🔥 Trending Who is Ranil Wickremesinghe?

Ranil Wickremesinghe is a prominent Sri Lankan politician who has served in various high-level positions, most notably as the ninth President of Sri Lanka from 2022 to 2024. He is also the leader of the United National Party ¹. His political career spans several decades, marked by multiple terms as Prime Minister and his eventual ascension to the presidency amidst a significant national crisis ²³⁴.

Early Life and Political Career

Born on March 24, 1949, Wickremesinghe entered politics at a relatively young age ¹. He has been a long-standing figure in Sri Lankan governance, known for his experience and strategic approach to national issues.

Prime Ministership

Wickremesinghe has held the position of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka multiple times throughout his career. His terms include:

• 1993 to 1994 ²⁷
• 2001 to 2004 ²⁷
• 2015 to 2015 ²⁷
• 2015 to 2018 ²⁷
• 2018 to 2019 ²⁷
• He was also appointed as Prime Minister in May 2022, just days after Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned ⁶.

These repeated appointments highlight his consistent presence and influence in Sri Lankan politics, often being called upon during periods of political instability or economic challenge.

Presidency (2022-2024)

Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected as the President of Sri Lanka on July 20, 2022 ⁴. This occurred during a period of severe economic crisis and widespread public protests (known as the "Aragalaya" protests) that led to the ousting of his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country ²⁴.

His presidency was largely defined by the monumental challenges of stabilizing the nation's economy and addressing public discontent. He assumed office with the task of navigating Sri Lanka through its worst economic downturn in decades, including shortages of essential goods and high inflation ³⁴. Although he had long sought the presidency, his tenure was marked by the immense pressure to deliver solutions to the country's dire situation ³.

Current Status

According to available information, Ranil Wickremesinghe served as President until 2024 ¹. In August 2025, he is referred to as Sri Lanka's "former President" ⁷.