant victory in 1977, serving as Prime Minister before becoming the country's first executive President in 1978. Jayewardene's introduction of an open economic system in 1978 helped stabilize the country's economy, though his handling of events like the Black July riots of 1983 has been controversial and linked to the onset of the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Ranjan Ramanayake is a former Sri Lankan politician, actor, film director, singer, and scriptwriter known for his work in Sinhala language films. He has had a successful career in both politics and the entertainment industry, serving in various government positions such as State Minister of Highways and Road Development and Deputy Minister of Social Services, Welfare, and Livestock Development. Ramanayake is a highly acclaimed actor, having won numerous awards for his performances in over 75 Sinhalese films spanning various genres.

Malini Fonseka is a highly esteemed Sri Lankan actress, theatre artist, and director, renowned as the "Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema." With a career spanning seven decades, she has garnered numerous accolades including Best Actress Awards and the Slim Nielsen Peoples' Award for Most Popular Actress twelve times consecutively. Fonseka made her cinematic debut in 1968 and has since solidified her legacy as one of Asia's greatest film actors. Additionally, she has served as a Minister in the Sri Lankan Parliament, recognized for her unwavering support for Mahinda Rajapaksha.

Rosy Senanayake is a prominent Sri Lankan politician, beauty pageant titleholder, and activist. She has held various key roles in government and politics, including serving as the Mayor of Colombo, a Presidential Advisor on Local Government affairs, and the former state minister for child development. Senanayake has also been actively involved in the opposition, serving as the leader of the opposition in the Western Provincial Council and as the chief organizer of the United National Party for the Colombo West electorate. Additionally, she has represented Sri Lanka as the High Commissioner for Malaysia and worked as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund.

Vanushi Walters is a New Zealand lawyer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives for the Labour Party representing the Upper Harbour electorate from 2020 to 2023. With a background in law, she actively participated in legislative processes, advocated for her constituents, and contributed to shaping public policy. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated a commitment to serving her community and addressing key issues facing the electorate, earning respect for her dedication and leadership.

Anarkali Akarsha is a versatile professional with experience as an actress, model, former politician, and beauty pageant titleholder. She gained recognition by winning the Miss Sri Lanka 2004 title and representing her country at the Miss World 2004 beauty pageant. Anarkali has also worked as a brand ambassador and fundraiser, showcasing her diverse skill set and ability to excel in various roles. With a background in attending Colombo International School, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment and philanthropic industries.

Brigadier General Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence was a distinguished British military officer, surveyor, administrator, and statesman in British India. He is renowned for his leadership of a group of administrators in the Punjab, known as Henry Lawrence's "Young Men." Lawrence also founded the Lawrence Military Asylums, demonstrating his commitment to the welfare of soldiers. His professional life culminated tragically during the Siege of Lucknow in 1857, where he met his death, further solidifying his legacy as a dedicated and influential figure in British colonial India.

Maithripala Sirisena is a Sri Lankan politician who served as the seventh President of Sri Lanka from 2015 to 2019. He entered mainstream politics in 1989 and held various ministerial positions within the Sri Lankan government. Sirisena's unexpected victory in the 2015 presidential election was attributed to his appeal to a diverse range of voters, including rural Sinhala-majority constituencies and minority groups. He pledged to implement a 100-day reform program focusing on rebalancing the executive branch, fighting corruption, and investigating allegations of war crimes.

Dingiri Banda Wijetunga served as the fourth President of Sri Lanka from 1993 to 1994, after previously holding the position of Prime Minister from 1989 to 1993. Prior to his national leadership roles, he also served as the Governor of the North Western province in Sri Lanka. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with Sri Lanka's highest civilian award, Sri Lankabhimanya, in 1993. Wijetunga's career was marked by his dedication to public service and leadership within the Sri Lankan government.

Gamini Fonseka was a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema, excelling as an actor, director, and politician. Known as the greatest actor in Sinhala cinema, he dominated the industry in the 1960s and 1970s, winning numerous Best Actor and Popular Actor awards. In addition to his successful acting career, Fonseka also held political positions, serving as the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka and the Governor of the North Eastern Province. He is revered as one of the Kings of Sri Lankan cinema, alongside Joe Abeywickrama and Tony Ranasinghe.

Mahinda Rajapaksa is a Sri Lankan politician and lawyer who has held various prominent positions in government, including President, Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Leader of the Opposition. He has been a Member of Parliament for Kurunegala. Rajapaksa led the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and later formed the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. Throughout his career, he has faced accusations of war crimes, human rights violations, corruption, and instigating violence against protestors. Rajapaksa has been sanctioned by Canada for human rights violations.

