The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara screened the documentary Our Mother, Grandmother, Prime Minister: Sirimavo, a powerful tribute to Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world's first elected female Head of Government.
The documentary was screened at the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Theatre in Ulus, and the Istanbul Medeniyet University to coincide with the celebration of the International Women’s Day in March. The documentary offered rare and deeply personal insights into the life and leadership of one of the most influential women in modern political history.
In partnership with Turkish Airlines and the support of the Honorary Consuls of Sri Lanka, the Embassy also hosted the Director of this documentary, Anomaa Rajakaruna, at the screenings.
Anomaa Rajakaruna, a versatile and award-winning filmmaker, photographer, journalist, film festival curator, has spent over three decades documenting the lives of women, children, and marginalized communities in Sri Lanka. As the first female editor of a cinema journal in Sri Lanka, she has continuously used film as a tool for advocacy and storytelling. Rajakaruna has also played an important role in nurturing independent cinema in Sri Lanka, serving as the Founder and Festival Director of the Agenda 14 Short Film Festival and the Jaffna International Cinema Festival. She has won numerous national and international awards, including from France and Japan and has served as a juror at over 20 international film festivals.
The documentary masterfully weaves together the personal and political journey of Madam Sirimavo, bringing to light the sacrifices, challenges, and visionary leadership of a woman who reshaped the political history of Sri Lanka. Through intimate conversations with her daughters, grandchildren, and former government officials, the film captures the many dimensions of Sirimavo Bandaranaike—as a mother, grandmother and a stateswoman.
While Sirimavo Bandaranaike made history as the world’s first female Prime Minister, Türkiye saw its own gradual progress in female political representation. In 1971, Türkan Akyol became Türkiye’s first female Minister, serving as the Minister of Health, marking an important milestone for women in Turkish politics. However, it was not until 1993—decades after Sirimavo—that Türkiye elected its first female prime minister, Tansu Çiller, who led the country between 1993 and 1996. Unlike Sirimavo, who emerged from a political dynasty, Çiller had a background in academia and economics.
As the world continues to advocate for gender equality in leadership, this documentary serves as a timely reminder of Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s pioneering role and its broader relevance. Her legacy continues to inspire women leaders globally, proving that strength, integrity, and service to the people transcend all barriers.
The screening in Istanbul was followed by an interactive panel discussion with the participation of Anomaa Rajakaruna and Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Türkiye, Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake on challenges faced by women in Türkiye and Sri Lanka, in breaking the glass ceiling, particularly in the film industry and in diplomacy, and sharing experiences.
The events in Ankara and Istanbul were attended by diplomats, academics, university students and film enthusiasts, all of whom were deeply moved by this compelling portrait of a leader who shaped the course of history.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Ankara
17 March 2025
