Who is Ranil Wickremesinghe? The newly elected Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed as the next Prime Minister of the crisis-hit island nation by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He was administered the oath of office by the President, who in an address to the nation yesterday, declared that a Prime Minister and his cabinet will be put in place this week.

By News Desk On May 13, 2022 23:28 IST

Ranil Wickremesinghe: the newly elected Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has brought the nation to a standstill within a short time since the pandemic has begun.

Born in a politically influential Buddhist family, he joined politics when he was a University student. He is a lawyer by profession. Also, he has devoted his life to politics from the very start. Moreover, receiving his first ministerial post at the age of 28.

He was born on March 24, 1949. However, his father, Esmond Wickremasinghe, was a successful lawyer, an entrepreneur and a press baron.

Ranil Wickremesinghe Early Childhood

He finished his primary and secondary education at Royal College Colombo. Lest, he was graduated with a Law degree from the University of Colombo. Later, he joined the college as a Faculty of Law.

After passing out with a degree from the Law College. He began to spend more time in active politics. Thus, quickly progressing through his ranks. Wickremesinghe was the chief organizer of the Kelaniya Electorate in the 1970s. Later, he was shifted to Biyagama Electorate and won the 1977 parliamentary elections from there.

When the ministry was formed under the leadership of J. R. Jayewardene. Young Wickremesinghe became the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs at the age of 28 years. His enthusiasm and talent for work impressed so many people during his tenure.

In 1989, he was appointed as the Minister of Industries, Science and Technology. In his later capacity, he established the Biyagama Special Economic Zone and initiated industrial reforms. United National Party won the general election in 2001 under Wickremesinghe’s leadership. Also, formed government. On December 9, Wickremesinghe took oath as Sri Lanka’s 17th Prime Minister. During his tenure as Prime Minister, his main focus was to build and strengthen the economy. As well as economic ties with foreign countries.

His political career is a series of complications. He was The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 2001. However, later due to a political debacle he was out of the position. He again won elections in 2015 and became Prime Minister of the island nation. His previous and recent statements made a show of his key concern is to strengthen the economy , creating jobs and increase foreign relations.

I have only one “deal” and that is with the people. My deal is to support you through the challenges we are facing. Not through piece meal handouts but only through prudent management of the economy.#SriLankaElections2020 #LKAElections2020 #GenElecSL #lka

— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) August 2, 2020

Ranil Wickremesinghe in August openly spoke about the ongoing crisis and showed strength and care for the people of Sri Lanka.