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Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Becoming the world’s first female prime minister in 1960 and serving three terms as head of government.
First female premier · Republican constitution
- Born
- 17 April 1916
- Birthplace
- Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
- Died
- 10 October 2000
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Sirimavo Bandaranaike led Ceylon, later Sri Lanka, through nationalisation, non-aligned diplomacy and the creation of a republic. Her governments also faced insurrection, economic hardship and criticism of policies that deepened Tamil grievances.
Early life
Ratwatte family
Born into a prominent family in British Ceylon and educated at St Bridget’s Convent in Colombo.
Social work and marriage
Married S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike in 1940 and undertook social-welfare work before entering national leadership.
Career
- 1960–1965
First premiership
Led the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to victory after her husband’s assassination.
- 1970–1977
Second government
Returned to power, pursued state-led economic policies and oversaw the 1972 republic.
- 1980s
Exclusion and opposition
Lost her civic rights for a period before returning to parliamentary opposition.
- 1994–2000
Third term
Served again as prime minister under her daughter, President Chandrika Kumaratunga.
Policies & milestones
First female premier
Became the first woman to hold the office of prime minister anywhere in the world.
Republican constitution
Oversaw Ceylon’s transition to the Republic of Sri Lanka.
Non-Aligned summit
Hosted the movement’s summit in Colombo.
Beyond politics
Political family
Her daughter Chandrika became president; her son Anura also entered national politics.
Divisive policies
Language and education policies disadvantaged Tamils, while the violent suppression of the 1971 insurrection remains part of her record.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Institutional biography and career record ↗Photo: Indiragandhifan. CC0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
