Basnayake is a Sri Lankan surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Arthur Basnayake (1925–2015), Sri Lankan diplomat Asantha Basnayake (born 1987), Sri Lankan cricketer Bandula Basnayake (born 1947), Sri Lankan politician, former member of parliament and government minister B. M. U. D. Basnayake, Sri Lankan civil servant Eric Basnayake, Sri Lankan Judge Hema Henry Basnayake (born 1902), Sri Lankan judge Nirmala Basnayake, Canadian vocalist for Controller.controller Sinha Basnayake, Sri Lankan lawyer
See also Basnayake Shalith Malinda Warnapura (born 1979), former professional Sri Lankan cricketer Tharanath Basnayaka, Sri Lankan politician