Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the first woman in the world to be elected as the Prime Minister of a country. She was the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, serving three terms in office between 1960 and 2000. Her legacy has been an inspiration for generations of women around the world.
Born on April 17, 1916, in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the daughter of Solomon Dias Bandaranaike, a prominent politician and member of the Legislative Council of Ceylon. She grew up in a political family and was educated at St. Bridget’s Convent in Colombo.
In 1940, she married Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, who later became the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Together, they founded the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in 1951, which became one of the major political parties in the country.
After the assassination of her husband in 1959, Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the leader of the SLFP and the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 1960, making her the first female head of government in the world. During her first term in office, she implemented a series of social reforms, including the introduction of free education and healthcare, land reforms, and the establishment of cooperatives.
Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s second term in office, from 1970 to 1977, was marked by the nationalisation of several key industries and the adoption of a socialist economic policy. She also introduced measures to promote the rights of women, including the establishment of a Women’s Bureau to provide support and services for women.
In 1994, Sirimavo Bandaranaike was elected to a third term as Prime Minister, making her the only woman in the world to have served as head of government for three separate terms. During her third term, she focused on economic development and strengthening relations with other countries, particularly in Asia.
Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s contributions to Sri Lankan politics and society were immense. She was a trailblazer for women’s rights and gender equality, and her legacy continues to inspire women around the world. Her leadership and vision helped transform Sri Lanka into a modern, democratic nation that is respected and admired by many.
In recognition of her contributions, Sirimavo Bandaranaike has been honoured with numerous awards and honours, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service and the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding. She was also the first woman to address the United Nations General Assembly in 1960.
In conclusion, Sirimavo Bandaranaike was a pioneering leader who broke down barriers for women in politics and government. She was a champion for social justice, economic development, and gender equality, and her legacy has inspired generations of women to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Her life and achievements serve as a testament to the power of women’s leadership and the potential of women to transform society for the better.
