President Celebrates 56th Birthday

President Dissanayake began his education at Thambuttegama Primary School and later attended Thambuttegama Central College, where he excelled in the mathematics stream at the Advanced Level Examination. 

He pursued higher education at the University of Kelaniya, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1995. His political journey started during his university years when he became an activist with the Socialist Students’ Union and took part in major protests, including those against the Indo-Lanka Accord in 1987.

In 1993, after the re-emergence of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), Dissanayake resumed active politics. By 1997, he was the National Organizer of the Socialist Students’ Union and joined the JVP Central Committee. In 1998, he became a member of the JVP Politburo, marking his ascent in the party.

Dissanayake entered electoral politics in 1999, contesting the Central Province Provincial Council elections. He entered Parliament for the first time in 2000 through the national list and quickly gained recognition as a dynamic leader.

In the 2004 parliamentary elections, Dissanayake secured the highest number of preferential votes in Kurunegala District and was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Irrigation, and Livestock. He later became the Leader of the JVP Parliamentary Group in 2008 and continued to serve as a Member of Parliament, representing the Colombo District in 2015.

Dissanayake assumed leadership of the JVP in 2014 and spearheaded the formation of the National People’s Power (NPP) coalition in 2019, bringing together political parties, civil organizations, and activists. His political journey reached a historic milestone on September 21, 2024, when he was elected President of Sri Lanka.