Samantha Vidyaratna

Samantha Vidyaratna is a Sri Lankan politician currently serving as the Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure and as a Member of Parliament for the Badulla Electoral District. A member of the National People's Power and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, he previously served as an MP for the Anuradhapura District from 2004 to 2010 and held a deputy ministerial position under President Chandrika Kumaratunga. Known for his advocacy on environmental and land rights issues, he has been a vocal critic of the Uma Oya Hydropower Complex and has campaigned against the acquisition of lands in Uva Wellassa by foreign entities. As a minister, he has pursued policies aimed at protecting local industries from foreign competition.