Early Life and Education

William Gopallawa was born on September 17, 1897, in Matale, located in the central hills of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). He hailed from a respected family with strong Buddhist and traditional values. Gopallawa received his early education at St. John’s College in Kandy and later studied at Dharmaraja College, a leading Buddhist school in Sri Lanka. He went on to pursue a career in law, qualifying as a proctor (a type of legal practitioner) after studying at the Ceylon Law College.

Early Career and Public Service

Gopallawa began his professional life in the legal field but soon transitioned to administrative service. His early career included working as a municipal commissioner in Kandy and then in other towns. His reputation for fairness, discipline, and incorruptibility earned him the trust of both colonial and post-independence leaders. Gopallawa was appointed as Sri Lanka’s representative in Burma (Myanmar) in the early 1950s, marking his entry into international diplomacy.

Governor-General of Ceylon

In 1962, William Gopallawa was appointed as the Governor-General of Ceylon, the representative of the British monarch, under Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s government. He became the first Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) to hold the post, replacing British officials who had previously filled the role. As Governor-General, he carried out his duties with dignity and impartiality, gaining admiration from across the political spectrum.

During his tenure, he maintained a non-partisan stance and was respected for upholding constitutional traditions. Gopallawa also played a stabilizing role during politically turbulent times, particularly in maintaining democratic norms during changes in government.

First President of Sri Lanka

With the adoption of the Republican Constitution on May 22, 1972, Ceylon became the Republic of Sri Lanka, and the office of Governor-General was replaced by that of the President. William Gopallawa thus became the first (non-executive) President of Sri Lanka. Though the role was largely ceremonial under the 1972 Constitution, he continued to command great respect and served as a symbol of national unity.

He remained in office until 1978, when a new constitution introduced an executive presidency. He was succeeded by J. R. Jayewardene, who became the country’s first executive president. Gopallawa retired from public life after his presidency.

Legacy and Personal Life

William Gopallawa is remembered as a humble, honest, and principled statesman. His tenure as Governor-General and later as President was marked by a deep commitment to democracy, religious harmony, and national unity. He never sought political power for himself and consistently remained above party politics.

He was also noted for his Buddhist faith and simple lifestyle, which made him a moral figurehead in Sri Lankan society. Gopallawa passed away on January 31, 1981, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and dignity in public service.

Conclusion

William Gopallawa’s contribution to Sri Lanka’s political history lies not in policymaking but in setting an example of ethical and unifying leadership during a transformative era. As the nation’s first ceremonial President, he helped bridge the transition from colonial rule to republican democracy with grace and humility.