Wasantha Samarasinghe

Wasantha Samarasinghe is a Sri Lankan politician, trade union leader, and activist. He currently serves as the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development and is a Member of Parliament from the Anuradhapura District as a member of the National People's Power (NPP).

Samarasinghe is known for his involvement in student politics, parliamentary representation, and labour movement advocacy.

Early life and education Samarasinghe completed his Advanced Level studies at Thambuththegama Central College before entering the University of Kelaniya in 1996. He graduated with a special degree in Business Management Accounting.

During his university years, Samarasinghe was a student leader who served as Chairman of the Kelaniya University Student Union, and was also a prominent leader in the Inter-University Student Power Council.

Trade union activism Samarasinghe is active in Sri Lanka's trade union movement, and has served as the Chairman of the Inter-Company Employees' Union and the National Organizer at the National Trade Union Center.

Political career In 2004, Samarasinghe was appointed to the Parliament of Sri Lanka as a National List MP representing the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). During his tenure, he was an active member of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee. He also served as a member of the North Central Provincial Council.

In 2024, Samarasinghe was re-elected to Parliament, securing the highest number of preferential votes from the Anuradhapura District.

Samarasinghe is the convener of the Anti-Corruption Voice Organization, an anti-corruption organization focused on exposing corruption in government administrations.