A Sri Lankan politician who served as the Minister of Buddhasasana and Wayamba Development, known for promoting Buddhist values and developing rural areas.
Gamini Jayawickrama Perera was a stalwart of Sri Lankan politics, serving as a member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka for over three decades and holding numerous cabinet positions in various governments. He was a stalwart of the United National Party and played a crucial role in shaping the country's political landscape.
Born on January 29, 1941, in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, Perera came from a large family and received his primary and secondary education at Nalanda College in Colombo. He was an avid cricket enthusiast and even captained his college's first XI team, leading them to a draw in the prestigious Battle of the Maroons big match against Ananda College in 1960.
Perera's political career began in 1968 as a member of the United National Party. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a member of the National State Assembly from 1977 to 1989, representing Katugampola. He later served as a member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka for the Kurunegala District from 1994 to 2020.
Perera also took a brief break from national politics to serve as the Chief Minister of the North Western Province, where he was a member of the North Western Provincial Council.
In 2016, Perera was elected as the chairman of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, a position that allowed him to represent Sri Lanka's interests on the global stage. He also held the position of chairman of the United National Party during a significant period of his career.
Throughout his political career, Perera worked tirelessly to promote sustainable development, wildlife conservation, and food security in Sri Lanka. His leadership and vision have left a lasting impact on the country's political landscape, and he will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and a champion of Sri Lanka's interests.
Gamini Jayawickrama Perera's legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and his dedication to promoting the welfare of the Sri Lankan people. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions to the country's development will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
77 Years Old
The 13th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, a seasoned lawyer and politician, led the country through significant economic and political reforms, earning him a reputation as a champion of democracy and development.
80 Years Old
A Sri Lankan lawyer and politician who served as the 6th President of Sri Lanka, known for his role in ending the country's 26-year civil war. He's also infamous for alleged human rights abuses during his tenure.
81 Years Old
A pioneering female leader who served as Sri Lanka's first female President, known for her efforts to bring peace and reconciliation to the war-torn nation. She implemented policies to promote economic development and social welfare.
Born in 1906
A Sri Lankan lawyer and politician who served as the 2nd President of Sri Lanka, known for introducing a new constitution and establishing a presidential system of government. He's also credited with opening up the country's economy and promoting market-oriented reforms.
Born in 1899
A lawyer-turned-politician who championed Sinhalese nationalism and led Sri Lanka towards self-sufficiency, introducing sweeping reforms in education, agriculture, and industry. He's remembered for his bold, if sometimes divisive, leadership.
Born in 1916
The world's first female prime minister, who broke gender barriers in politics and led her country through a tumultuous period of economic and social change. She paved the way for future generations of female leaders.
