Early Life and Family Background

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga was born on June 29, 1945, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, into a distinguished political dynasty. Her father, S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, was the founder of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and served as Prime Minister until his assassination in 1959. Her mother, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, later became the world’s first female Prime Minister. Growing up in such a politically charged environment, Kumaratunga was naturally drawn to public service. She received her early education at St. Bridget’s Convent in Colombo and later studied political science and development economics at the Institut d’Études Politiques in Paris, France.

Early Career and Political Awakening

Before entering active politics, Kumaratunga worked in rural development and social planning. She also spent time abroad, gaining academic and professional experience. Her marriage to film star and political activist Vijaya Kumaratunga further influenced her political perspective. His assassination in 1988 by an extremist group deeply affected her and led her to engage more directly in politics.

Political Ascent

In 1993, Kumaratunga formally re-entered politics as Chief Minister of the Western Province. Her leadership and popularity propelled her to national prominence. In the 1994 general elections, she led the People’s Alliance (PA) to victory and became Prime Minister. Later that year, she won the presidential election with a landslide, becoming Sri Lanka’s first female Executive President.

Presidency and Key Policies

Serving as President from 1994 to 2005, Kumaratunga prioritized peace, reconciliation, and economic reform. Her government initiated dialogue with the LTTE, aiming to end the civil war through political negotiation and devolution of power. While her peace efforts initially showed promise, they were hampered by mistrust, violence, and internal political divisions.

On the domestic front, Kumaratunga promoted free-market economic policies alongside welfare programs. Her administration worked on expanding education, healthcare, and poverty reduction initiatives, though implementation faced bureaucratic and political obstacles.

Challenges and Assassination Attempt

Kumaratunga’s presidency faced several critical challenges. The LTTE continued its violent campaign, and in December 1999, she narrowly survived an assassination attempt, losing sight in one eye. Additionally, her second term was marked by a power struggle with the United National Party (UNP)-led government, especially during her uneasy cohabitation with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The divided leadership weakened the momentum of the peace process and governance overall.

Post-Presidency and Legacy

After stepping down in 2005, Kumaratunga stayed away from frontline politics but remained an influential voice in national and international discussions on peace and democracy. She later played a role in promoting good governance and reconciliation through the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR), which she chaired.

Chandrika Kumaratunga is remembered as a trailblazing female leader in South Asia, a passionate advocate for peace, and a reform-minded stateswoman. While her presidency had mixed results, her commitment to ending ethnic conflict and promoting democratic ideals continues to shape her legacy in Sri Lanka’s political history.