Deshamanya Edward Lionel Senanayake (known commonly as E.L Senanayake) (8 August 1920 – 29 January 2000) was a Sri Lankan politician belonging to the United National Party.

[2][3][4][5] He was the son of Gate Mudaliyar James Senanayake and was educated at Trinity College, Kandy and at the University College, Colombo graduating with an honours degree in Economics.

[6] Born at Milton House, Castle Street, Kandy to Wasala Mudaliyar James Senanayake; he was educated at Trinity College, Kandy and at the University College, Colombo graduating with an honours degree in Economics.

[7] His brother Dr James Senanayake was a member of the Senate of Ceylon and his younger brother Earnest Senanayake served as a Member of the Kandy Municipal Council.

Two of their sons Dhathusena and Rajasinghe served as Members of the Kandy Municipal Council, while another son Kesera served as a diplomat and was a member of the Central Provincial Council.