UK (Commonwealth Union)_ Ranil Jayawardena, the Sri Lankan-origin former Member of Parliament (MP) for North East Hampshire and ex-deputy leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC), has been honoured with a knighthood in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List. The award recognises his exceptional contributions to public service over the years, spanning both local and national levels of government. Accordingly, Jayawardena, 38, was born in London to Sri Lankan parents. His political career, which has stretched over more than a decade, saw him rise from local council duties to prominent positions within the UK Parliament.
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Having represented North East Hampshire since 2015, Jayawardena’s political journey came to a close after his defeat in the 2024 general election. Despite this, his legacy as a respected figure in his constituency, where he had lived for most of his life, remains significant. Responding to the honour, Jayawardena expressed his deep gratitude, stating, “I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition from His Majesty The King. It is a reflection of the journey I have taken in public service, from serving as a local councillor to holding key Cabinet positions in government.”
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Jayawardena’s political career started at the local level in Basingstoke, where he served as a councillor for BDBC from 2008 until 2015. His leadership abilities quickly shone through, earning him the position of deputy leader of the council, a role that paved the way for his future in national politics. Reflecting on his roots, he said, “It was an immense privilege to serve as MP for the area where I grew up, attended local state schools, and where I continue to live with my family.” Jayawardena’s academic background includes a degree in Government from the London School of Economics, which he completed in 2008. That year, he began his national political career by being elected as the Member of Parliament for North East Hampshire.
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Over the years, he garnered a reputation for being a dedicated and effective politician, earning multiple prominent roles within government. Between 2020 and 2022, Jayawardena served as the International Trade Minister, a position that saw him negotiate vital trade agreements to fortify the UK’s economic standing during the challenging Covid-19 pandemic. His leadership ensured the continued resilience of global supply chains, a key element in the UK’s recovery efforts during this tumultuous period. Following Liz Truss’s appointment as Prime Minister in September 2022, Jayawardena received a promotion to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. In this prominent role, he concentrated on crucial environmental concerns such as water pollution and safeguarding the UK’s natural environment, subjects he holds dear.
In his message of thanks for the knighthood, Jayawardena acknowledged the support of his family, colleagues, and constituents, highlighting the critical role they played in his achievements. “I am incredibly thankful to my family, colleagues, and especially the people of North East Hampshire for their outstanding support over the years. It has been an honour to serve them, and I will always be proud of the work we have done together,” he said. With his knighthood, Jayawardena’s journey from local councilor to national leader has been officially recognised. His career continues to serve as an inspiring example of dedication to public service and the positive impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.
