S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike was a prominent Sri Lankan politician who served as the Prime Minister of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, from 1956 until his assassination in 1959. He was the founder of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape during the post-colonial era. His policies focused on promoting Buddhism and addressing the needs of the rural population. Bandaranaike's government is known for implementing the Sinhala Only Act, which made Sinhala the official language of Sri Lanka, a move that sparked significant controversy and ethnic tensions. His leadership marked a shift towards a more nationalist approach in Sri Lankan politics, influencing future generations of political leaders in the country.