Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s Economic Policies in Sri Lanka for AP World History

Feb 12

2 min read

Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s Economic Policies in Sri Lanka is an illustrative example of the Newly Independent States topic in Unit 8 of AP World History. You could reference this example on your AP World History test.

Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first female Prime Minister, played a significant role in shaping Sri Lanka’s economic policies during her tenure. As the leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), she implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at promoting social welfare, national development, and reducing inequalities.

Nationalization and State Intervention

Upon assuming office in 1960, Bandaranaike pursued a nationalization policy, aiming to assert greater state control over key sectors of the economy. Industries such as banking, insurance, and plantations were brought under state ownership, reflecting her socialist leanings and commitment to equitable wealth distribution. State intervention in the economy expanded to include price controls, subsidies, and import substitution policies to stimulate domestic production and protect local industries.

Land Reforms and Rural Development

Bandaranaike’s government introduced land reforms to address landlessness and improve agricultural productivity in rural areas. The Land Reform Law of 1972 aimed to redistribute land to landless farmers and tenant cultivators, empowering rural communities and fostering agricultural self-sufficiency. Additionally, investment in rural infrastructure, education, and healthcare aimed to uplift living standards and reduce disparities between urban and rural areas.

Challenges and Criticisms

Bandaranaike’s economic policies faced challenges and criticisms, particularly regarding their effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Critics argued that excessive state intervention stifled private enterprise and hindered economic growth. Moreover, nationalization measures resulted in inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape, dampening investor confidence and exacerbating fiscal deficits.

Despite facing challenges, Bandaranaike’s economic policies left a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s development trajectory. Her emphasis on social welfare and rural development contributed to improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas. However, the legacy of state interventionism and nationalization persisted, shaping debates over economic policy and the state’s role in subsequent years. Bandaranaike’s tenure remains a defining period in Sri Lanka’s economic history, reflecting a complex interplay of socialist ideals, nationalist aspirations, and developmental goals.