Ranil Wickremesinghe, Former President of Sri Lanka and Leader of the United National Party, is a distinguished global leader and seasoned statesman with a wealth of experience navigating complex political, economic, and international challenges. Serving as the President of Sri Lanka from July 2022 to September 2024, he played a... Read more
Ranil Wickremesinghe, Former President of Sri Lanka and Leader of the United National Party, is a distinguished global leader and seasoned statesman with a wealth of experience navigating complex political, economic, and international challenges.
Serving as the President of Sri Lanka from July 2022 to September 2024, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing the country’s economy following a crisis of national bankruptcy and political chaos, successfully restructuring both domestic and international debt.
Wickremesinghe’s political career spans over four decades, during which he has served as Prime Minister on six occasions, demonstrating exceptional leadership during times of economic instability, national upheaval, and international crises. On three separate instances: once, after the assassination of President Premadasa in 1993; second, after the politico-economic meltdown of the early 2000s; and finally, after the 2020 system collapse, he resuscitated Sri Lanka to normalcy. Notably, his tenure included pivotal reforms that introduced economic liberalization, technological advancement, and comprehensive youth development programs. He also spearheaded the country’s peace efforts during the civil war and led critical negotiations with the Tamil Tigers (LTTE).
A lawyer by profession, Wickremesinghe’s political journey began in 1977 when he was first elected to the Sri Lankan Parliament. As the youngest-ever Minister in Sri Lanka, he introduced groundbreaking reforms in education and industrialization, while also focusing on enhancing the country’s diplomatic and economic standing globally. He is particularly noted for his successful economic policies, including Sri Lanka’s entry into the digital age and the establishment of industrial parks that promoted export-led growth.
Wickremesinghe’s leadership was further solidified through his strategic international diplomacy, notably fostering Sri Lanka’s relations with key global players, including the United States, India, China, and the EU. His strategic approach to the Indian Ocean’s geopolitical significance through his leadership of the Geopolitical Cartographer think tank has solidified his status as an expert on global security, trade, and geopolitics.
Educated at Royal College Colombo and Colombo University with a degree in law, Wickremesinghe furthered his studies internationally, notably as a Robert E. Wilhelm Fellow at MIT. He has received numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Deakin for his outstanding political service.
In an age of infinite transition, Wickremesinghe remains a visionary and respected thought leader on the intersection of global geopolitics, economic development, and resilient leadership.