July 07, Colombo (LNW): Bradman Weerakoon, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and long-serving public servants, has died at the age of 94, his family confirmed.
Known for his extraordinary career in the upper echelons of government, Mr Weerakoon was a trusted advisor to numerous national leaders over the course of nearly five decades in public life.
With a reputation for discretion, diplomacy, and dedication, Weerakoon served as the secretary to a total of nine heads of government, including both prime ministers and presidents.
His civil service career spanned an era of profound political, economic, and social transformation in Sri Lanka, and his role often placed him at the heart of pivotal national decisions.
Educated first at Holy Cross College in Kalutara, Weerakoon later joined S. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa, as one of its earliest boarders—a school that would later produce several key figures in Sri Lankan public life. He went on to read for a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology at the University of Ceylon, where he graduated with upper second-class honours. His academic talents earned him a prestigious Fulbright scholarship, allowing him to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Michigan in the United States. There, he obtained a Master’s degree in Sociology, further broadening his global perspective and analytical insight.
Returning to Sri Lanka, Weerakoon entered the Ceylon Civil Service in 1954—a time when the country was still navigating its early post-independence years. His early postings took him across the island, giving him a deep understanding of the country’s regional complexities. He was later appointed as Secretary to Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawala, a role that would mark the beginning of his long association with the highest levels of government.
Over the ensuing decades, Weerakoon continued to serve successive leaders—seven prime ministers and three presidents in total—advising them through periods of both peace and turbulence. His ability to remain apolitical, while consistently offering sound and measured guidance, earned him respect across party lines.
