Education
Nalanda College.
Nalanda College.
Upawansa received his education at Nalanda College Colombo and while at school, he led both Sinhala and English debating teams. Later entering the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in 1960 he obtained Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1965, he joined the Ceylon Law College and was admitted as an advocate of Your Lordship"s Court in February, 1969.
He joined the Attorney General"s Department as a Crown Counsel in 1970 and served in the Department"s Criminal Division.
Later he rose to the position of Senior State Counsel, Deputy Solicitor General, Additional Solicitor General and finally as the Solicitor General. He was appointed President"s Counsel in September 1992.
Upawansa Yapa has appeared for the State in several important Criminal trials, including Sepala Ekanayake aircraft high jacking case.