Leadership archive · 1994–2005
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
Executive President
Sri Lanka's first female executive president, who pursued negotiations while the conflict continued through several major military campaigns.
Biography
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga came from a prominent political family and entered the presidency in November 1994. Before becoming president, she served as prime minister and chief minister of the Western Province.
Her administration pursued political negotiations and proposals for devolution while also directing military operations. Her presidency encompassed major changes in territorial control and several attempts to restart peace efforts.
Historical record
Presidency during the conflict
The government launched Operation Riviresa in 1995, recapturing Jaffna town and much of the peninsula.
A ceasefire in 1995 collapsed, and fighting continued through the late 1990s. A Norway-facilitated peace process later led to a ceasefire agreement signed in February 2002 by the government under Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the LTTE.
Further reading