History of Sirimavo Bandaranaike: Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (1959-2000)
History of Sirimavo Bandaranaike: Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (1959-2000)
Blog Article
Sirimavo Bandaranaike, one of the most prominent figures in Sri Lankan politics, holds a significant place in history as the world’s first female prime minister. Serving as Prime Minister of Ceylon (later Sri Lanka) from 1960 to 1965, and again from 1970 to 1977, she played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's political landscape during the 20th century. Her leadership, policies, and vision for Sri Lanka earned her both admiration and criticism, marking her as one of South Asia’s most influential political figures.
Early Life and Background
Sirimavo Ratwatte was born on April 17, 1916, into an aristocratic family in the Kandy district of Sri Lanka. She was the daughter of Don Bastian and Punyawathi Ratwatte, both of whom belonged to the well-established aristocracy of the island. Her education was received at the prestigious Visakha Vidyalaya, a leading girls' school in Colombo, and later at the University of Ceylon.
In 1940, Sirimavo married S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, a prominent politician who later became the Prime Minister of Ceylon. The couple had three children: a son, Anura, and two daughters, Chandrika and Sunethra. Tragically, in 1959, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike was assassinated by a Buddhist monk, leaving Sirimavo Bandaranaike to take up the mantle of leadership in a nation still reeling from the loss.
Rise to Power
Following the assassination of her husband, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, a woman with little previous political experience, was thrust into the national spotlight. However, her journey into politics was not entirely accidental. Sirimavo had been involved in her husband's political activities and had supported him during his tenure as prime minister. With his untimely death, she was persuaded by her party, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), to run for parliament and become the party leader.
In the general elections of 1960, Sirimavo led the SLFP to a stunning victory, and she became the world’s first female prime minister. Her ascension to the premiership was seen as a historic moment, not only for Sri Lanka but also for women in politics worldwide. Her election was a significant achievement in a period when women were still fighting for equal rights and political representation globally. shutdown123 Report this page