Exemplary moral courage under pressure Autobiography of President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya launched in Colombo

President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya presents first copy of the book to his old teacher Mr. S. D. Liyanage.

The book’s back cover features comments by former Chief Justice Priyasath Dep, who emphasised Jayasuriya’s immense contribution to the legal profession

The autobiography of President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya was launched in Colombo recently at a grand ceremony, where the first copy of the book was presented to his schoolteacher, Mr. S.D. Liyanage, in a gesture that reflected the author’s deep respect for the mentors who shaped his early life. The event drew a distinguished gathering, including a large number of judges, President’s Counsel, and senior lawyers. Former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithripala Sirisena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya were among the notable attendees.

Upul Jayasuriya’s early life and education form a significant portion of the autobiography. He entered Royal Primary in 1960 and later joined Royal College. 

Speaking at the event, former Attorney General Palitha Fernando, PC, reminisced about his school days with the author and revealed that Upul’s determination to pursue a legal career had inspired him to enter the legal field and later join the Attorney General’s Department.

Called to the Bar in 1976 at the age of 21, Jayasuriya became the youngest Attorney-at-Law of his time. He began his career at the Attorney General’s Department and was later called to assist in drafting the Greater Colombo Economic Commission Bill.

 In 1982, he was appointed a working director of the State Trading Tractor Corporation by then Minister Lalith Athulathmudali and, within months, assumed duties as Chairman. The book recounts that the Tractor Corporation also promoted the Mahapola Lottery, a project initiated by Athulathmudali as part of the Mahapola Scholarship Scheme.

Jayasuriya served as Secretary of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) from 1991 to 1993 and was elected President of the Colombo Law Society in 2008. He later became President of the BASL with the highest-ever majority in the Association’s history. During his tenure from 2013 to 2015, he emerged as a key defender of the rule of law, intervening in several high-profile matters involving judicial independence and democratic governance.

Outspoken personalit

Known for his outspokenness and firm stance against injustice, Jayasuriya has been widely recognised for his commitment to upholding professional ethics, democratic values, and the independence of the judiciary, often amid severe political pressure and threats.

In 2015, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Investment, the country’s premier investment promotion agency.

In his foreword, Sunday Times Editor Sinha Ratnatunga noted that the autobiography offers intimate accounts of political and legal developments during the years when the UNP, under President J.R. Jayewardene, held overwhelming power. Ratnatunga described the young Jayasuriya as a bridge-builder who helped ease tensions between Lalith Athulathmudali and Upali Wijewardene when sharp differences emerged between the two. He also praised Jayasuriya’s bold leadership as BASL President, particularly his efforts in defending the independence of a Chief Justice who had come under attack from the then government.

The event also featured the screening of a speech delivered by the late Justice Prasanna Jayawardena, PC, during his tenure as Vice President of the BASL. In his remarks, Justice Jayawardena described Jayasuriya as “a giant of the Bar,” noting that under his leadership the BASL rose to the forefront of civil society between 2013 and 2015. He credited Jayasuriya’s courage and determination for restoring the Association’s moral authority during a turbulent period in the country’s governance.

The book’s back cover features comments by former Chief Justice Priyasath Dep, who emphasised Jayasuriya’s immense contribution to the legal profession. He noted Jayasuriya’s involvement in several landmark cases, including SC FR 195/2022, in which the Supreme Court held that a former President, a former Minister of Finance, and senior officials were responsible for the economic collapse that led to Sri Lanka being declared a bankrupt state. He emphasised that Jayasuriya’s work has significantly advanced the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Upul Jayasuriya is married to Attorney-at-Law Chula Karunathilaka. The couple has two children, Kalana and Erandi, both of whom are now established legal practitioners, continuing the family’s legacy in the legal profession.

Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa with former presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremasinghe