Top 10 Richest Person in Sri Lanka – Power, Politics, and Prosperity

Top 10 Richest Person in Sri Lanka

Knowledge is power, and Centralalive empowers you with the best. Delve into our Top 10 articles for a dose of knowledge and inspiration to feed your curiosity and stay updated.

Richest Person in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, a vibrant South Asian nation, boasts a list of influential individuals who have made significant contributions to the country’s political, business, and social landscapes. The top 10 richest people in Sri Lanka represent a diverse range of backgrounds and accomplishments. From seasoned politicians to successful entrepreneurs, each individual has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s trajectory. Let’s delve into the profiles of these influential figures and explore the stories behind their wealth and success.

1. Mahinda Rajapaksa

Percy Mahendra “Mahinda” Rajapaksa is a prominent Sri Lankan politician who has left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape. Born on November 18, 1945, in Weerakatiya, Southern Province, Rajapaksa hails from a well-established political family. His father was an ex-politician and Cabinet Minister, and he took up the mantle as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) candidate for the Beliatta constituency at the young age of 24, following his father’s death.

Rajapaksa served as the 6th President of Sri Lanka for two consecutive terms from 2005 to 2015, during which he faced both praise and criticism. Despite his representation as a peaceful figure, his presidency saw the end of the peace pact in Sri Lanka, marked by revising the ceasefire agreement related to the country’s civil war. Additionally, Rajapaksa faced allegations of election fraud during his attempts at the presidency. Apart from his political career, he has engaged in business, contributing to an estimated net worth of $18 billion.

2. Arjuna Ranatunga

Deshamanya Arjuna Ranatunga is a notable figure in Sri Lanka, renowned for his contributions to both cricket and politics. Born on December 1, 1963, in Gampaha, Sri Lanka, Ranatunga achieved cricketing glory as the captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team during their historic victory in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. After retiring from cricket in 2001, he ventured into politics, following in his father’s footsteps who was a politician for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Ranatunga played a pivotal role in transforming the Sri Lankan cricket team from a struggling unit to a cohesive and successful force during his tenure as captain. In the political arena, he has been associated with various parties, initially with the UPFA and later with the Democratic National Alliance. As of now, he holds the position of Minister of Highways, Ports, and Shipping. His diverse career has contributed to a net worth of $68 million, showcasing both his sporting and political prowess.

3. Maithripala Sirisena

Maithripala Sirisena, born on September 3, 1951, in the village of Yagoda, Gampaha District, Sri Lanka, is a prominent politician and the 7th serving president of Sri Lanka since 2015. Notably, Sirisena’s political journey began at the age of 17 when he worked as a secretary for the SLFP Youth Organisation. Over the years, he climbed the political ladder, holding positions such as Village Officer, President, Chief Organiser, Treasurer of the SLFP, and, in 2001, he became the general secretary of the SLFP. Sirisena’s dedication to public service led him to become the Minister of Mahaweli Development.

His diverse background includes studies at the Sri Lanka School of Agriculture, where he graduated with a diploma in agriculture, and later, a diploma in political science from the Maxim Gorky Literature Institute in Russia. In 2015, Sirisena made history by becoming the first president from the north-province, breaking away from the tradition of being born into a historically political family. His net worth is presently valued at $14 million, reflecting both his political achievements and commitment to public service.

4. Arumugam Thondaman

Arumugam Thondaman, born on May 29, 1964, in Sri Lanka, is a notable member of the Sri Lankan Parliament and serves as the current Cabinet Minister of Livestock and Rural Community Development, focusing on farm welfare. Thondaman hails from a well-established political family, with his grandfather being the renowned Unionist Saumyamoorthi Thondaman. His political career took a significant turn in 1999 when he assumed office for the Ceylon Worker’s Congress Party. Representing the Nuwara Eliya District, Thondaman is an advocate for the Indian Tamils residing in Sri Lanka and has been actively involved in politics.

Beyond his political career, Thondaman’s wealth accumulation includes various sources such as stocks, properties, and shareholdings, complemented by personal assets like private yachts and planes. With a net worth of approximately $1.9 million, Thondaman’s multifaceted contributions to both politics and welfare reflect his significance in the Sri Lankan political landscape.

5. Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan

Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, born in the village of Kiran in Eastern Sri Lanka in 1966, has traversed an extraordinary path from being a fighter for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to a prominent politician. His early life was marked by his involvement in the LTTE insurgency seeking to establish an independent Tamil state.

After two decades of armed conflict, Muralitharan transitioned to mainstream politics, joining the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA). In 2008, he was sworn in as the Minister of National Integration, and in 2009, he became the Vice President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

His journey in office extended until 2015, demonstrating his commitment to national reconciliation. Muralitharan’s net worth currently stands at an impressive $1.7 billion, reflecting not only his political acumen but also his successful transition from conflict to governance.

