Description:
(Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (1960 - 1965, 1970 - 1977, 1994 - 2000))
Sirima Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike, more famously known as Sirimavo Bandaranaike, was a Sri Lankan politician and stateswoman. She was world’s first woman to become Prime Minister of a country. She made such history after her party won the Ceylon general election in 1960 and chose her as the new Prime Minister of Ceylon. She made a comeback and served two more terms as Prime Minister, from 1970 to 1977 and again from 1994 to 2000. She represented the ‘Sri Lanka Freedom Party’ and remained its leader for a long time. She stepped into politics after the ‘‘Sri Lanka Freedom Party’ faced a turmoil following her husband, previous Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Solomon Bandaranaike’s assassination in September 1959. Her family held prominent position in Sri Lankan politics for decades. While her daughter Chandrika Kumaratunga served as the fourth Executive President of Sri Lanka, her son Anura Bandaranaike served as Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka and also remained a cabinet minister. Her name Sirimavo contains the suffix ‘vo’ which means ‘respect’.
Birthday
April 17, 1916 (Aries)
Alternative names
Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike
Died on
October 10, 2000
Spouse/Ex-
S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike
Parents
Barnes Ratwatte
Rosalind Mahawelatenne Kumarihamy
What was Sirimavo Bandaranaike's political career like?
Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the first female Prime Minister in the world, serving three terms in office in Sri Lanka.
What were some key policies or initiatives implemented during Sirimavo Bandaranaike's leadership?
During her tenure, Bandaranaike implemented various socialist policies, including nationalizing key industries and redistributing land to peasants.
How did Sirimavo Bandaranaike impact Sri Lanka's foreign relations?
Bandaranaike pursued a policy of non-alignment in foreign affairs, strengthening ties with other non-aligned nations and promoting peace and cooperation.
What was the outcome of the 1971 insurrection during Sirimavo Bandaranaike's rule?
In response to the 1971 JVP insurrection, Bandaranaike declared a state of emergency, leading to a crackdown on the rebels and a period of political unrest.
What role did Sirimavo Bandaranaike play in shaping the political landscape of Sri Lanka?
Bandaranaike's leadership had a lasting impact on Sri Lankan politics, shaping the country's socialist policies and paving the way for future female leaders.
