Ratnasiri Wickremanayake held the office of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on two separate occasions, first from 2000 to 2001 and again from 2005 to 2010. A consistent presence in the island nation's governance, he navigated decades of shifting parliamentary alliances and ministerial portfolios while operating as a senior figure within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.
Early Education and Political Entry
Born in British Ceylon in 1933, Wickremanayake attended Millewa Primary School and Dharmapala Vidyalaya before continuing his studies at Hartley College and Ananda College. He later traveled to the United Kingdom to attend Lincoln's Inn, aiming to qualify as a barrister, though he transitioned into active politics instead. During his residency in Britain, he served as the president of the Ceylon Students' Association in 1955. His legislative career commenced in 1960 when he was elected to represent the Horana electorate for the Lanka Sama Samaja Party.
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Wickremanayake joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in 1962 and secured re-election to the legislature in 1965 and 1970. His first major executive appointment arrived in 1970 as Deputy Minister for Justice under Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. By 1975, he oversaw the Ministry of Plantation Industries, subsequently adding the Ministry of Justice to his duties the following year. Although he lost his parliamentary seat in the 1977 general election, he maintained his political influence by becoming the General Secretary of the SLFP in 1978. He returned to parliament in 1994, representing the Kalutara District, and served in the government of President Chandrika Kumaratunga as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, and Plantation Industries.
Terms as Prime Minister
He ascended to the premiership in October 2000, succeeding Sirimavo Bandaranaike. His first term ended in 2001 following the party's electoral defeat, leading him to serve as Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2002. Following the SLFP victory in 2004, he held the portfolios of Buddhist Affairs, Public Security, and Law and Order. In November 2005, President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed him to his second term as Prime Minister. Throughout his career, he remained a strict opponent of Tamil separatist groups, advocating for firm military and security measures rather than negotiated ceasefires, although his stance on dialogue fluctuated during his time as opposition leader.
Final Years
Wickremanayake concluded his long career in various administrative capacities. By the end of his life, he was serving as a Senior Advisor to President Maithripala Sirisena. Following a medical emergency in December 2016, he was admitted to a private hospital in Colombo. He passed away on 27 December 2016 at the age of 83.
Fast facts
- Born: 1933, British Ceylon
- Died: 27 December 2016, Colombo
- Education: Hartley College, Ananda College
- Prime Minister Tenure 1: 2000-2001
- Prime Minister Tenure 2: 2005-2010
- Leader of the Opposition: 2001-2002
- Religious Affiliation: Theravāda
- Party: Sri Lanka Freedom Party
Questions readers ask
Which political parties did Ratnasiri Wickremanayake represent?
He began his career with the Lanka Sama Samaja Party before joining the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in 1962.
What ministerial roles did he hold prior to his premiership?
He served as Minister of Justice, Minister of Plantation Industries, and Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, and Plantation Industries.
Achievements
- Member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka
- Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (2005–2010)
- Leader of the Opposition (2001–2002)
- Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (2000–2001)
- Educated at Hartley College and Ananda College
