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Political Career

RAVI KARUNANAYAKE

A Sri Lankan Statesman with a legacy forged in service and vision

Ravi Karunanayake, a name synonymous with Sri Lankan politics, stands tall as a figure of dedication, dynamism, and achievement. From his early steps into the national arena under the tutelage of the esteemed Sri Lankan political figure Lalith Athulathmudali to his rise as Assistant Leader of the United National Party (UNP) and Finance Minister, his journey reflects an unwavering commitment to public service and a vision for a brighter
Sri Lanka.

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Beyond Politics: A Multifaceted Personality

Ravi Karunanayake's accomplishments extend far beyond the political sphere. A Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA) with over 25 years of experience, he actively contributed to the growth of Sri Lankan businesses. His passion for knowledge is evident in his contributions to print media and insightful discussions on television and radio, both in Sinhala and English.

Political Odyssey: A Journey of Principles and Service

Ravi Karunanayake's political journey began in 1988 under the tutelage of the late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali, a revered Cabinet Minister and erudite scholar. In 1994, he was nominated as the youngest Member of Parliament from the National List, marking the commencement of an illustrious political career. A man of principles, Karunanayake chose to serve as an independent MP in 1995, demonstrating a commitment to national service above party affiliations.

His versatility and acumen in finance and commerce were showcased when, in 2015, he assumed the role of Minister of Finance. The interim budget he presented within seventeen days of taking office created history, providing unprecedented relief to the people of Sri Lanka. The subsequent "People's Budget" of 2017, crafted through a consultative process with public input, further underscored his commitment to democratic governance.

Chronicles of Political Eminence

A series of significant milestones mark Ravi Karunanayake's rise to political eminence:

  • 1994: Becomes the youngest member nominated from the National List to the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka.

  • 2001: Assumes the role of Cabinet Minister of Trade, Commerce & Consumer Affairs.

  • 2015: Appointed as the Cabinet Minister of Finance, reshaping the economic landscape of Sri Lanka.

  • 2016: Extends his influence globally, becoming the Cabinet Minister of Foreign Affairs.

  • 2018: Assumes the critical role of Cabinet Minister of Power, Energy & Business Development.

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Leadership Beyond Parliament: A Stalwart in Various Capacities

Karunanayake's contributions extend beyond parliamentary duties, showcasing his leadership prowess:

  • Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee for the United National Party.

  • United National Party Leader for the Colombo District, a vital economic and administrative hub.

  • Chairman of the Institute for Democracy and Leadership.

  • National Organizer for Sri Lanka of the United National Party.

  • Assistant Leader of the United National Party.

Accolades and Recognition

In acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions, Karunanayake has received numerous accolades:

  • The International Jaycees awarded Ravi Karunanayake the "Young Outstanding Politician of the Year" award in 1999.

  • Recognized as the "Best Finance Minister" in Asia-Pacific for 2017 by The Banker, a testament to his financial acumen and reforms.

  • Fellows of esteemed institutes, including the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants.

Contributions to Media and Public Discourse

Karunanayake, a prolific contributor to national print media, television, and radio, has lent his expertise on topics ranging from economic affairs to political culture. His active engagement in professional media institutions reflects his commitment to fostering informed public discourse.

Leisure Pursuits: A Glimpse into Ravi

Karunanayake's Personal Realm

In the rare moments of respite, Ravi Karunanayake is a connoisseur of literature, cinema, and music. His penchant for travel reveals his curiosity for exploring and enjoying nature, and his classic taste in music mirrors the sophistication evident in his political and professional life.

Management Maestro: Beyond Politics

With a management career spanning over 25 years in leading mercantile sector establishments, Karunanayake's professional journey is marked by excellence. As a Chartered Management Accountant, his financial stewardship has left an indelible mark on Sri Lanka's economic landscape.

Ravi Karunanayake stands as a testament to the amalgamation of intellect, principles, and unwavering dedication in the Sri Lankan political sphere. His journey from a young parliamentarian to a global statesman mirrors his commitment to service, earning him a well-deserved place in Sri Lanka's political history.

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

POLITICAL DYNASTY

1994

Youngest member to be nominated from the National List

to the Parliament of Sri Lanka’s 10th Parliament

1994

2000

Elected to Parliament from Colombo District

receiving more than 145,000 votes.

2001

Elected to 12th Parliament of Sri Lanka

2001

2001

December 12th. Appointed as the Cabinet Minister Trade, Commerce & Consumer Affairs.

2005

Elected to 13th Parliament of Sri Lanka

2005

2010

Elected to 14th Parliament of Sri Lanka

2015

January 12th. Appointed as the Cabinet Minister of Finance

2015

2016

May 22nd. Appointed as the Cabinet Minister of Foreign Affairs

2018

December 21st. Appointed as the Cabinet Minister of Power, Energy & Business Development

2018

SIGNIFICANT

POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Enters Parliament on the 25th of August 1994 as a Member of Parliament and has served the nation in this capacity four times.

Appointed as the United National Party Leader for the Colombo District, the nerve center of economic and administrative governance in Sri Lanka

Cabinet Minister of Trade, Commerce & Consumer Affairs

Chairman of Institute for Democracy and Leadership

Assistant Leader of the United National Party

Appointed as the Chairman – Foreign Affairs Committee for the United National Party

National Organizer for Sri Lanka of the United National Party

Cabinet Minister of Finance

Awards

Presented with the award for Young Outstanding Politician of the year in 1999 at the National event organized by the International Jaycees

Awarded the "Best Finance Minister" in Asia-Pacific for 2017 by The Banker, the premier monthly magazine on global finance since 1926, and owned by the world-renowned Financial Times group. In particular for the ability to secure the $1.5bn IMF loan, the hike in the national VAT and efforts to reform the local tax system and Sri Lanka’s ability to tap international bond markets

Other Achievements

Has been a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA) since December 1994 and a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (FCMA) since June 2009

A regular contributor to the national print media in respect of the following: Economic Affairs, Marketing, Business Management, Political Culture

Active Member of the Federation of the Chamber Movement in order to strengthen the industrial and the business enterprises in Sri Lanka

Public Finance & taxation in Sri Lanka & abroad in various prestigious professional Media Institutions and Associations

Elected as the Politician and Public Administrator of the year in 1999 by the Colombo Jaycees

Also participates on national television and radio programs being equally proficient in Sinhala and English, mainly focusing on topics relating to Business, Politics and Economic Affairs

Management Career

Has served many leading mercantile sector establishments in accounting and management spheres spanning a period of over 25 years.

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Professional Qualifications

Chartered Management Accountant - FCMA - Fellow member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), FSCMA, CMA (Canada)

Schools Attended

St. Thomas Preparatory School – 1968 to 1978

Royal College, Colombo – 1978 to 1982

Sports

Represented Sri Lanka’s premier Educational Institute Royal College as a member of the 1st Eleven Cricket Team

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