M A I N   N E W S

Wickremanayake is Lanka PM
Bandaranaike retires from politics

COLOMBO, Aug 10 (UNI) — The World’s first woman Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, today stepped down as Sri Lanka’s Premier, announcing her retirement from politics after serving the island nation for nearly 18 years in three terms.

Mrs Bandaranaike 84, was elected to office for the first time in 1960. She also had the unique distinction of serving under her daughter, President, Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, a trusted Cabinet colleague of Mrs Kumaratunga, was sworn in as the new Prime Minister.

Mrs Bandaranaike was Prime Minister for four years after she was elected in 1960 under the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

She was elected again in 1970 and ruled for seven years. She was appointed Prime Minister for the third time in 1994 when her daughter Kumaratunga became President.

The President also appointed a senior Opposition leader who had recently defected to the ruling party, Mr Ronnie De Mel is the new Industry Minister.

She also elevated two deputy ministers — Sema Singhe and Reggie Ranatunga — to full Cabinet rank.