# Sirimavo Bandaranaike

> Prime Minister of Ceylon (later Sri Lanka) from 1960–65, 1970–77, 1994–2000

**Wikidata**: [Q194291](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q194291)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirimavo_Bandaranaike)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sirimavo-bandaranaike

## Summary
Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the Prime Minister of Ceylon (later Sri Lanka) who served three non-consecutive terms from 1960 to 2000, making her the world's first female head of government to serve in that capacity.

## Biography
- Born: 1916-04-17 (April 17, 1916)
- Nationality: Sri Lankan
- Education: Educated at Q7592722 (institution not specified in source material)
- Known for: Three non-consecutive terms as Prime Minister of Ceylon/Sri Lanka (1960-65, 1970-77, 1994-2000)
- Employer(s): Government of Ceylon/Sri Lanka (multiple terms as Prime Minister)
- Field(s): Politics, government administration

## Contributions
Sirimavo Bandaranaike served as Prime Minister of Ceylon (later Sri Lanka) on three separate occasions:
1. First term: 1960–1965
2. Second term: 1970–1977  
3. Third term: 1994–2000

Her contributions included implementing significant social and economic policies during her tenures, particularly focusing on social welfare programs and national development initiatives.

## FAQs
- **What was Sirimavo Bandaranaike's most significant achievement?**
  She served as Prime Minister of Ceylon (later Sri Lanka) on three separate occasions, making her the world's first female head of government to hold that position.

- **How long did Sirimavo Bandaranaike serve as Prime Minister?**
  She served three non-consecutive terms spanning from 1960 to 2000, with her longest term being 1970-1977.

- **When did Sirimavo Bandaranaike die?**
  She passed away on October 10, 2000.

- **What was her citizenship?**
  She held Sri Lankan citizenship throughout her political career.

- **What was her educational background?**
  The source material indicates she was educated at an institution identified as Q7592722, though the specific institution is not detailed.

## Why They Matter
Sirimavo Bandaranaike's significance lies in her pioneering role as a female political leader in South Asia. Her three non-consecutive terms as Prime Minister demonstrated her resilience and political influence, breaking barriers for women in leadership positions. She established Sri Lanka as a model for social welfare policies in the region, particularly in achieving high literacy rates and universal healthcare. Her leadership during times of political and social change helped shape the nation's development trajectory.

## Notable For
- First female head of government in the world to serve non-consecutive terms as Prime Minister
- Three separate terms as Prime Minister of Ceylon/Sri Lanka (1960-65, 1970-77, 1994-2000)
- Implementation of significant social welfare policies
- Pioneering role in South Asian politics
- Longest tenure as Prime Minister from 1970-1977

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Sirimavo Bandaranaike was born on April 17, 1916. She received her education at an institution identified as Q7592722, though the specific details of her academic background are not provided in the source material.

### Political Career
Sirimavo Bandaranaike entered politics in the 1950s and became a prominent figure in Sri Lankan politics. She served as Prime Minister of Ceylon on three separate occasions:
- First term: 1960 to 1965
- Second term: 1970 to 1977
- Third term: 1994 to 2000

Her first term began in 1960, making her one of the earliest female heads of government in the world. During her second term from 1970-1977, she implemented significant social and economic reforms.

### Leadership and Policies
Throughout her political career, Bandaranaike focused on social welfare and national development. She was instrumental in establishing Sri Lanka as a model for social policies in South Asia, particularly in achieving high literacy rates and universal healthcare systems. Her leadership during periods of political transition helped shape the nation's development trajectory.

### Later Life and Legacy
Sirimavo Bandaranaike passed away on October 10, 2000. Her legacy as a pioneering female political leader and her contributions to Sri Lankan social development continue to be recognized in the country's political history.

### Political Context
During her time in office, Sri Lanka transitioned from being a Dominion under British rule to becoming a republic in 1972, changing its name from Ceylon to Sri Lanka. Her political career spanned the entire period of Sri Lanka's independence and early republican era.

### Institutional Affiliations
Throughout her political career, Bandaranaike was affiliated with the government of Ceylon/Sri Lanka, serving as Prime Minister during three distinct periods. Her political identity was consistently linked to the Sri Lankan government and its development initiatives.

### Personal Details
The source material provides her full name as Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike, with alternative spellings including Sirima Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike. Her citizenship was Sri Lankan throughout her political career.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
3. SNAC
4. Find a Grave
5. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
6. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
7. Proleksis Encyclopedia
8. Croatian Encyclopedia
9. Munzinger Personen
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013