Harshana Nanayakkara

Harshana Nanayakkara (born 16 January 1972) is a Sri Lankan former film actor, lawyer, and politician currently serving as the Minister of Justice and National Integration of the Government of Sri Lanka since November 2024. He is a member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka from Colombo Electoral District since November 2024 as a member of the National People's Power. He is also a national executive committee Member of NPP.

Minister Nanayakkara has stated that he intends to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act and replace it with a new law.

Personal life His father Yasapalitha Nanayakkara was a popular director in Sri Lankan cinema and stage drama as well as a screenwriter, producer, lyricist and actor. His mother Manoshi Perera was a housewife. Harshana has four uncles - Vasudeva, Padmakumara, Hemakumara, Asanga and four aunties - Swarna Sakunthala, Ranjani, Lanka and Nilmini. Harshana's two uncles: Vasudeva Nanayakkara is a former minister and a member of the parliament, and Hemakumara Nanayakkara is a former minister and governor of Western Province.

Educated at Isipathana College, Colombo.

His uncle Somasiri Alakolanga, who is married to Harshana's mother's younger sister is also an actor. His elder brother, Rajeewa is also an actor, screenplay writer, and assistant director.

Notable comments

"Courts are not there simply for Judges to earn salaries or for lawyers to make money." (උසාවි තියෙන්නේ නඩු කාරයින්ට පඩි ගන්නයි, නීතිඥවරුන්ට හම්බ කරන්නයි නෙවෙයි).

He said this asking the courts to expedite hearings and judgements addressing numerous complaints and the general dissatisfaction of the general public.

Prior to this, he is also quoted as saying (circa 2018):

"Politicians use the Constitution like toilet paper"

"Our political culture is on default mode"

Electoral history + Electoral history of Harshana NanayakkaraElectionConstituencyPartyVotesResultRef 2020 parliamentary Colombo District 2024 parliamentary Colombo District

Filmography He has acted in 5 films. Year Film Role Ref. 1977 Age Adara Kathawa 1981 Geethika 1991 Sihina Ahase Wasanthe assistant director 1993 Yasasa 1995 Cheriyo Captain Tuntun 2001 Dinuma Kageda