1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Women's History
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, whose mother was the first female prime minister in the world (1965), and whose father and husband were both assassinated, was elected President of Sri Lanka in 1994 after serving a short term as Prime Minister.
Feminine Mystique / South Asia
Time article from 1997, on the South Asian concept of "shakti," or female power, applied to the large number of female presidents and prime ministers in that area today.
Kumaratunga, Chandrika Bandaranaike
Biography from The Columbia Encyclopedia 2000. Includes pronunciation of her name.
China Said Ready to Fund Statue
A memorial statue, larger-than-life, of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, may be erected next to that of her husband. Their daughter, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, chaired the Central Committee of the Freedom Party as it made plans for the statue.
Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga
From the Sri Lanka official government web site, a biography and political history. Her father and husband were both assassinated by political opponents.
Sri Lanka's Bandaranaike Family Sets Parliamentary Record
Chandrika Kumaratunga's brother takes his place in power, continuing a family tradition. Also mentions Chandrika Kumaratunga's children, and ponders whether they'll also "take to politics."

Explore Women's History

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Women's History
  4. Politicians, Queens, Laws
  5. Public Officials
  6. Prime Ministers/Presidents
  7. Heads of State 1990-2000
  8. Chandrika Kumaratunge

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.