Background
Jayewardene, Junius Richard was born on September 17, 1906 in Colombo, Ceylon. Son of E.W. and Agnes Helen Jayewardene.
Jayewardene, Junius Richard was born on September 17, 1906 in Colombo, Ceylon. Son of E.W. and Agnes Helen Jayewardene.
Student, Royal College. Student, University College Law College Colombo.
Member Colombo Municipal Council, 1940, State Council, 1943. Honorary secretary Ceylon National Congress, 1940—1947. Member House of Representatives, 1945—1977.
Leader, 1953—1956; minister of finance, 1947—1953. Minister agriculture & food, 1953—1956. Minister information, broadcasting, local government & housing, 1960.
Deputy leader opposition, 1960—1965. Minister of state, parliamentary secretary to minister defense, external affairs and planning, 1965—1970. Leader opposition, 1970—1977.
Prime minister of Sri Lanka, 1977—1978. Minister of aviation, 1978. President of Sri Lanka, 1978—1988.
Minister of defense and plan implementation, 1979—1988. Minister of higher education Janatha Estate Development, State Plantations, 1981—1988. Minister of power, since 1982.
Minister of energy, 1982—1988. Delegate numerous international conferences.
Honorary trustee Anakarika Dharmapala Trust. Honorary treasurer United National Party, 1947—1948. Vice president, 1953.
Secretary, 1972; leader, 1973—1975, 1975—1990.
Married Elina B. Rupesinghe, 1935.