Leadership archive · 1989–1993
Ranasinghe Premadasa
Executive President
President during the withdrawal of Indian peacekeeping forces and the renewed fighting between the government and the LTTE.
Biography
Ranasinghe Premadasa became president in January 1989 after serving as prime minister. His administration faced armed unrest in the south as well as the continuing conflict in the north and east.
His presidency was marked by difficult negotiations, security challenges and major political violence. He was assassinated in Colombo on 1 May 1993.
Historical record
Presidency during the conflict
The IPKF withdrew from Sri Lanka in 1990 during Premadasa's presidency.
The government and the LTTE entered negotiations, but fighting resumed in 1990. The conflict brought further civilian displacement, attacks and serious humanitarian consequences.
Further reading