Ranasinghe Premadasa

Ranasinghe Premadasa (June 23, 1924 – May 1, 1993) was the 3rd President of Sri Lanka from 1989 to 1993. Born in Colombo, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful politicians in Sri Lankan history. He served as Prime Minister from 1978 to 1989 under President J.R. Jayewardene before winning the presidency in 1989. His presidency focused on grassroots development and poverty alleviation through programs like 'Gam Udawa' (Village Awakening). He was assassinated on May 1, 1993, by a suicide bomber of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during a campaign rally in Colombo. His death remains one of the most significant political assassinations in Sri Lankan history. His son Sajith Premadasa continues in politics as Leader of the Opposition.