Sri Lanka’s First Female President Chandrika Kumaratunga: Life, Leadership, and Legacy

Sri Lanka made history in 1994 when Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (CBK) became the first woman President of the country. She served two consecutive terms from 1994 to 2005, leading Sri Lanka through a crucial period of political and social transformation. Her presidency represented a milestone in women’s empowerment and leadership in South Asia.

Sri Lanka’s First Female President Chandrika Kumaratunga: Life, Leadership, and Legacy

Early Life and Family Background

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was born on June 29, 1945, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. She came from one of the most influential political families in the country.

• Her father, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, was the founder of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and a former Prime Minister.
• Her mother, Sirima Bandaranaike, became the world’s first female Prime Minister.

Growing up in a politically active family deeply shaped her outlook and leadership qualities from an early age.

Education and Early Political Career

Chandrika studied at St. Bridget’s Convent in Colombo and later moved to France, where she graduated with a diploma in political science from Sciences Po, Paris. After returning to Sri Lanka, she joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), continuing her family’s political legacy.

In 1993, she became the Chief Minister of the Western Province, marking her formal entry into political leadership. The following year, in 1994, she became the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

Becoming the First Woman President

In November 1994, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga contested and won the Presidential election, defeating Srima Dissanayake by a large margin. With this victory, she became Sri Lanka’s first female President, making history and inspiring women worldwide. Her party, the People’s Alliance, came to power with a promise of peace and reform.

Major Achievements and Reforms

As President, Kumaratunga introduced several reforms and initiatives:

• Worked to strengthen democracy and revive the economy.
• Promoted privatization of state-owned enterprises.
• Encouraged export growth, particularly in tea and textile industries.
• Improved foreign relations and sought peace talks with the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) during the civil conflict.

Her leadership emphasized balancing economic growth with national unity.

Challenges Faced During Presidency

Despite her achievements, her presidency was marked by ongoing civil war and political tensions. The LTTE conflict caused instability and loss of life. An assassination attempt in 2000 left her partially blind in one eye, yet she continued her leadership with determination and courage.

Legacy and Impact

Chandrika Kumaratunga remains a symbol of women’s empowerment and strong political leadership in South Asia. Her rise to the presidency broke gender barriers and paved the way for more women to enter politics.
Even after leaving office, she continued to advocate for peace, democracy, and women’s rights.

Exam-Oriented Notes

• Name: Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (CBK)
• Position: First Woman President of Sri Lanka
• Tenure: 1994–2005
• Political Party: Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)
• Parents: S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike (Founder of SLFP), Sirima Bandaranaike (World’s first female Prime Minister)
• Education: Sciences Po, Paris
• Key Focus Areas: Peace process, economic reform, women empowerment, foreign policy

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Question & Answer

Q1. Who was the first woman President of Sri Lanka?
(a) Sirima Bandaranaike
(b) Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
(c) Srima Dissanayake
(d) Indira Gandhi
Answer: Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

Q2. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga served as President of Sri Lanka during which years?
(a) 1990–1998
(b) 1994–2005
(c) 1996–2008
(d) 1989–1999
Answer: 1994–2005

Q3. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s mother, Sirima Bandaranaike, was the world’s first:
(a) Female President
(b) Female Prime Minister
(c) Female Governor
(d) Female Foreign Minister
Answer: Female Prime Minister

Q4. From which political party did Chandrika Kumaratunga belong?
(a) United National Party (UNP)
(b) Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)
(c) People’s Alliance Party
(d) National Congress
Answer: Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)

Q5. Where did Chandrika Kumaratunga pursue her higher education?
(a) Oxford University
(b) Sciences Po, Paris
(c) Harvard University
(d) University of Colombo
Answer: Sciences Po, Paris

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