S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, Sri Lankan lawyer and politician, 4th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (d. 1959)

S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike: Architect of Modern Sri Lankan Politics

Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike (Sinhala: සොලොමන් වෙස්ට් රිජ්වේ ඩයස් බණ්ඩාරනායක; Tamil: சாலமன் வெஸ்ட் ரிட்ஜ்வே டயஸ் பண்டாரநாயக்கா; 8 January 1899 – 26 September 1959), widely recognized by his initials S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, was a pivotal figure in the political landscape of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Revered by many Sri Lankans as "The Silver Bell of Asia" (ආසියාවේ රිදී සීනුව), a moniker reflecting his oratorical skills and perceived national awakening role, he served as the fourth Prime Minister of the Dominion of Ceylon from 1956 until his tragic assassination in 1959. As the visionary founder of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), a political force rooted in left-wing and Sinhalese nationalist ideologies, his premiership marked a significant departure from previous policies, ushering in the nation's first substantial left-wing reforms.

Early Life, Education, and Entry into Politics

Born into an affluent and politically influential family in Ceylon, S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike's foundational years were steeped in privilege and intellectual pursuit. His father, Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranaike, was the Maha Mudaliyar, the chief interpreter Mudaliyar to the British Governor, signifying his family's deep connections to the colonial administration and considerable landed wealth. Bandaranaike pursued his higher education at the esteemed Christ Church, Oxford University, a traditional training ground for future leaders of the British Empire. Here, he immersed himself in the studies of philosophy, politics, and economics, disciplines that profoundly shaped his future political ideology. Following his academic achievements, he was called to the bar at the Inner Temple, qualifying as a barrister, a common path for Ceylonese elites destined for public service. Upon his return to Ceylon, he swiftly engaged in local politics, initially joining the Ceylon National Congress (CNC), a prominent organization advocating for greater self-rule and eventual independence from British colonial rule. His early political career saw him elected to the Colombo Municipal Council in 1926. Demonstrating his growing influence, he was subsequently elected from his family's traditional political stronghold of Veyangoda to the State Council of Ceylon, serving two consecutive terms from 1931 to 1947. During his second term in the State Council, which operated under the Donoughmore Constitution allowing for greater local participation, he held the important portfolio of Minister of Local Administration within the Board of Ministers, gaining valuable experience in governance.

The Evolution of His Political Ideology and the Birth of the SLFP

Bandaranaike's political philosophy evolved considerably over time. In 1936, he founded the Sinhala Maha Sabha, a significant political movement established on strong Sinhalese nationalist principles, passionately advocating for greater self-rule and the preservation of Sinhala cultural identity within Ceylon. As the island nation moved closer to independence, a strategic political alignment saw Bandaranaike dissolve the Sinhala Maha Sabha and merge it with the newly formed United National Party (UNP) in 1947, led by D. S. Senanayake, who would become Ceylon's first Prime Minister. In the crucial 1947 general elections, Bandaranaike was elected to the House of Representatives, representing Attanagalla, a constituency that would cement its status as the political heartland of the Bandaranaike family for the next five decades. Given that the Sinhala Maha Sabha formed a substantial and influential segment within the newly minted UNP, D. S. Senanayake appointed Bandaranaike as the Minister of Health and Local Government, and he was also elected as the Leader of the House. However, ideological and policy divergences soon emerged. Following a series of fundamental disagreements with the UNP leadership, particularly concerning the pace and nature of social and economic reforms and the degree of decentralization of power, Bandaranaike made a decisive break. In 1951, he dramatically resigned from the government, crossed the floor to the opposition, and founded his own political party: the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). This move fundamentally reshaped Ceylonese politics, introducing a distinct alternative focused on a blend of democratic socialist policies and a more assertive Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism.

