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Harry Dias Bandaranaike

1822 – 1901

Chief Justice of Ceylon

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About Harry Dias Bandaranaike

Lived 1822 – 1901 (aged 78). Harry Dias Bandaranaike was a judge and barrister.

Justice Sir Harry Dias Bandaranaike (22 August 1822 - 24 June 1901) was a Ceylonese (Sri Lankan) 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 ( Royal College, Colombo ) 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 the 1893 Birthday Honours and represented Ceylon at the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1896.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Ceylon
Education
Royal College, Colombo, King's College London, University of Cambridge
Awards
Knight Bachelor

People in Harry Dias Bandaranaike's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Harry Dias Bandaranaike's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Harry Dias Bandaranaike?

Chief Justice of Ceylon

When was Harry Dias Bandaranaike born?

Harry Dias Bandaranaike was born on 22 August 1822.

When did Harry Dias Bandaranaike die?

Harry Dias Bandaranaike died on 24 June 1901.

What was Harry Dias Bandaranaike's occupation?

Harry Dias Bandaranaike was a judge and barrister.

What nationality was Harry Dias Bandaranaike?

Harry Dias Bandaranaike's recorded nationality: Ceylon.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Harry Dias Bandaranaike

· Wikidata: Q16030455

· DBpedia: Harry Dias Bandaranaike

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harry Dias Bandaranaike. https://biography.guide/harry-dias-bandaranaike/

MLA: "Harry Dias Bandaranaike." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harry-dias-bandaranaike/.

Chicago: "Harry Dias Bandaranaike." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harry-dias-bandaranaike/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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