Harry Dias Bandaranaike


Harry Dias Bandaranaike was a Ceylonese barrister and judge. He was the first Sinhalese and native acting Chief Justice and Puisne Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. He was an Unofficial Member of Legislative Council of Ceylon.
Born to Jacabus Dias Wijewardena Bandaranaike, Mudaliyar of Governor Gate and translator of the Supreme Court of Ceylon. His brothers include John Charles Dias Bandaranaike and the Rev Canon Samuel William Dias Bandaranaike. Educated at the Colombo Academy and King's College, London. He became the first Ceylonese Barrister when he was called to the bar at Middle Temple in 1848.
Having returned to Ceylon, he began his legal practice as an Advocate of the Supreme Court and served as a Member of Legislative Council from 1861 to 1864. In 1885 he was appointed as the first Sinhalese Judge of the Supreme Court, a post he held till 1892, during which he served as acting Chief Justice in 1888. He was Knighted in 1893 and represented Ceylon at the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1896.

Citations