Age, Biography and Wiki

Vimala Wijewardene (Vimalavathi Silva) was born on 7 August, 1908 in Katana, British Ceylon, is a Ceylonese politician. Discover Vimala Wijewardene's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is she in this year and how she spends money? Also learn how she earned most of networth at the age of 86 years old?

Popular As Vimalavathi Silva
Occupation Politician, Businesswoman, Cultivator
Age 86 years old
Zodiac Sign Leo
Born 7 August, 1908
Birthday 7 August
Birthplace Katana, British Ceylon
Date of death 1994
Died Place Mawanella, Sri Lanka
Nationality Ceylon

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 7 August. She is a member of famous Politician with the age 86 years old group.

Vimala Wijewardene Height, Weight & Measurements

At 86 years old, Vimala Wijewardene height not available right now. We will update Vimala Wijewardene's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.

Physical Status
Height Not Available
Weight Not Available
Body Measurements Not Available
Eye Color Not Available
Hair Color Not Available

Who Is Vimala Wijewardene's Husband?

Her husband is Don Charles Wijewardene (m. 1926-1956)

Family
Parents Not Available
Husband Don Charles Wijewardene (m. 1926-1956)
Sibling Not Available
Children Padmini, Rukmini, Ananda

Vimala Wijewardene Net Worth

Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Vimala Wijewardene worth at the age of 86 years old? Vimala Wijewardene’s income source is mostly from being a successful Politician. She is from Ceylon. We have estimated Vimala Wijewardene's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.

Net Worth in 2024 $1 Million - $5 Million
Salary in 2024 Under Review
Net Worth in 2023 Pending
Salary in 2023 Under Review
House Not Available
Cars Not Available
Source of Income Politician

Vimala Wijewardene Social Network

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Timeline

1892

Following the death of her older sister, Vimala married her sister's widower Don Charles Wijewardene (1892-1956) at age eighteen.

He was the fifth son of Don Philip Tudugala Wijewardene; a timber merchant of Sedavatta and Helena Dep (née Weerasinghe) and the younger brother of newspaper magnate Don Richard.

They had three children; Ananda, Padmini, and Rukmini.

Don Charles helped unite the Sangha in support of the restoration of independence in Ceylon.

He was responsible for compiling the book Dharma Vijaya (Triumph of Righteousness) or The Revolt in the Temple.

1908

Vimala Wijewardene (Vimala; née Silva; 7 August 1908 – 27 January 1994) was a Ceylonese politician and the country's first female cabinet minister.

1952

In 1952, she contested the seat of Kelaniya at the 2nd parliamentary election, representing the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Her opponent was the United National Party incumbent (and her nephew), J. R. Jayewardene, losing by 6,235 votes.

1953

Published in English in 1953, the book brought accolades from all parts of the world.

It acknowledged the ugliness of colonial rule, the sublime nature of Buddhism, and the values it imparted.

His mother, Helena was responsible for arranging the financing of the restoration of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.

His brother Don Walter was entrusted with the restoration of the Kelaniya Temple.

Due to his untimely death, Don Charles took over the affairs until its completion.

He was the patron of Thalevala Vijitha (Dhammarakkitha), who later became the chief incumbent after the demise of his predecessor Mapitigama Buddharakkita.

1956

At the 3rd parliamentary elections in 1956, she contested the Mirigama electorate and was elected, receiving 36,193 votes (75.25% of the total vote) defeating the sitting member, John Amaratunga.

In June 1956, she was appointed Minister of Health in S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike's cabinet, becoming the country's first female cabinet minister.

She made numerous transformations in a then male-dominated health system.

At the time of her appointment, female doctors were not permitted to be in charge of hospital wards.

She changed the system by giving senior doctors the right to oversee wards.

Subsequently, she gave formal recognition to traditional medical practitioners by registering them in the health system.

Upon discovering the health system lacked funds, Wijewardene began a lottery (Arogya) for the purpose of gathering funds.

As this enterprise succeeded beyond expectation, Arogya became what is now the National Lotteries Board of Ceylon.

1958

In June 1958, she was appointed Minister for Local Government and Housing.

One of her first duties was introducing legislation to allow traditional medical practitioners to grow marijuana, which was essential for their medicinal preparations, saving foreign exchange.

1959

She retained the position of Minister of Local Government and Housing in the subsequent Dahanayake cabinet in 1959.

On 21 November 1959, she was placed under house arrest and three months later taken into custody in connection with the assassination of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, which led to her dismissal as Minister of Local Government.

In the preliminary investigation, it was proven she was wrongly accused.

She was found innocent and all charges were dismissed.

The stigma attached to the charges effectively ended her political career.

1960

After her discharge in July 1960, she converted to Christianity and spent a religiously inclined life being a regular participant at Christian revival meetings.