The Top 10 Richest Politicians in Sri Lanka 2023 | Career and Biography

Mahinda Rajapaksa Biography

Mahinda Rajapaksa is a Sri Lankan politician and a former President of Sri Lanka. He was born November 18, 1945, in Weeraketiya, Sri Lanka. Rajapaksa came from a political family with his father, D.A. Rajapaksa, a prominent politician and member of parliament.

Mahinda Rajapaksa began his political career in 1970 when he was first elected to the Sri Lankan parliament. He held various government positions, including as the Minister of Labor and Vocational Training, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Minister of Ports and Shipping.

In 2005, Rajapaksa was elected as the President of Sri Lanka and served in this role until 2015. During his time as President, Rajapaksa oversaw the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War, which had been ongoing for over 25 years. His government’s military campaign against the Tamil Tigers, a separatist group, was highly controversial and led to allegations of human rights abuses and war crimes.

Despite these controversies, Rajapaksa remains a highly influential figure in Sri Lankan politics. He has been a member of parliament since 2015, and in 2019, he was appointed Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

In terms of his net worth, it is difficult to determine an exact figure. However, it is widely believed that Rajapaksa and his family have amassed a significant fortune through their various business interests and political connections.

Overall, Mahinda Rajapaksa is a highly polarizing figure in Sri Lankan politics. While he is credited with ending the country’s civil war, his government’s record on human rights and democracy has been heavily criticized. Regardless of one’s opinion of him, there is no denying that Rajapaksa has had a significant impact on Sri Lanka’s political landscape.

Arjuna Ranatunga Net Worth

As for his net worth, it is estimated to be around $68 million. This is mainly due to his successful cricket career and his business interests. Ranatunga has also been involved in various charitable organizations and has donated a significant portion of his wealth to philanthropic causes.

Arjuna Ranatunga Biography

Arjuna Ranatunga is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and a prominent figure in Sri Lankan sports. He was born on December 1, 1963, in Gampaha, Sri Lanka. Ranatunga is best known for leading the Sri Lankan cricket team to victory in the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

Ranatunga began his cricket career young and debuted for the Sri Lankan national team in 1982. He quickly established himself as a talented batsman and a skilled captain. Under his leadership, the Sri Lankan cricket team achieved some of its greatest successes, including winning the World Cup 1996.

In addition to his cricket career, Ranatunga has been involved in business and politics. He has served as a member of parliament and has also been involved in various business ventures, including owning a cricket team in the Indian Premier League.

Overall, Arjuna Ranatunga is a highly respected figure in Sri Lanka, both for his contributions to cricket and society. His leadership of the Sri Lankan cricket team during the 1996 World Cup was a defining moment in the country’s history, and he continues to be celebrated as a national hero.

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3. Maithripala Sirisena Net Worth and Biography – $ 14 million

Maithripala Sirisena’s Net Worth

In terms of his net worth, it is estimated to be around $14 million. This is mainly due to his long political career and various business interests. Sirisena has also been involved in multiple charitable organizations and has donated a significant amount of his wealth to philanthropic causes.

Maithripala Sirisena Biography

Maithripala Sirisena is a Sri Lankan politician who served as the President of Sri Lanka from 2015 to 2019. He was born on September 3, 1951, in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Sirisena began his political career in the 1980s and has held several high-profile positions in the Sri Lankan government.

Sirisena was elected as the President of Sri Lanka in 2015, defeating the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa in a surprising upset victory. During his presidency, Sirisena implemented several reforms to promote governance, transparency, and accountability. He also oversaw signing a historic agreement with the Tamil National Alliance, a political party representing Sri Lanka’s Tamil minority.

Before his presidency, Sirisena held several positions in the Sri Lankan government, including the Minister of Health, the Minister of Agriculture, and the Minister of Defense. He is widely regarded as a political moderate who has worked to promote reconciliation and unity in a country deeply divided by ethnic and political tensions.

