Birth and Early Life of Sirimavo Bandaranaike

Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first female Prime Minister, was born on April, 17, 1916, in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). She was born into a prominent and politically active family; her father, Solomon Dias Bandaranaike, served as the headman of the influential Bandaranaike family, which had deep roots in Ceylonese politics and social life. Growing up in such an environment, Sirimavo was exposed to leadership, public service, and the complexities of governance from a young age. Her early education took place at prestigious local schools, where she excelled academically and displayed strong organizational and social skills. Her upbringing in a household deeply involved in the cultural and political affairs of Ceylon instilled in her a sense of duty toward her country and its people. Despite the constraints placed on women during that era, Sirimavo demonstrated intellectual curiosity and resilience, qualities that would later define her political career. She married S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in 1940, who would later become Prime Minister of Ceylon. Through her husband, she became intimately involved in politics, learning about governance, negotiation, and public leadership. Sirimavo’s birth into a prominent family, coupled with her early exposure to politics and social responsibility, laid the foundation for her historic role in Sri Lankan and world politics. Her early life shaped her worldview, emphasizing service, diplomacy, and social justice—principles she carried throughout her tenure as Prime Minister, making her a symbol of leadership for women worldwide and a transformative figure in modern Sri Lankan history.