International Success and Domestic Failure: The World’s First Female Prime Minister and the Changing of Sri Lanka’s Official Language

Abuse of Power Debate

“Sirimavo Bandaranaike.” British Broadcasting Company.

According to her daughter Sunethra Bandaranaike, the root of Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s success was thought debatable by local politicians who opposed SLFP. The right-wing United National Party (UNP) was the SLFP’s largest rival, and party leader, J.R. Jayewardene, eventually won the general election, becoming prime minister and soon the first president.

Jayewardene accused Bandaranaike of abuse of power. Bandaranaike had held Sri Lanka in a state of emergency due to years of rioting, but Jayewardene debated that this was her tactic to gain more power.

J.R. Jayewardene. Lanka Image.

"Sri Lanka Investiagting Regime Ousted in 1977." The New York Times. August 2, 1978.

Bandaranaike had extended her 1970 prime minister term through constitutional amendment. Also significant was how many of Bandaranaike’s family members became successful politicians, which may not have been achieved without family connections.

"Bandaranaike Family." Sri Lanka Daily Mirror.

After a debate led by Jayewardene, the parliament voted against Bandaranaike 138-18, deciding that she was guilty of abuse of power. While Bandaranaike could not be nominated on its behalf, she remained the leader of the SLFP.

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