Overall, Maithripala Sirisena is a highly respected figure in Sri Lankan politics. His tenure as President was marked by a commitment to good governance and a focus on promoting reconciliation and unity. Despite criticism of his policies and decisions, Sirisena remains a prominent and influential figure in Sri Lanka.

4. Arumugam Thondaman Net Worth and Biography – $1.9million

Arumugam Thondaman was a prominent Sri Lankan politician and trade union leader who served as the Minister of Livestock and Rural Community Development at the time of his death in 2020. He was born on May 29, 1964, in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Thondaman was the leader of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC), one of the largest trade unions in Sri Lanka.

Thondaman began his political career in the 1990s and quickly became a champion for the rights of Sri Lanka’s Tamil plantation workers. He was known for his tireless advocacy for these workers, who had long been marginalized and discriminated against.

Throughout his career, Thondaman was known for his commitment to promoting the welfare of Sri Lanka’s Tamil community. He was instrumental in negotiating several vital agreements that improved the working conditions and living standards of plantation workers.

He was also a key figure in the peace process between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers, a militant group that fought for an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka.

Thondaman’s sudden death in 2020 was a shock to many in Sri Lanka, and he was widely mourned across the country. He is remembered as a tireless advocate for the rights of marginalized communities and a skilled negotiator who significantly improved the lives of Sri Lanka’s plantation workers.

5.  Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan Net Worth and Biography – $1.7million

Chandrika Kumaratunga is a Sri Lankan politician who served as the President of Sri Lanka from 1994 to 2005. She was born on June 29, 1945, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Kumaratunga is the daughter of two former Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and Sirimavo Bandaranaike are widely regarded as two of the most influential figures in Sri Lankan politics.

Kumaratunga began her political career in the 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). She served as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka from 1994 to 2000 and then as President from 2000 to 2005.

During her time in office, Kumaratunga implemented several progressive policies to promote economic growth and social welfare. She also played a crucial role in negotiating a ceasefire with the Tamil Tigers, a militant group that had been fighting for an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka.

Despite her many achievements, Kumaratunga has also faced criticism for her handling of the conflict with the Tamil Tigers and her alleged involvement in human rights abuses. Nevertheless, she remains a highly respected figure in Sri Lankan politics and is widely regarded as a trailblazer for women in public life.

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7. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka Net Worth and Biography – $1.3 million

Anura Kumara Dissanayaka Biography

Anura Kumara Dissanayake is a Sri Lankan politician and the current leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a left-wing political party in Sri Lanka. He was born in Gampaha, Sri Lanka on November 24, 1968.

Dissanayaka entered politics young, joining the JVP in the late 1980s. He rose through the party ranks, and in 2004, he was elected to the Sri Lankan parliament. He has become one of Sri Lankan politics’ most prominent and outspoken voices.

Dissanayaka is known for his populist and anti-corruption rhetoric and has strongly advocated for the rights of workers and marginalized communities in Sri Lanka. He has been particularly critical of the country’s ruling elite, which he has accused of enriching themselves at the expense of ordinary Sri Lankans.

Despite his popularity and reputation as a champion of the poor and the marginalized, Dissanayaka has also faced criticism from some quarters. Some have accused him of being too radical and too aggressive, while others have criticized him for his close ties to the JVP, which has been linked to political violence in the past.

Nevertheless, Dissanayaka remains a respected figure in Sri Lankan politics and continues to be a vocal advocate for social justice and political reform in the country.

8. A. H. M. Fowzie Net Worth and Biography – $1.1 Million

A.H.M. Fowzie is a Sri Lankan politician with a long and distinguished career in public service. He was born on May 6, 1936, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Fowzie began his political career in the 1960s when he was elected to the Colombo Municipal Council. He then served as a Member of Parliament for Colombo North from 1977 to 2000, and he was subsequently appointed as the Minister of Transport and Highways in the Sri Lankan government.

