Wasantha Samarasinghe is a Sri Lankan politician, trade union leader, and activist, known for his prominent roles in student politics, parliamentary representation, and labor movement advocacy. He currently serves as the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, having assumed office on 18 November 2024 under the National People's Power (NPP) government.[1][2]
Wasantha Samarasinghe | |
|---|---|
| වසන්ත සමරසිංහ வசந்த சமரசிங்க | |
| Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development | |
| Assumed office 18 November 2024 | |
| President | Anura Kumara Dissanayake |
| Prime Minister | Harini Amarasuriya |
| Preceded by | Harini Amarasuriya |
| Member of Parliament for Anuradhapura District | |
| Assumed office 21 November 2024 | |
| Majority | 251,639 Preferential votes |
| Member of Parliament for National List | |
| In office 22 April 2004 – 30 June 2008 | |
| Succeeded by | Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 24 May 1976 |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Political party | Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna |
| Other political affiliations | National People's Power |
| Alma mater | University of Kelaniya |
| Website | wasanthasamarasinghe.com |
Early Life and Education
editSamarasinghe completed his Advanced Level studies at Thambuththegama Central College before entering the University of Kelaniya in 1996. He graduated with a special degree in Business Management Accounting.
Student Leadership
editDuring his university years, Samarasinghe was a notable student leader. He served as:
- Chairman of the Kelaniya University Student Union
- A high-level leader in the Inter-University Student Power Council
Political Career
editIn 2004, Samarasinghe was elected to the Sri Lankan Parliament representing the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). During his tenure, he was an active member of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee. He also served as a member of the North Central Provincial Council.
In 2024, Samarasinghe was re-elected to Parliament, securing the highest number of preferential votes from the Anuradhapura District.[3]
Trade Union Activism
editSamarasinghe has been a prominent figure in Sri Lanka's trade union movement, holding key leadership positions:
- Chairman of the Inter-Company Employees' Union
- National Organizer at the National Trade Union Center
Anti-Corruption Work
editHe is the convener of the Anti-Corruption Voice Organization, focusing on exposing corruption in government administrations.
See Also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Academics, Tamils and an extremist Sinhala nationalist". Tamil Guardian. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Wasantha Samarasinghe sworn in as Minister of Trade and Commerce". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
- ^ "Anuradhapura District Preferential Vote Results Released". Ada Derana. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
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