A Living Legend Turns 85 – Karu Jayasuriya:The Uncrowned Statesman of Sri Lanka

Karu Jayasuriya was born on September 29, 1940

The Former Speaker of Parliament turns 85 years old

He has had a vast career, stretching from being the Mayor of Colombo, a Cabinet Minister and the Speaker of Parliament

Hon. Karu Jayasuriya has been a part of several important initiatives to put a stake in the ground on the Right to Information Act, foster reconciliation between Sinhala, Tamil, and other communities, and worked tirelessly to further democracy for the common citizen and not the few who hold power

By Kanchana Kodituwakku

Hon. Karu Jayasuriya: The Uncrowned Statesman of Sri Lanka Celebrates 85 Years of Life. Upon reaching his 85th year on September 29, 2025, Sri Lankabhimanya Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya is considered one of the last great gentlemen in Sri Lankan politics, who has spent a lifetime in public life marked by dignity, vision, and dedication to the people. 

More than a politician, he is a statesman, a bridge-builder, a diplomat of a particular vision, and a moral compass who has offered a steady presence during some of this nation’s most significant, defining moments. Hon. Karu Jayasuriya was a member of the diplomatic service early in his career when he represented Sri Lanka on the international stage, followed by a distinction that espouses a long and illustrious career as the Mayor of Colombo, a Cabinet Minister, and the Speaker of Parliament, whose life has been a testament to integrity and courage. Hon. Karu Jayasuriya has been a part of several important initiatives to put a stake in the ground on the Right to Information Act, foster reconciliation between Sinhala, Tamil, and other communities, and worked tirelessly to further democracy for the common citizen and not the few who hold power. 

No one took the mantle in November 2018 during the constitutional crisis of the 52-day coup, and checked the democratic order, which was teetering on the brink of a democratic collapse of governance, and stood up as the custodian of constitutional order. Leadership at its finest is grounded in principle.

Global leaders acknowledge him as a rare statesman, respected for his wisdom, honoured for his humility, and valued for his steadfast faith in clean and constructive politics. 

Today, he continues to be a fierce proponent of justice, transparency, and national unity. In his 85th wonderful year, Sri Lanka joins in saluting Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, the uncrowned elder statesman, and a living legend whose legacy is written not in titles, but in trust, respect and hope for successive generations. 

The writer is the Director - Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania to Sri Lanka