During his time in office, Fowzie was instrumental in developing Sri Lanka’s transportation infrastructure, and he played a vital role in constructing several major highways and airports. He was also a vocal advocate for the rights of Sri Lanka’s Muslim minority and worked to promote interfaith harmony and reconciliation in the country.

Fowzie has faced criticism for his role in Sri Lanka’s political landscape despite his many achievements. Some have accused him of being too closely aligned with the country’s ruling elite. In contrast, others have criticized him for not doing enough to address the grievances of Sri Lanka’s minority communities.

Nevertheless, Fowzie remains a respected figure in Sri Lankan politics and continues to be a vocal advocate for social justice and economic development in the country.

9. Ranil Wickremesinghe Net Worth and Biography – $830,000

Ranil Wickremesinghe is a prominent Sri Lankan politician with a long and distinguished career in public service. He was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka on March 24, 1949.

Wickremesinghe began his political career in the 1970s when he was elected to the Sri Lankan parliament. He served as the country’s Prime Minister on multiple occasions, from 1993 to 1994, 2001 to 2004, and 2015 to 2019.

During his time in office, Wickremesinghe was known for his commitment to economic reform and efforts to modernize Sri Lanka’s economy. He strongly advocated for foreign investment and trade liberalization and was crucial in negotiating several major trade deals with other countries.

Despite his many achievements, Wickremesinghe has also faced criticism for handling some of Sri Lanka’s most pressing issues, including the country’s longstanding civil war and ongoing economic struggles. Some have accused him of being too closely aligned with the country’s ruling elite, while others have criticized him for not doing enough to address the concerns of ordinary Sri Lankans.

Nevertheless, Wickremesinghe remains a respected figure in Sri Lankan politics and continues to be a vocal advocate for economic development and social justice in the country.

10. A. L. M. Athaullah Net Worth and Biography– $810,000

A. L. M. Athaullah Net Worth

Athaullah’s net worth is estimated to be around $810,000. While he has succeeded in politics and business, he is generally known for his humble and unassuming lifestyle.

A. L. M. Athaullah Biography 

A.L.M. Athaullah is a Sri Lankan politician and businessman with a long and varied career in public service. He was born on June 25, 1956, in Ampara, Sri Lanka.

Athaullah began his political career in the 1980s when he was elected to the Ampara District Development Council. He served as a Member of Parliament for Ampara from 1989 to 1994 and again from 2004 to 2015. He has also held several ministerial positions in the Sri Lankan government, including Minister of Highways and Road Development, Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils, and Minister of Industry and Commerce.

In addition to his political career, Athaullah has been involved in several business ventures throughout his life. He has owned several successful companies in the construction and real estate industries, and he has also been a prominent philanthropist, donating significant sums of money to charitable causes in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Despite his many achievements, Athaullah has faced criticism for his role in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. Some have accused him of being too closely aligned with the country’s ruling elite. In contrast, others have criticized him for not doing enough to address the concerns of Sri Lanka’s Muslim minority.

Nevertheless, Athaullah remains a respected figure in Sri Lankan politics and continues to be a vocal advocate for economic development and social justice in the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, each individual has had a unique journey to succeed in their respective fields. From politics to business, they have each made their mark and contributed to the development of Sri Lanka.

While their net worth may vary, their accomplishments and contributions to society cannot be measured in monetary terms alone. Their stories inspire many and demonstrate that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to one’s goals.

We should celebrate their achievements and learn from their experiences as we strive to create a better future for ourselves and our communities.

FAQs | The Top 10 Richest Politicians in Sri Lanka 2023

Who is the most successful person in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a country with many successful people, making it difficult to pinpoint one individual as the most successful. However, some of the most notable names in Sri Lanka include Kumar Sangakkara, an international cricketer and former captain of the national team; Arjuna Ranatunga, a former captain of the national cricket team who led them to their first World Cup victory in 1996; and Mahela Jayawardene, another international cricketer who has held multiple records for batting.

