The Sinhalese ethnic group is the largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka, making up about 74% of the population. They have a rich culture and history and have produced many famous individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here is a list of the top 10 famous people from the Sinhalese ethnic:
- Mahinda Rajapaksa – Former President of Sri Lanka who led the country during the end of the civil war.
- Lester James Peries – Legendary Sri Lankan filmmaker known for his critically acclaimed films in Sinhala language.
- Mervyn de Silva – Renowned journalist and political commentator who played a significant role in Sri Lankan media.
- S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike – The founder of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and served as the 4th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
- Chandrika Kumaratunga – Former President of Sri Lanka and the first female executive head of state in South Asia.
- J. R. Jayewardene – Sri Lankan statesman who served as the President of Sri Lanka from 1978 to 1989.
- M. S. Swaminathan – World-renowned scientist and agriculturalist known as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India”.
- Hemaka Amarasuriya – Leading Sri Lankan businessman, philanthropist, and former cricketer who served as the chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka.
- Shanthi Kumar Hettiarachchi – Renowned physicist and academician who made significant contributions to the field of science.
- Jayalath Manoratne – Prominent Sinhala playwright and actor known for his influential contributions to Sri Lankan theater.
These individuals have left a lasting impact in their respective fields and have contributed to the cultural, political, and scientific development of Sri Lanka. They continue to inspire future generations and serve as role models for the Sinhalese community.
Most Famous Sinhalese Celebrities
Here are some famous celebrities from Sinhalese roots:
- M.I.A. – Mathangi Arulpragasam, known by her stage name M.I.A., is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, and activist. Born in London, her father is of Sri Lankan Tamil descent and her mother is Sinhalese.
- Muttiah Muralitharan – Muttiah Muralitharan is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the sport. He is of Sri Lankan Tamil origin and was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
- Roshan Mahanama – Roshan Mahanama is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and cricket administrator. He was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and is of mixed Sinhalese and Malay descent.
- Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga – Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga is a Sri Lankan politician who served as the President of Sri Lanka from 1994 to 2005. She is the daughter of two former Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka, Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Solomon Bandaranaike, who were both of Sinhalese descent.
- Sanjeewa Pushpakumara – Sanjeewa Pushpakumara is a Sri Lankan film director and screenwriter. His film “Burning Birds” won the Best Film Award at the 2016 Singapore International Film Festival. He is of Sinhalese descent.
These are just a few examples of famous celebrities from Sinhalese roots. They have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, sports, politics, and film, and have helped put Sri Lanka on the global stage.
Discover an impressive lineup of celebrities with Sinhalese heritage in the aforementioned list. Embark on a journey to learn about their captivating cultural roots and extraordinary accomplishments. To stay well-informed about the latest celebrity happenings and stay up-to-date with renowned personalities from various spheres, don’t hesitate to explore the wealth of content available at Ancestry.com.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Sinhalese People
| Total Population | Percentage | Distribution | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinhalese | 15,173,820 | 74.9% | Mainly in Sri Lanka |
Sinhalese Ethnicity: References and Resources
Here are some references to dig deeper into the Sinhalese ethnic group:
- Wikipedia – The Sinhalese people’s main page on Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of their history, culture, language, and other aspects.
- Encyclopedia Britannica – This article offers in-depth information about the Sinhalese people, including their origins, religion, social structure, and contemporary issues.
- EveryCulture – This resource explores the Sinhalese ethnic group in Sri Lanka, discussing their customs, traditions, family life, and various cultural practices.
- “Sinhalese Buddhism and Ethnic Identity in Sri Lanka” by George D. Bond – This academic book delves into the relationship between Sinhalese Buddhism and the formation of the Sinhalese ethnic identity in Sri Lanka.
- “Sinhalese Identity in a Pluralistic Society: Religion, Language, and Ethnicity in Sri Lanka” by Shihan de Silva Jayasuriya – This scholarly article explores the complexities of Sinhalese identity within Sri Lanka’s diverse sociopolitical context.
- “Tamil and Sinhala in Sinhala Domination and Ethnic Embattlement in Twentieth-Century Sri Lanka” by John Clifford Holt – This research article examines the dynamics between the Sinhalese and Tamil ethnicities in Sri Lanka, focusing on language politics and power struggles.
As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.
