The Most Famous Sri Lankan, Ranked

Choose the Sri Lankan you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 26, 2024 07:50
Sri Lanka, a country with a rich tapestry of history and culture, has been home to many influential personalities who have left their mark both locally and globally. By highlighting the most famous personalities from Sri Lanka, we provide a snapshot of those individuals who have made significant contributions in fields such as arts, politics, science, and sports. This visibility not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires others to learn from their journeys. Our dynamic rankings are shaped by the preferences and participations of users like you. As you cast your votes, you actively contribute to the recognition of these influential figures, helping to adjust their positions in real time. This process ensures that the list remains current and reflective of collective admiration and respect. Your involvement makes it possible to maintain an accurate and engaging reflection of Sri Lanka's most celebrated personalities.

Who Is the Most Famous Sri Lankan?

  1. 1
    73
    points
    Muttiah Muralitharan

    Muttiah Muralitharan

    Former Sri Lankan cricketer who is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game.
    • Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
    • Wickets: Most wickets in Test cricket (800)
  2. 2
    45
    points
    Kumar Sangakkara

    Kumar Sangakkara

    One of the world's most influential cricketers, former captain of the Sri Lankan national team.
    • Role: Cricketer
    • ICC Cricket World Cup Final: 2011
  3. 3
    24
    points

    Mahinda Rajapaksa

    A prominent Sri Lankan politician who served as the President of Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2015.
    • Term as President: 2005-2015
    • Known for: Ending the Sri Lankan Civil War
  4. 4
    24
    points
    Sanath Jayasuriya

    Sanath Jayasuriya

    Former Sri Lankan cricketer and captain, known for his powerful batting and record-breaking performances.
    • Batting Style: Left-handed
    • Notable Achievement: Fastest fifty in ODI cricket (at the time)
  5. 5
    18
    points
    Sirimavo Bandaranaike

    Sirimavo Bandaranaike

    The world's first female head of government, she served as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in three terms.
    • Term as Prime Minister: 1960-65, 1970-77, 1994-2000
    • Known for: First female prime minister in the world
  6. 6
    12
    points
    Lasith Malinga

    Lasith Malinga

    Sri Lankan cricketer known for his distinctive round-arm action, often referred to as a 'sling action'.
    • Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
    • Notable Achievement: Taking four wickets in four consecutive balls
  7. 7
    6
    points
    A. T. Ariyaratne

    A. T. Ariyaratne

    Founder and president of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement in Sri Lanka, a movement for peace and development.
    • Founded: Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement
    • Awards: Gandhi Peace Prize
  8. 8
    1
    points
    Ranil Wickremesinghe

    Ranil Wickremesinghe

    A Sri Lankan politician who has served multiple terms as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
    • Political Party: United National Party
    • Terms as Prime Minister: Multiple terms since 1993
  9. 9
    0
    points

    Velupillai Prabhakaran

    Founder and leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization that sought to create an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka.
    • Founded: Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
    • Conflict: Sri Lankan Civil War
  10. 10
    0
    points

    Arjuna Ranatunga

    Former Sri Lankan cricketer and captain of the 1996 Cricket World Cup winning team, later turned politician.
    • 1996 Cricket World Cup: Captain of winning team
    • Political Career: Served as a Member of Parliament

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Sri Lankan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Sri Lankan is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 8083 views
  • 205 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Sri Lankan once every 24 hours. The rank of each Sri Lankan is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Sri Lankan

Muttiah Muralitharan
Rank #1 for the most famous Sri Lankan: Muttiah Muralitharan (Source)
Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, has produced many notable figures who have gained fame worldwide. These individuals come from diverse fields, including politics, sports, literature, and the arts. Their achievements reflect the rich cultural and historical heritage of the country.

One of the most famous Sri Lankans emerged from the world of cricket. Cricket is more than a sport in Sri Lanka; it is a passion that unites the nation. This individual became a household name through dedication, skill, and remarkable performances on the international stage. His records and accolades speak volumes about his contribution to the sport. He has inspired many young cricketers to pursue their dreams.

In the realm of literature, Sri Lanka has produced renowned authors who have captured the essence of the island's culture and history in their works. These writers have received international acclaim for their novels and short stories. Their works often explore themes of identity, conflict, and the human condition. Through their writing, they have brought Sri Lankan literature to the global stage.

The arts have also seen the rise of prominent Sri Lankan figures. These artists have excelled in various forms, such as painting, sculpture, and dance. Their work often reflects the vibrant traditions and modern influences of Sri Lanka. They have showcased their talents in exhibitions and performances worldwide, earning recognition and respect.

In politics, Sri Lanka has seen leaders who have left a lasting impact on the nation and beyond. These figures have navigated complex political landscapes and brought about significant changes. Their leadership has shaped the course of the country’s history. They have also been influential in international diplomacy, representing Sri Lanka on the global stage.

Sri Lanka's contribution to the world of cinema and entertainment cannot be overlooked. Talented actors and filmmakers from the island have made their mark in the industry. Their films often depict the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan life, from its scenic beauty to its social issues. They have won awards and gained critical acclaim, highlighting the depth of talent in the country.

In the field of science and technology, Sri Lanka has produced innovators and researchers who have made significant contributions. Their work spans various disciplines, from medicine to engineering. They have been involved in groundbreaking research and have been recognized for their achievements. Their contributions have had a global impact, showcasing the intellectual prowess of Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and history have shaped these individuals. Their achievements are a testament to the talent and determination found on this island. They have brought pride to their nation and have left an indelible mark on the world. Through their work, they continue to inspire future generations to strive for excellence.

These famous Sri Lankans, from diverse fields, have shown what is possible with hard work and dedication. They serve as role models and remind us of the potential within each individual. Their stories are a source of inspiration and a reminder of the rich legacy of Sri Lanka.

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