Outside of sports, other prominent figures in Sri Lanka include Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the fifth president of Sri Lanka; Maithripala Sirisena, the seventh president of Sri Lanka; and Mahinda Rajapaksa, the sixth president of Sri Lanka and leader during the end of the civil war. These individuals have all made significant contributions to their country's development.

Who is the most richest politician in Sri Lanka?

According to the Sunday Times, Mahinda Rajapaksa is the wealthiest politician in Sri Lanka. Rajapaksa was the sixth president of Sri Lanka and held office from 2005 to 2015. He has an estimated net worth of $10 million, which includes his assets in real estate, businesses, and investments.

Rajapaksa's wealth primarily comes from his long political career. During his tenure as president, he made a number of investments that have proven to be lucrative over time. He also owns several businesses across Sri Lanka, including a media company and a construction firm. In addition, he has invested heavily in real estate, earning him millions of dollars in profits.

Rajapaksa is not the only wealthy politician in Sri Lanka though. There are several other politicians who have amassed substantial wealth through their careers as well.

Who are the top 10 billionaires in Sri Lanka?

According to Forbes, the top 10 billionaires in Sri Lanka are:

1. Harry Jayawardena - $2.4 billion
2. Dhammika Perera - $1.3 billion
3. Ravi Wijeratne - $1.2 billion
4. Upali Wijewardene - $1 billion
5. Nandana Lokuwithana - $700 million
6. Dilith Jayaweera - $600 million
7. Neville de Silva - $500 million
8. Mahesh Amalean - $400 million
9. Susantha Ratnayake - $350 million
10. Anil Koswatte –$300 million

The majority of these billionaires have made their fortunes through investments in real estate, banking, and consumer goods industries, while a few have made their wealth through businesses such as media, logistics and construction materials production.

Who is the richest person list in Sri Lanka?

According to Forbes' 2022 list of the wealthiest people in Sri Lanka, Harry Jayawardena is the richest person in the country. He has an estimated net worth of $1.9 billion and is the founder and chairman of Softlogic Holdings, a diversified conglomerate with interests in retail, healthcare, financial services, ICT, and leisure sectors.

The second wealthiest person on the list is Dhammika Perera, who has an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion. Perera is the founder and chairman of Vallibel One PLC, a leading investment holding company. His investments span across banking and finance, leisure and hospitality, manufacturing and trading sectors.

Ravi Wijeratne rounds off the top three wealthiest persons in Sri Lanka with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.

Who is the most rich politician in the world?

According to Forbes, the most wealthy politician in the world is Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei. His total net worth is estimated at over $20 billion.

Hassanal Bolkiah has been Sultan of Brunei since 1967 and has amassed his wealth through investments in global businesses, real estate and other assets. He also receives an annual salary from Brunei's government which is estimated to be around $100 million per year.

The second wealthiest politician in the world is Michael Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City. His total net worth is estimated to be around $50 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world regardless of occupation or political affiliation.

Who is the youngest millionaire in Sri Lanka?

The youngest millionaire in Sri Lanka is 23-year-old Ashok Pathirage. He is the founder and chairman of Softlogic Holdings, a diversified conglomerate with interests in retail, healthcare, ICT, automotive and financial services. His success has been attributed to his vision and ability to identify business opportunities.

Pathirage was born in Colombo and attended Royal College before moving on to study at the University of New South Wales in Australia. He began his career as a financial analyst for an investment bank before he founded Softlogic Holdings in 1995. Since then, he has grown the company into one of Sri Lanka's leading conglomerates with an annual turnover of over $1 billion.

Pathirage has become a role model for young entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and is known for his philanthropy work, donating to numerous charities across the country. He is also a member of several boards and councils that support economic development initiatives in the country.

Who is No 1 prime minister in the world?

