President of Sri Lanka. Born in the remote village of Polgahanga, he served as president of Sri Lanka from May 1993 until November 12, 1994. He was appointed president by parliament on May 1, 1993, following the political assassination of President Ranasinghe Premadasa. During his brief tenure as president, he is credited with restoring democratic institutions to Sri Lanka, including freedom of the press and the right of trade unions to organize. Elected to parliament in 1965, he also served as minister of defense, minister of finance, minister of power and energy, and as the nation's prime minister from 1989 to 1993.
President of Sri Lanka. Born in the remote village of Polgahanga, he served as president of Sri Lanka from May 1993 until November 12, 1994. He was appointed president by parliament on May 1, 1993, following the political assassination of President Ranasinghe Premadasa. During his brief tenure as president, he is credited with restoring democratic institutions to Sri Lanka, including freedom of the press and the right of trade unions to organize. Elected to parliament in 1965, he also served as minister of defense, minister of finance, minister of power and energy, and as the nation's prime minister from 1989 to 1993.
Bio by: Nils M. Solsvik Jr.
Advertisement
See more Wijetunga memorials in:
Advertisement
