Early Life and Education

Junius Richard Jayewardene, commonly known as J. R. Jayewardene, was born on September 17, 1906, in Colombo, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), into a wealthy and influential Sinhalese family with strong political and legal backgrounds. He attended Royal College, Colombo, for his schooling and went on to study history at the University of Colombo. Although he later qualified as a barrister at Ceylon Law College, he ultimately chose to dedicate himself to a career in politics rather than law.

Entry into Politics

Jayewardene began his political journey in the 1930s and played a key role in founding the United National Party (UNP) in 1946. He won a seat in the State Council in 1943 and, after independence in 1948, became a member of the first Parliament of Ceylon. He steadily gained influence within the government, holding several important cabinet positions under Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake and his successors. One of his most notable early achievements was pioneering the concept of the Free Trade Zone and promoting policies that supported an open-market economy—ideas that were considered bold for the time.

Rise to Power

In 1977, Jayewardene led the UNP to a decisive electoral victory and assumed the role of Prime Minister. The following year, he introduced a new constitution that established the powerful position of Executive President, fundamentally changing the country’s political system. He then became Sri Lanka’s first Executive President, shifting the nation from a parliamentary model to a presidential one.

As President, Jayewardene embraced economic liberalization, steering the country away from state-led development toward a more market-driven approach. His administration welcomed foreign investment, promoted private sector growth, and initiated several large-scale infrastructure projects. These reforms sparked significant economic growth, particularly during the early years of his presidency.

Ethnic Conflict and Civil Unrest

Despite economic progress, Jayewardene’s leadership coincided with increasing ethnic tensions between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority. Many of his government’s policies were perceived as marginalizing Tamil communities, fueling resentment. These tensions reached a breaking point during the violent anti-Tamil riots of July 1983—known as “Black July”—which many view as the starting point of Sri Lanka’s protracted civil war.

Jayewardene faced widespread criticism for not preventing the violence and for concentrating excessive power in the executive. His government’s suppression of opposition voices and civil liberties also drew condemnation from human rights organizations.

Later Years and Legacy

Jayewardene stepped down in 1989 and handed over power to his Prime Minister, Ranasinghe Premadasa. He withdrew from public life and remained largely out of the spotlight until his death on November 1, 1996.

His legacy remains deeply contested. Supporters commend him for transforming Sri Lanka’s economy and introducing lasting constitutional reforms. However, critics fault him for worsening ethnic divisions and governing with an authoritarian style.

Conclusion

Junius Richard Jayewardene played a transformative role in Sri Lanka’s post-independence history. By establishing the executive presidency and initiating economic liberalization, he left an indelible mark on the nation’s political and economic framework. While his contributions continue to shape Sri Lanka’s trajectory, his tenure is also remembered for the deep challenges it introduced.