It is difficult to determine who is the number one prime minister in the world as there is no universally accepted ranking system. However, some countries are often cited as having the most powerful and influential prime ministers.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is widely regarded as one of the most influential prime ministers in the world. He has been credited with leading India's economic growth and improving diplomatic relations with other countries. In addition, he has been praised for his efforts to reduce poverty and improve access to education and healthcare for all Indians.

The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, is also highly respected internationally for his leadership in promoting economic development and strengthening Japan's ties with other nations. He has also pushed for reforms to make Japan more competitive on the global stage by encouraging innovation and technology investment.

Who is Asia richest man 2023?

It is difficult to predict who will be the richest man in Asia in 2023. Economic and business conditions can change significantly over a few years, so predicting who will be the wealthiest person in Asia four years from now is challenging.

That said, many of the current wealthiest people in Asia are likely to remain in that position for some time due to their significant investments and resources. For example, Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba Group, currently holds the title of richest man in Asia and has an estimated net worth of over $50 billion. He is likely to remain one of the wealthiest individuals in Asia for some time due to his continued success with Alibaba Group.

Similarly, Mukesh Ambani from India is currently the second richest man in Asia with an estimated net worth of around $45 billion. His wealth comes from his family's company Reliance Industries Ltd., which has grown significantly over recent years.

Who is the most powerful billionaire?

According to Forbes’ list of billionaires, Jeff Bezos is the world’s most powerful billionaire. Bezos is the founder and CEO of Amazon, one of the world’s largest online retailers. He has a net worth of over $112 billion and is currently the wealthiest person in the world.

Bezos has used his wealth to make significant investments in a variety of industries, including media, aerospace, and technology. In addition to Amazon, he owns The Washington Post newspaper and Blue Origin, an aerospace company that focuses on space exploration and tourism. He also invests in numerous tech startups through his venture capital firm, Bezos Expeditions.

Bezos’ influence extends beyond business ventures; he is increasingly becoming a political figure as well. In 2018, he donated $10 million to With Honor, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping veterans run for office.

Who is richest man of Pakistan?

According to Forbes, Mian Muhammad Mansha is the richest man in Pakistan. He is estimated to have a net worth of $2.1 billion as of 2019. Mansha has built an empire around his family-owned business, Nishat Group. The group consists of various companies and industries such as textiles, power generation, banking, cement manufacturing and insurance services.

Mansha is also known for his philanthropic activities. He has donated millions of rupees to various charities and organizations that help improve education, health care and other social services in Pakistan. Additionally, he has established a number of educational institutions across the country to promote literacy and higher education among the youth.

Overall, Mian Muhammad Mansha is one of the most successful businessmen in Pakistan and is currently considered the wealthiest individual in the nation with a net worth estimated at $2.1 billion.

Who is the richest family in Sri Lanka?

The richest family in Sri Lanka is the family of Dhammika Perera. According to Forbes, Dhammika Perera has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion as of 2019, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Sri Lanka. He is the founder and chairman of Vallibel One PLC, a diversified conglomerate with interests in financial services, real estate, leisure, energy and power. His company also owns stakes in several banks and hotels across the country.

Dhammika's family includes his wife, three children and two siblings. His brother Prasanna Perera is also a successful businessman who serves as the Chairman of Nations Trust Bank PLC. Together they are considered to be some of the most influential business leaders in Sri Lanka today.

The Perera family is known for their philanthropic activities which include donating large sums of money to charity organizations across Sri Lanka.

How many millionaires are there in Sri Lanka?

According to the World Bank, Sri Lanka had an estimated 3,300 millionaires in 2018. This figure is likely to have grown since then, as the country’s economy has grown significantly over the past few years.

As of 2022, Sri Lanka’s GDP was estimated at $87.7 billion USD, a 7% increase from 2020. The growth was largely driven by investments in infrastructure and tourism, both of which contributed to increased wealth for many individuals in the country.

The number of millionaires in Sri Lanka is expected to continue growing in the coming years as more individuals benefit from these economic developments. As of 2020, it is estimated that there are now over 4,000 millionaires living in Sri Lanka.