The 1956 Mandate and Transformative Premiership

Following the sudden demise of D. S. Senanayake and the subsequent general elections, Bandaranaike emerged as the leader of the opposition. Seizing the political moment, he skillfully forged a powerful electoral alliance known as the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP), or "People's United Front," which brought together various left-leaning and nationalist factions. Campaigning vigorously on a platform emphasizing Sinhalese nationalism and a clear commitment to socialist principles, the MEP achieved a historic landslide victory over the established United National Party in the 1956 general elections. This electoral triumph propelled S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike to the position of the fourth Prime Minister of Ceylon, marking a profound shift in the nation's political trajectory. His tenure, though tragically cut short, initiated some of the most far-reaching and transformative left-wing reforms in Sri Lanka's post-independence history. Key initiatives included the nationalization of essential services, such as bus transport, aiming to ensure more equitable access and control over public utilities. Furthermore, his government introduced pioneering legislation aimed at prohibiting caste-based discrimination, a significant step towards social justice in a society traditionally stratified by caste. In a bold assertion of national sovereignty, Bandaranaike's administration successfully negotiated the removal of British naval and air bases, including the strategically important facilities at Trincomalee and Katunayake. On the international stage, he diversified Ceylon's diplomatic relations, notably establishing missions with a number of communist states, reflecting a commitment to non-alignment during the Cold War era. However, his most consequential and controversial policy was the implementation of the Sinhala Only Act in 1956, which declared Sinhala as the sole official language of the country. While intended to empower the majority Sinhalese population, this legislation deeply alienated the Tamil minority, leading to widespread protests, escalating ethnic tensions, and ultimately contributing to violent communal riots in 1958, fundamentally altering the fabric of Ceylonese society.

Assassination and Enduring Legacy

The political reforms and linguistic policies enacted during Bandaranaike's premiership generated significant controversy and opposition from various quarters. On 25 September 1959, he was tragically shot at his private residence in Colombo and succumbed to his wounds the following day. The investigation revealed a conspiracy orchestrated by disgruntled elements, including powerful Buddhist monks and traditional Ayurvedic practitioners who felt betrayed by certain government policies. A Buddhist monk named Ven. Talduwe Somarama was subsequently arrested, convicted, and ultimately hanged for his role in the murder, though the mastermind, politically influential monk Mapitigama Buddharakkitha Thero, also received a life sentence. In the immediate aftermath, Wijeyananda Dahanayake, who served as Minister of Education and acting leader of the house, was appointed caretaker prime minister by the Governor-General, a role later confirmed by Parliament. Bandaranaike's untimely death plunged the nation into a period of acute political turmoil. The Mahajana Eksath Peramuna coalition fragmented under Dahanayake, who eventually formed his own party to contest the general elections in March 1960. While the Sri Lanka Freedom Party failed to form a government under the leadership of C. P. de Silva in those elections, a subsequent shift in political fortunes saw fresh elections held just four months later after the United National Party government lost a vote on the throne speech. In an unprecedented turn of events, Bandaranaike's widow, Sirima Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike, courageously stepped forward to lead the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. She guided the party to secure a majority in parliament and, in July 1960, made history by becoming the world's first female Prime Minister. Sirima Bandaranaike expanded upon her late husband's left-wing reforms during her two terms as Prime Minister, serving from 1960 to 1964 and again from 1970 to 1977. The political dynasty continued into the next generation when, in 1994, Bandaranaike's daughter, Chandrika Kumaratunga, headed a coalition led by the Freedom Party to be elected Prime Minister, and subsequently President, serving from 1994 to 2005. During her presidency, Bandaranaike's widow, Sirima Bandaranaike, held the position of Prime Minister from 1994 to 2000, and his son, Anura Bandaranaike, served as the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka from 2000 to 2001. The Bandaranaike family thus holds an unparalleled and enduring legacy, having shaped the political landscape of Sri Lanka for over half a century.

Frequently Asked Questions about S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike

Who was S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike?
S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike was the fourth Prime Minister of the Dominion of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), serving from 1956 until his assassination in 1959. He was also the founder of the left-wing and Sinhalese nationalist Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
What were his key policy contributions?
His premiership saw significant left-wing reforms, including the nationalization of bus services and the introduction of legislation to prohibit caste-based discrimination. He also removed British naval and air bases from Ceylon and established diplomatic ties with communist nations. However, his most controversial policy was the Sinhala Only Act, which made Sinhala the sole official language.
Why was he known as "The Silver Bell of Asia"?
This epithet, "ආසියාවේ රිදී සීනුව" (Aasiyāvē Ridī Sīnuva), reflected his exceptional oratorical skills and his perceived role in awakening nationalist sentiments and advocating for the common people in Ceylon.
How did his assassination impact Sri Lankan politics?
His assassination led to significant political turmoil and the fragmentation of his ruling coalition. However, it also paved the way for his widow, Sirima Bandaranaike, to enter politics and become the world's first female Prime Minister, establishing a powerful political dynasty that shaped Sri Lankan politics for decades.
What was the Sinhala Only Act?
The Sinhala Only Act of 1956, officially known as the Official Language Act, No. 33 of 1956, declared Sinhala as the only official language of Ceylon, replacing English. While popular among the Sinhalese majority, it led to widespread discontent and protests among the Tamil minority, exacerbating ethnic tensions and contributing to future conflicts.