Mohamed Salim Aboobakr's political career started in 1936 as a pioneer member of the Lanka Samasamaja party and in 1946 he was elected as an M.M.C to the Dematagoda ward. He served the people for over 14 years and is considered to be one of the national heroes of Sri Lanka.

Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike

Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike was the first woman prime minister in the world. Subsequent to the assassination of her husband S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike in 1959, Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike became the leader of the Sri Lankan Freedom party which her husband had formed. She was instrumental in replacing the official English language with Sinhalese in her effort to reduce foreign influence in Ceylon. Therefore, her contribution as a national hero of Sri Lanka is undeniable.

Professor Cyril Ponnamperuma

Professor Cyril Ponnamperuma was born in Galle on 16 October 1923 and grew up to become one of the leading scientists of the world. He had a long and distinguished academic career and in the year1962, he was honored with a National Academy of Science resident associateship tenable with NASA at Ames Research Center. He rose to fame when he was selected the chief investigator of the moon dust in the “Apollo programme”, whereby, he appeared on the cover pages of world class newspapers and magazines like ‘Times' and ‘News Week'.

He contributed greatly to the world of science and has received many awards for his outstanding work. He was a scholar in Sri Lanka who was well known in the scientific community of every corner of the world. He was a true national hero of Sri Lanka who made his country proud internationally.

Susanthika Jayasinghe

Susanthika Jayasinghe became known as the ‘Wonder Girl' of Sri Lanka after her historical win in the at 1997 Olympics. She became the first woman in Sri Lanka to win an Olympic medal. And so she made her place among the National heroes of Sri Lanka.

This article gives an overview of some of the leading personalities of Sri Lanka. For further information on Sri Lanka, browse through 123independenceday.com