Senanayake

Senanayake is a common Sri Lankan surname. It is believed to have originated from the Sinhala words "sena" meaning army and "nayake" meaning leader or chief. Thus, the name can be interpreted as "army leader" or "commander."

The Senanayake family is prominent in Sri Lankan history and politics. The most well-known figure is Don Stephen Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of independent Sri Lanka. He played a crucial role in the country's independence movement from British rule and served as Prime Minister from 1948 until his death in 1952. His son, Dudley Senanayake, also served as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on multiple occasions. Another notable member of the family is R.G. Senanayake, who held several ministerial positions.

The Senanayake name is associated with the United National Party (UNP), a major political party in Sri Lanka, which the family helped found and lead for many years. Their legacy continues to be a significant part of Sri Lanka's political landscape.