A Candid Conversation on Legacy, Leadership, and the Future of Sri Lanka
SL Speaks Media Network sat down with Hon. Navin Dissanayake, Vice Chairman of the United National Party (UNP), for an in-depth and revealing discussion about his political heritage, current party dynamics, views on the NPP, and his economic roadmap for the country. What emerged was a thoughtful and introspective conversation with a leader poised at the intersection of tradition and modern reform.
🏡 Background and Early Life
Navin Eranjan Dissanayake was born on 9 September 1969 into one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent political families. His grandfather, Andrew Dissanayake, served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister in the 1950s. His father, Gamini Dissanayake, was a revered UNP leader and presidential candidate in 1994. After Gamini’s tragic assassination, Navin’s mother, Srima Dissanayake, contested the election in his place. His brother, Mayantha Dissanayake, is also an active parliamentarian. Navin is married to Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya, daughter of former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, further connecting him to political heritage.
Navin completed his early education at S. Thomas’ Preparatory School and Royal College Colombo. He then attended Melbourne Grammar School in Australia before earning a law degree from the University of Sussex in the UK. He later completed a Master of Laws in Finance and Financial Law at the University of London and is also an alumnus of INSEAD, having completed an executive MBA. He is a barrister-at-law of Middle Temple (UK) and an attorney-at-law of Sri Lanka.
📜 Political Career and Experience
Navin entered active politics in 2000, winning his seat in the Nuwara Eliya District as a United National Party (UNP) candidate. Over the past two decades, he has served in multiple significant roles:
- Minister of Sports (January to September 2015)
- Minister of Plantation Industries (2015–2019)
- Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province (June 2023 to September 2024)
He has been a member of the UNP for most of his political life, briefly aligning with the UPFA between 2007 and 2014 before rejoining the UNP. As of February 2025, Navin Dissanayake was appointed as the Vice Chairman of the United National Party by a unanimous decision of the UNP Working Committee, a role that recognizes his long-standing service and stature within the party.
Navin also worked closely with leading legal professionals early in his career and has maintained his legal practice alongside politics. He emphasizes his continued ability to argue cases in court, underscoring his grounding in law and justice.
📝 Political Views and Key Themes from Interview
🔶 On Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Presidency:
Navin credits President Ranil Wickremesinghe for stabilizing Sri Lanka during the 2022 economic collapse. He acknowledges that while Wickremesinghe did not win a popular mandate, his leadership in economic recovery, especially with the IMF, was crucial. He views Ranil as a strategic and competent leader.
🔶 UNP-SJB Division and the Call for Unity:
Navin is vocal about the damage caused by the split between the UNP and SJB. He believes reunification is critical for the survival and success of the center-right political space. He is open to future cooperation with Sajith Premadasa, saying both camps need to work together to win national elections.
🔶 On Leadership and His Role:
While he stops short of declaring personal ambition, Navin indicates that he is prepared to lead if called upon. With over two decades of experience, including Cabinet portfolios and international exposure, he suggests he brings political maturity and credibility to any future leadership role.
🔶 Views on the NPP and Anura Kumara Dissanayake:
Navin acknowledges Anura Kumara’s growing popularity and strong communication skills but cautions that the NPP’s economic model is overly idealistic. He believes Sri Lanka requires practical, market-oriented policies to thrive in a globalized economy.
🔶 Corruption and Accountability:
A staunch believer in clean governance, Navin supports strong legal frameworks to fight corruption. He calls for accountability not just from politicians but from officials and businessmen complicit in corrupt systems.
🌐 Foreign Relations and Economic Vision
Navin lays out a clear internationalist vision. He emphasizes that Sri Lanka’s strategic location between India and China must be leveraged for diplomatic and economic advantage. He supports deeper ties with India, the U.S., Japan, and Western allies, while maintaining balance with China.
He advocates attracting $5–10 billion annually in foreign direct investment, particularly in logistics, infrastructure, and education. He stresses the importance of human capital development through reforms in English and IT education, which he championed during his tenure in Sabaragamuwa.
💖 Personal Note: Indira Cancer Trust
Navin’s wife, Dr. Lanka Dissanayake, is the founder of the Indira Cancer Trust, a charity named after her late sister. The organization offers palliative care and psychological support to children with cancer and their families. Navin proudly highlights this as an example of genuine social service.
🏛️ Conclusion: A Future Centered on Unity and Experience
Navin Dissanayake stands out as a voice of reason, moderation, and experience in Sri Lankan politics. With a blend of elite education, legal grounding, and political lineage, he positions himself as a bridge between tradition and reform. Whether or not he takes on a leadership role, his calls for unity, practical governance, and global integration are increasingly relevant as Sri Lanka seeks stable footing in a turbulent era.
No comments