The general election of 1956 in the Dominion of Ceylon resulted in a landslide victory for S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, marking a pivotal transition in the nation's political landscape. As the founder of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, he led a coalition to power that prioritized democratic socialism and Sinhalese nationalism over the established ruling United National Party.
Early Education and Legal Training
Born in Colombo in 1899, Bandaranaike was the son of Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranaike. His early education was conducted by private tutors at his family home before he attended St Thomas' College, Mutwal. He later entered Christ Church, Oxford, where he focused on philosophy, politics and economics. Graduating in 1923, he qualified as a barrister at the Inner Temple in 1924 and subsequently registered as an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Ceylon.
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Bandaranaike entered public life as the Chairman of the Nittambuwa Village Committee and was later elected to the Colombo Municipal Council in 1926. Following the introduction of the Donoughmore Constitution, he secured a seat in the first State Council of Ceylon in 1931 representing Veyangoda. By 1936, he served as the Minister of Local Administration and established the Sinhala Maha Sabha to advocate for community interests.
Prime Ministerial Tenure
As Prime Minister from 1956 to 1959, Bandaranaike implemented several significant reforms, including the nationalization of bus services and legislation aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination. He altered the country's international standing by establishing diplomatic ties with communist nations and abrogating the 1947 United Kingdom–Ceylon Defence Agreement. His administration also enacted the Sinhala Only Act, which designated Sinhala as the sole official language, a policy that generated substantial national debate.
Assassination and Political Legacy
On 25 September 1959, Bandaranaike was shot at his residence in Colombo and died the following day. A Buddhist monk, Ven Talduwe Somarama, was later convicted and executed for the crime. Following his death, his widow, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, assumed leadership of the Freedom Party, eventually becoming the world's first female prime minister. His children, Chandrika Kumaratunga and Anura Bandaranaike, also maintained active roles in national politics.
Fast facts
- Born: 1899, Colombo
- Died: 1959, Colombo
- Education: Christ Church, Oxford
- Political Party: Sri Lanka Freedom Party
- Prime Minister Term: 1956-1959
- Profession: Politician, diplomat, barrister
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Sinhala Only Act?
The act made Sinhala the sole official language of the country, a policy implemented by Bandaranaike that was highly controversial.
Who succeeded Bandaranaike in his political party?
His widow, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, led the Freedom Party and later served as the world's first female prime minister.
Achievements
- Member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka
- Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (1956–1959)
- Educated at Christ Church
