How Do You Spell BANDARANAIKE?

Pronunciation: [bˈandɐɹˌane͡ɪk] (IPA)

Bandaranaike is a name often associated with Sri Lankan politics. The spelling of this word may seem daunting but can be broken down into its phonetic components. The first syllable "ban" is pronounced as "bæn" with a short "a" sound. The second syllable "da" is pronounced as "də" with a schwa sound. The third syllable "ra" is pronounced as "ræ" with a short "a" sound. The final syllable "naike" is pronounced as "neɪk" with a long "e" sound and a silent "e" at the end. Together, the word is pronounced "bæn-də-ræ-neɪk."

BANDARANAIKE Meaning and Definition

  1. Bandaranaike is a proper noun that refers to a prominent political family, primarily associated with Sri Lanka. The Bandaranaike family has played a significant role in the country's political landscape, particularly during the 20th century. This name is primarily associated with three prominent figures: Solomon Bandaranaike, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

    Solomon Bandaranaike, also known as S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, was an influential Sri Lankan statesman and the country's fourth Prime Minister. He served from 1956 until his assassination in 1959. His political legacy is marked by his introduction of progressive policies such as the Sinhala Only Act, which aimed to promote the use of the Sinhalese language over Tamil.

    Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the widow of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, became the world's first female Prime Minister in 1960. She served three terms as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, leading the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. Sirimavo Bandaranaike played a pivotal role in shaping the social and political dynamics of Sri Lanka.

    Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga is the daughter of Sirimavo Bandaranaike and also served as Sri Lanka's President from 1994 to 2005. She was the country's first female President. Her presidency focused on ethnic reconciliation and pursuing a peaceful resolution to the civil war that plagued the nation for several decades.

    Overall, the term Bandaranaike symbolizes a powerful political family that has significantly influenced Sri Lanka's political, social, and cultural landscape.

Etymology of BANDARANAIKE

The word "Bandaranaike" is composed of two parts: "Bandara" and "Naike".

"Bandara" (බණ්ඩාර) is a Sinhalese word that can be translated as "leader" or "prince". It derives from the Sanskrit word "Bhandara", meaning "treasure" or "storehouse". In Sinhalese tradition, "Bandara" signifies nobility and leadership.

"Naike" (නායක්) is also a Sinhalese word that denotes a title or surname. The term "Naike" is derived from the Tamil word "Naicker", which means "warrior" or "chief". It was commonly used by the Tamil community in Sri Lanka.