Leader of the United National Party


The United National Party is one of the oldest political parties in Sri Lanka. It has been the main ruling party in Sri Lanka on several occasions. The leader of the United National Party is the highest position in the party. The leader is appointed by the majority vote of the working committee of the party who meets at Sirikotha, when the position is vacant.
The party had seven leaders since 1947. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been the leader of the UNP since 1994. Ruwan Wijewardene is the current deputy leader of the UNP.
NamePortraitProvincePeriods In Party LeadershipHighest Position Held
D. S. SenanayakeWestern1947–1952Prime Minister
Dudley SenanayakeWestern1952–1953Prime Minister
John KotelawalaNorth Western1953–1956Prime Minister
Dudley SenanayakeWestern1956–1973Prime Minister
J. R. JayewardeneWestern1973–1989President
Ranasinghe PremadasaWestern1989–1993President
Dingiri Banda WijetungaCentral1993–1994President
Ranil WickremesingheWestern1994–presentPresident