Chandrika; the woman behind the Presidency
[June 29, 2001]

Charisma, charm and confidence; key attributes many believe Chandrika Kumaratunga to be gifted with, in leading Sri Lanka out of her troubles and tribulations.

Her political opponents may criticise her ideologies or her unique style of governance; but even they concede that this charming personality has written a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s political history.

A visiting Prime Minister once said, “Your selfless dedication to the cause of your people has won you great admiration. Your vision of the future, inspired by lofty ideals, is a happy augury for Sri Lanka as it begins the second half century of its re-emergence as a sovereign and independent state.”

Renowned for her energy and intellect Kumaratunga majored in Political Science from L’Institute de Sciences Politiques or ‘Sciences Po’ in Paris.

“I admire her very much. I can tell you that she was very, very bright and hard working,” said Prof. Jean-Luc Domenach, Vice Chancellor and Director of Research, Science Po.

Chandrika was born to one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished families on 29th June 1945. Her father, SWRD Bandaranaike, was a senior Minister of the Government at the time of her birth. He was later to become the Prime Minister of the country, while her mother, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, was to become the world’s first woman Prime Minister in 1961. Chandrika had her early education at St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo and at the Aquinas University College Colombo.

Chandrika Bandaranaike married Vijaya Kumaratunga in 1978. Her charismatic film idol cum politician husband was slain by political opponents in 1988.

A painter and musician in her free time, behind Chandrika’s firm personality is a loving and caring woman.

“When her husband was imprisoned by the then government for his political ideology, she went to prison every day to see him leaving her one-month old son at home,” a member of her personal staff said.

Despite her heavy schedule, she was among the proud parents at the University of Cambridge for her daughter Yasodhara’s graduation, June 28. Her son Vimukthi is also a student in England.

Chandrika Kumaratunga reached the zenith of her political career when she was elected the World’s first woman Executive President in 1994 with a 62% mandate for peace.

Sri Lanka’s President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga celebrates her 56^th birthday today.

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Last Updated Date: December 17, 2003 .