Senarath Attanayake (5 August 1966 – 28 August 2017) was a Sri Lankan lawyer and provincial politician who became widely known for his public service in the Uva Province and for his work as an advocate for people with disabilities. Born in Colombo, he combined a legal background with active political participation at the provincial level and continued to serve in public roles after developing a debilitating illness.

Political and administrative career

Attanayake served as a member of the Uva Provincial Council, where he held several portfolios related to rural livelihoods and natural resources. Between 2000 and 2005 he was Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Land and Forestry for the Uva Provincial Council. During that period he also acted as Chief Minister of the province for a brief interval. His responsibilities involved oversight of agricultural policy, local irrigation projects and management of land and forestry matters that affected rural communities.

Trained as a lawyer, Attanayake brought legal experience to his political roles. His background in law informed his approach to administration and public policy, helping him engage with regulatory, land and resource issues typical of provincial governance. He was known for focusing on practical interventions aimed at supporting farmers, improving irrigation infrastructure and addressing livestock management challenges in his region.

Disability, advocacy and recognition

Attanayake lived with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive motor neuron disease that eventually caused paralysis. After his diagnosis he became an outspoken advocate for disability rights, using his public profile to raise awareness about accessibility, social inclusion and the rights of people with disabilities. In recognition of his leadership in this area, he received the 2016 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award, an international honor given to exemplary leaders within the disability community for advancing inclusion and opportunity.

Death and legacy

Senarath Attanayake died on 28 August 2017 in a private hospital in Colombo from complications related to ALS at the age of 51. His death was noted across provincial and national circles in Sri Lanka, where colleagues and disability advocates remembered him for combining public service with efforts to expand rights and visibility for people with disabilities. His work is often cited as an example of leadership that bridged governance and social advocacy.

Notable facts

  • Full name: Attanayake Mudiyanselage Kithsiri Senarath Bandara Attanayake; commonly known as Senarath Attanayake.
  • Province of service: Uva Provincial Council, where he held ministerial responsibilities for agriculture and related sectors.
  • Award: Recipient of the 2016 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award for disability leadership and advocacy.
  • Health: Lived with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which shaped his later advocacy work focused on disability rights and accessibility.