Ranasinghe Premadasa, Sri Lankan politician, 3rd President of Sri Lanka (b. 1924)

Sri Lankabhimanya Ranasinghe Premadasa (Sinhala: රණසිංහ ප්‍රේමදාස, Tamil: ரணசிங்க பிரேமதாசா), a towering figure in Sri Lankan politics, was born on 23 June 1924. His life was a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of political power, culminating in his service as the third President of Sri Lanka, and the second Executive President under the constitutional reforms, from 2 January 1989 until his tragic assassination on 1 May 1993. Before assuming the highest office, he served with distinction as the Prime Minister in the government led by President J. R. Jayewardene, a role he held from 6 February 1978 to 1 January 1989. His dedication and contributions to the nation were formally recognized when he was awarded the prestigious Sri Lankabhimanya in 1986 by President Junius Richard Jayewardene, an accolade that marks Sri Lanka's highest civilian honour, making him its inaugural recipient in the nation's history. His eventful life came to an abrupt end in Colombo, tragically cut short by a suicide bombing orchestrated by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

The Ascent of a Statesman

Ranasinghe Premadasa’s political journey began far from the corridors of power, rooted deeply in the lives of ordinary people. Born in a working-class area of Colombo, his early experiences shaped his unwavering commitment to social upliftment and poverty alleviation. He entered municipal politics, quickly making a name for himself as a dedicated public servant. His innate ability to connect with the masses and his tireless work ethic propelled him through the ranks of the United National Party (UNP). He served as a Member of Parliament and held various ministerial portfolios, most notably in Local Government, Housing and Construction, where he initiated groundbreaking programs aimed at improving the living conditions of the urban and rural poor. His vision for housing, exemplified by projects like the "million houses programme," underscored his practical approach to governance and his focus on fundamental needs.

From Prime Minister to President: Navigating Tumultuous Times

As Prime Minister under President J. R. Jayewardene, Premadasa played a crucial role in implementing significant economic reforms and development initiatives. This period was marked by the introduction of an open economy, which brought both opportunities and challenges to the nation. His leadership qualities and administrative acumen were further honed during this tenure, preparing him for the ultimate responsibility. Elected as President in 1989, Premadasa inherited a nation grappling with immense internal strife. His presidency coincided with the tail end of the second JVP (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna) insurrection in the south, a brutal period of political violence, and the escalating civil war with the LTTE in the north and east. He also oversaw the controversial withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), a decision that highlighted his assertion of national sovereignty.

Key Initiatives and Policies during Presidency

• Gam Udawa (Village Reawakening) Programme: This was a flagship initiative focusing on rural development, providing housing, infrastructure, and basic amenities to thousands of villages across the island. It embodied his belief in empowering rural communities and bridging the gap between urban and rural life.
• Janasaviya (People's Strength) Programme: A comprehensive poverty alleviation scheme, Janasaviya aimed to provide direct financial assistance and skill development opportunities to the poorest families, enabling them to become self-reliant.
• 200 Garment Factories Programme: This ambitious industrialization drive sought to establish garment factories in rural areas, creating employment opportunities, particularly for women, and decentralizing industrial development away from urban centres. It was a bold move to spread economic prosperity.

The Sri Lankabhimanya: An Enduring Recognition

In 1986, Ranasinghe Premadasa was bestowed with the Sri Lankabhimanya, the highest national honour awarded to a civilian in Sri Lanka. The name itself, meaning "The Pride of Sri Lanka," signifies the immense respect and gratitude for his lifelong dedication to public service and his significant contributions to the nation's development and well-being. This recognition, presented by President J. R. Jayewardene, was particularly noteworthy as Premadasa was the very first individual to receive this prestigious award, marking a historic moment in the country's honours system and solidifying his place as a revered national figure even before his presidency.

A Tragic End at a Pivotal Moment

Ranasinghe Premadasa's life of public service concluded tragically on 1 May 1993, during a May Day rally in Colombo. As he participated in the procession, a suicide bomber affiliated with the LTTE detonated explosives nearby, claiming his life along with several others. His assassination sent shockwaves through the nation and the international community, underscoring the severe challenges Sri Lanka faced due to the ongoing civil conflict. His untimely death left a significant void in Sri Lankan politics and marked a poignant chapter in the island's modern history.

FAQs

Who was Ranasinghe Premadasa?

Ranasinghe Premadasa was a prominent Sri Lankan politician who served as the Prime Minister from 1978 to 1989 and subsequently as the third President of Sri Lanka from 1989 until his assassination in 1993.

What were some of his major policy initiatives?

During his political career, particularly his presidency, Premadasa launched significant programs like the Gam Udawa (Village Reawakening) housing and rural development scheme, the Janasaviya (People's Strength) poverty alleviation program, and the 200 Garment Factories Programme, aimed at industrialization and employment generation in rural areas.

When did Ranasinghe Premadasa serve as President of Sri Lanka?

He served as the President of Sri Lanka from 2 January 1989 to 1 May 1993.

What is the Sri Lankabhimanya award, and when did he receive it?

The Sri Lankabhimanya is the highest civilian honour in Sri Lanka. Ranasinghe Premadasa was the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award in 1986, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the nation.

How did Ranasinghe Premadasa die?

Ranasinghe Premadasa was assassinated on 1 May 1993, in Colombo, during a May Day rally, by a suicide bomber linked to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).