Dingiri Wijetunga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
His Excellency
Dingiri Banda Wijetunga
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|---|---|
| 4th President of Sri Lanka | |
| In office 1 May 1993 – 12 November 1994 |
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| Prime Minister | Ranil Wickremasinghe Chandrika Kumaratunga |
| Preceded by | Ranasinghe Premadasa |
| Succeeded by | Chandrika Kumaratunga |
| 9th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka | |
| In office 6 March 1989 – 1 May 1993 |
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| President | Ranasinghe Premadasa |
| Preceded by | Ranasinghe Premadasa |
| Succeeded by | Ranil Wickremasinghe |
| Leader of the United National Party | |
| In office 7 May 1993 – 12 November 1994 |
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| Preceded by | Ranasinghe Premadasa |
| Succeeded by | Ranil Wickremasinghe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 February 1916 Udunuwara, British Ceylon (now in Sri Lanka) |
| Died | 21 September 2008 (aged 92) Kandy, Sri Lanka |
| Political party | United National Party |
Sri Lankabhimanya Dingiri Banda Wijetunga (Sinhala: ඩිංගිරි බණ්ඩා විජේතුංග, Tamil: டிங்கிரி பண்ட விஜேதுங்க; 15 February 1916 – 21 September 2008) was an important leader in Sri Lanka. He served as the fourth President of Sri Lanka and also as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He was known for his calm and steady leadership.
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Who Was Dingiri Banda Wijetunga?
Dingiri Banda Wijetunga was born on 15 February 1916, in a place called Udunuwara, which was then part of British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He lived a long life, passing away on 21 September 2008, in Kandy, Sri Lanka. He was a member of the United National Party, a major political party in Sri Lanka.
Serving as Prime Minister
Before becoming President, Mr. Wijetunga held the position of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He served as Prime Minister from 6 March 1989, until 1 May 1993. The Prime Minister is usually the head of the government, working with the President to run the country. During his time as Prime Minister, he worked under President Ranasinghe Premadasa.
Becoming President
Dingiri Banda Wijetunga became the fourth President of Sri Lanka on 1 May 1993. He served as President until 12 November 1994. The President is the head of state and government in Sri Lanka, meaning they are the top leader of the country. He took over this important role after President Ranasinghe Premadasa. During his presidency, he worked with Prime Ministers Ranil Wickremasinghe and Chandrika Kumaratunga.
A Special Award
In 1993, President Ranasinghe Premadasa gave Mr. Wijetunga a very special award called Sri Lankabhimanya. This is the highest award a civilian can receive in Sri Lanka. It is given to people who have done great things for their country. Receiving this award showed how much he was respected for his service.