Upeksha Swarnamali, also known as "Paba," is a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema and television. She has made a name for herself as an accomplished actress, particularly known for her role in the popular television series "Paba." In addition to her successful acting career, Swarnamali has also ventured into politics and served as a member of the Sri Lanka Parliament. Her versatility and talent have earned her a loyal fan following and solidified her status as a respected personality in the entertainment industry.

Ravindra Randeniya is a prominent Sri Lankan actor and former politician who gained fame through his roles in films like Desa Nisa in 1975. He was a popular actor during the 1970s and 1980s, winning multiple Sarasaviya Best Actor Awards for his performances. Additionally, he hosted the widely acclaimed quiz program Mind Star on ITN, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry. Randeniya's versatile talents and contributions have left a lasting impact on the Sri Lankan film and television landscape.

Velupillai Prabhakaran was a prominent figure in Tamil nationalism and the founder of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization in Sri Lanka. Under his leadership, the LTTE waged a military campaign against the Sri Lankan government for over 25 years, seeking an independent Tamil state. Prabhakaran's tactics and strategies influenced political militant groups globally. He believed in revolutionary socialism and aimed to create an egalitarian society. Prabhakaran's death in a firefight with the Sri Lankan Army marked the end of the armed conflict.

Neelan Tiruchelvam was a prominent Sri Lankan Tamil lawyer, academic, human rights activist, and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament and Director of the International Centre for Ethnic Studies. Tiruchelvam was known for his advocacy for a peaceful resolution to the Sri Lankan Civil War. He was highly regarded for his expertise in constitutional law and theory, making significant contributions to legal pluralism, human rights, and ethnic conflict research. His assassination in 1999 sparked global condemnation, and he was posthumously recognized with prestigious awards for his scholarly achievements.

Jeewan Kumaranatunga is a versatile figure in Sri Lankan entertainment and politics. He has made significant contributions as an actor in cinema, theater, and television, showcasing his talent and versatility on screen. Transitioning into politics, he served as a member of parliament and held a position as a cabinet minister. With a background in both the entertainment industry and governance, Jeewan Kumaranatunga has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and making a positive impact on society.

J.B. Jeyaretnam was a prominent Singaporean politician, lawyer, and secretary-general of the Workers' Party. He entered politics in 1971, leading the opposition party and contesting multiple elections. Known for his legal background, he faced challenges including convictions and disbarment, which he successfully appealed. Despite setbacks, he continued his political career, serving as a Member of Parliament and later founding the Reform Party. Jeyaretnam's dedication to opposition politics and legal advocacy left a lasting impact on Singapore's political landscape.

Vijaya Kumaratunga was a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema, known for his acting prowess and musical talents. He made a significant impact as a film actor, captivating audiences with his performances on the big screen. In addition to his successful acting career, Kumaratunga ventured into politics and founded the Sri Lanka Mahajana Party. His contributions to both the entertainment industry and the political arena solidified his status as an iconic figure in Sri Lankan society.

Adeline Molamure was a prominent Sri Lankan politician known for her pioneering accomplishments. She made history as the first elected female legislator in Ceylon and the first woman to serve on the State Council. Molamure's remarkable career also included serving as the Deputy President of the Senate of Ceylon. Her contributions to politics were marked by dedication and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the political landscape of Sri Lanka.

Thileepan was a prominent member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist Tamil militant organization in Sri Lanka. He was known for his role as a Tamil Eelam revolutionary, advocating for the rights of the Tamil people. Thileepan gained recognition for his dedication to the cause through a hunger strike, which ultimately led to his death. His commitment to the struggle for Tamil independence made him a significant figure within the LTTE and the broader Tamil community.

Udaya Gammanpila is a multi-talented professional known for his roles as a computer engineer, lawyer, and politician in Sri Lanka. He has served as a Minister of Energy and Member of Parliament for the Colombo District. Additionally, he has held ministerial positions in the Western province and as the Cabinet minister for Buddhism and Religious affairs. With significant electoral success, he was elected as a Member of Parliament with a high number of preferential votes. Gammanpila is also recognized as the leader of the political party "Pivithuru Hela Urumaya."

Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi is a prominent Sri Lankan lawyer and politician serving as the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Conservation. She represents the Ratnapura District in the Sri Lankan Parliament. With a background in law, she has established herself as a respected figure in the legal and political landscape of Sri Lanka. Her focus on wildlife and forest conservation highlights her commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. Wanniarachchi's professional journey reflects her dedication to public service and advocacy for important issues in her country.