Contents
Chandrika Kumaratunga
Serving as Sri Lanka’s first female president from 1994 to 2005.
Presidential election · Constitutional proposals
- Born
- 29 June 1945
- Birthplace
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
More people
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Franklin D. RooseveltLeading the United States through the Great Depression and most of the Second World War.Chandrika Kumaratunga
Sri Lankan politician who led the country through years of civil war and attempted constitutional and peace initiatives.
Early life
Political family
Both her father and mother served as prime minister.
Studies in France
Studied political science in Paris before returning to Sri Lanka.
Career
- 1970s–1980s
Political and administrative work
Worked in public administration and became involved in party politics.
- 1993–1994
Rise to national office
Served as provincial chief minister and briefly as prime minister.
- 1994–2005
Presidency
Led two presidential terms during the civil war.
Major events
Constitutional proposals
Advanced devolution proposals intended to address the ethnic conflict.
Presidential election
Became the first woman elected president of Sri Lanka.
Tsunami response
Led the government during the immediate aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami.
Beyond work
Political violence
Her father and husband were assassinated; she survived an attack in 1999.
Later public work
Participated in reconciliation initiatives and international leadership networks.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and references ↗Biography and contributions ↗Photo: Prime Minister's Office. GODL-India · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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