6. H. M. Fowzie

Abdul Hameed Mohamed Fowzie, a distinguished Sri Lankan Member of Parliament and Minister of Government, has left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape. Born on October 13, 1937, in Sri Lanka, Fowzie’s early political career saw him serve as the Mayor of Colombo from 1974 to 1977. His journey in national politics continued as he became a member of the National Government through the United National Party. 

Fowzie held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Disaster Management (2010-2015), Minister of Highways (2000-2001), Minister of Environment & Natural Resources, and Minister of Petroleum Resources & Development. Fowzie’s dedication to public service and his contributions to multiple sectors have earned him an estimated net worth of $1.4 million. Despite facing challenges, including injuries sustained in the Akuressa suicide bombing, Fowzie’s end

7. Chandrika Kumaratunga

Chandrika Kumaratunga, born on June 29, 1945, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, holds the distinction of being Sri Lanka’s 5th reigning President and the only woman to have held this position. Hailing from a privileged background as the daughter of former Ministers S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike and Sirima Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike, she interrupted her law studies at Roman Catholic College to pursue a scholarship program in France.

After studying Political Science and earning a Ph.D. in Development Economics, Kumaratunga embarked on a political journey. Following her presidency, she took a self-inflicted exile to the UK and remains involved in global leadership initiatives, being a member of the Global Leadership Foundation and the Council of Women World Leaders. Additionally, she serves as a director of the Club De Madrid and is a panellist of the Clinton Global Initiative in the USA. Kumaratunga’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.4 million, reflecting her contributions to both national and international spheres.

8. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka

Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, born on November 24, 1968, in Thambuthegama, Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka, has established himself as a prominent politician and the present leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). Originating from a common working-class background, Dissanayaka faced challenges during his academic journey, eventually transferring to Kelaniya University after leaving Peradeniya University due to threats. His early involvement with the JVP began during his school days.

9. L. M. Athaullah

Ahamed Lebbe Maraikkar Athaullah, born on October 6, 1957, in Sri Lanka, is a seasoned politician and representative of Ampara for the United People’s Freedom Alliance. Serving as the country’s ex-Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, Athaullah’s political journey began as the Deputy Minister of Education in 2000. His subsequent roles included Minister of Highways and Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils.

A qualified teacher, Athaullah has been an active member of the political landscape, contributing to the development of education and infrastructure. Currently residing in Colombo, his estimated net worth stands at a total of $900,000, reflecting his extensive career in politics.

10. Ranil Wickremesinghe

Ranil Wickremesinghe, born on March 24, 1949, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a distinguished politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka since January 9, 2015. The son of Esmond Wickremesinghe, an ex-lawyer, and Nalini Wickremesinghe née Wijewardena, he attended Royal College, Colombo, and graduated from the University of Ceylon, Faculty of Law. Wickremesinghe began his political career as the youngest Cabinet Minister of Sri Lanka, holding the position of Minister of Youth Affairs and Employment.

Serving two former terms as Prime Minister, he has been a key figure in shaping Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and advocating for peaceful negotiations to address the country’s ethnic issues. His current net worth is reported to be $860,000, reflecting his longstanding contributions to the reform of the economy, human rights, and education.

What Makes Maithripala Sirisena Stand Out as a Wealthy Politician in Sri Lanka?

Maithripala Sirisena stands out as a wealthy politician in Sri Lanka due to a combination of his diverse political career, public service, and successful ventures. Born on September 3, 1951, in Yagoda, Sri Lanka, Sirisena’s rise to political prominence began at a young age. He worked as a secretary for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Youth Organization at the age of 17, marking the beginning of his political journey.

Over the years, Sirisena has held various key positions within the SLFP, including Village Officer, President, Chief Organizer, and Treasurer. He played a significant role in the Mahaweli Development Ministry before becoming the General Secretary of the SLFP in 2001. His political acumen led to his appointment as the Minister of Agriculture in 2005 and later as the Minister of Health in 2010. Notably, Sirisena resigned from these positions to pursue the presidency.

In 2015, Maithripala Sirisena achieved a historic victory by becoming the 7th President of Sri Lanka. His presidency marked a departure from the traditional political landscape, as he was the first president from the north-province and not born into a historically political family. Sirisena’s commitment to public service is evident in his issuance of gazettes every Friday since late October 2018, showcasing a dedication to transparency and governance.

Sirisena’s wealth is estimated at $14 million, reflecting his successful political career and contributions to the country’s development. His journey from a young village secretary to the President of Sri Lanka, coupled with his ongoing commitment to public service, underscores what makes Maithripala Sirisena stand out as a wealthy and influential politician in the Sri Lankan political arena.

TRENDING

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.