The Most Famous Sri Lankan, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Sri Lankan you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 3, 2024 07:14

In the heart of the Indian Ocean lies Sri Lanka, a nation rich in cultural heritage and history. The contributions of its citizens, both past and present, have left indelible marks on architecture, the arts, and global politics. Recognizing and celebrating these luminaries not only fosters national pride but also educates the wider world about the influential figures originating from this island. This interactive list provides an opportunity for everyone to participate in recognizing the most notable Sri Lankans. By casting your votes, you contribute to a collective acknowledgment of achievements and inspire others to learn about the diverse contributions of these esteemed individuals. Your engagement shapes how we appreciate and remember the leaders, artists, and innovators from Sri Lanka.

Who Is the Most Famous Sri Lankan?

1

71
votes
Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan - regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, holds the record for the most wickets in both Test and One Day International cricket, and was the first player to take 800 Test wickets.
Muttiah Muralitharan in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person in Sri Lanka
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous cricket player
2

37
votes
khamenei.ir · CC BY 4.0

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Mahinda Rajapaksa is former president of Sri Lanka, he played a significant role in ending the Sri Lankan Civil War and oversaw significant economic growth during his tenure.
Mahinda Rajapaksa in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person in Sri Lanka
3

18
votes
Sangakkara.jpg: TonyPatterson derivative work: Chamal N (talk) · CC BY 2.0

Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara is former Sri Lankan cricketer, widely considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time, he holds several records in international cricket and is a respected commentator and analyst.
Kumar Sangakkara in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person in Sri Lanka
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous wicket-keeper
4

15
votes
ITU Pictures · CC BY 2.0

Arthur C. Clarke

Arthur C. Clarke

British author and inventor, best known for his science fiction works including 2001: A Space Odyssey, he lived in Sri Lanka for over 50 years and was a key figure in the development of the country's telecommunications infrastructure.
Arthur C. Clarke is a renowned science fiction author known for his groundbreaking works in the genre. His writing often explores futuristic concepts and technological advancements, blending science and imagination. Clarke's works have had a significant impact on popular culture and have inspired countless readers and scientists alike.

Genre: Science Fiction

Notable Works: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Childhood's End, Rendezvous with Rama

Themes: Space exploration, artificial intelligence, extraterrestrial life

Writing Style: Blend of scientific accuracy and imaginative storytelling

Predictions: Anticipated communication satellites, geostationary orbits, tablet computers
Arthur C. Clarke in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular Arthur
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person in Sri Lanka
5

11
votes
Md. Lutfar Rahman Binu · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ranasinghe Premadasa

Ranasinghe Premadasa - former president of Sri Lanka, he oversaw significant economic growth and social welfare programs during his tenure, and was instrumental in ending the second JVP insurgency.
Ranasinghe Premadasa in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person in Sri Lanka
6

13
votes
Sirimavo Bandaranaike

Sirimavo Bandaranaike is the world's first female head of government, she served as prime minister of Sri Lanka three times and was a prominent figure in the country's political landscape for over four decades.
Sirimavo Bandaranaike in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person in Sri Lanka
7

13
votes

Dhananjaya de Silva

Sri Lankan cricketer, known for his aggressive batting and solid fielding, he has been a key player in the national team since his debut in 2016.
8

9
votes
Masako Kawasaki at en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Gamini Dissanayake

Gamini Dissanayake is former minister of sports and social services, he was a prominent figure in Sri Lankan politics and played a key role in the development of the country's infrastructure and economy.
Gamini Dissanayake in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person in Sri Lanka
9

10
votes

Chamal_N · CC BY 2.0

Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya is former Sri Lankan cricketer, he played a key role in the country's 1996 World Cup victory and was known for his aggressive batting and effective left-arm spin bowling.
10

6
votes
Anuradha Dullewe Wijeyeratne · Public domain

Anura Bandaranaike

Anura Bandaranaike is former speaker of the Sri Lankan parliament and minister of foreign affairs, he was the son of Sirimavo Bandaranaike and a prominent figure in the country's political landscape for over three decades.
Anura Bandaranaike in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous person in Sri Lanka

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Ranking factors for famous Sri Lankan

Global Recognition

The level of recognition the individual has worldwide, including their fame and popularity in different countries.
Impact and Influence

The individual's impact and influence on society, culture, politics, or their respective field of expertise.
Achievements and Accomplishments

The individual's notable achievements, awards, and recognition in their profession, such as in sports, entertainment, science, literature, or business.
Legacy

The lasting impact and legacy the individual has left behind, including their contributions to their country and their respective field.
Media Presence

The individual's presence in traditional and digital media, including their appearances, interviews, social media following, and overall media coverage.
Popularity and Fanbase

The individual's level of popularity and fanbase, including their social media followers, fan clubs, and general public support.
Cultural Representation

The individual's representation and promotion of Sri Lankan culture, heritage, and values to a global audience.
Longevity and Consistency

The individual's longevity in their career and consistent presence and success over time.

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

4710 views
185 votes
10 ranked items

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.

More information on most famous sri lankan

Sri Lanka, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, boasts a rich cultural heritage and a long history. The country has produced many notable figures in various fields, including literature, music, sports, politics, and more. When it comes to identifying the most famous Sri Lankan, there are many candidates to consider. From cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan to Nobel laureate Sir Arthur C. Clarke, to Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez, to the current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka has produced a diverse range of internationally recognized personalities. In this article, we aim to explore the history, achievements, and contributions of these famous Sri Lankans and determine who deserves the title of "most famous."