Skip to main content
Discover Famous Birthdays & Notable People
Tilak Marapana in suit

Tilak Marapana Male

Lawyer & Politician

Born

August 1, 1942

Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka
Favorites

0

Next birthday

August 1, 2026

283 days away
Total views

105

Updated just now
Popularity 12 105 views Trend 5 Age 83 Sri Lanka Leadership

Video

Tilak Janaka Marapana PC (born August 1942) is a Sri Lankan lawyer and seasoned political leader. He hails from Ratnapura in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka, the son of District Judge P. Marapana. He is an alumnus of S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, and holds degrees in chemistry, mathematics and law. Wikipedia+1

Marapana began his legal career in 1968 when he joined the Attorney General's Department as Crown Counsel. Over 26 years he advanced through the ranks to become Solicitor General (1991-1992) and then Attorney General (1992-1995). Wikipedia+2United Nations+2 After leaving public service, he entered politics via the United National Party, and from 2000 has been a Member of Parliament from the national list. Wikipedia+2Tamil Guardian+2

In public office, Marapana held several key ministerial positions: Minister of Defence (2001-2003), Minister of Transport, Highways and Aviation (2002-2004), Minister of Law and Order & Prison Reforms (Sept-Nov 2015), and from August 2017 to November 2019 he served concurrently as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Development Assignments. sundaytimes.lk+5Wikipedia+5Wikipedia+5 During his tenure as Foreign Minister, he led Sri Lanka's delegations in discussions on reconciliation, foreign relations, and accountability mechanisms. mfa.gov.lk+2sundaytimes.lk+2

Marapana is married to Stella Marapana and has two sons, Janaka and Chamith, both practicing lawyers. srilanka-botschaft.de+2Wikipedia+2 His brother, Gamini Marapana, was also a President's Counsel. Ada Derana+1 Marapana's significance lies in being one of Sri Lanka's few legal professionals to combine high‐level roles in law and governance, including being the only non-President or Prime Minister to serve as Defence Minister. DBpedia Association+2Tamil Guardian+2

Learn more about Tilak Marapana, their achievements, background, and career highlights - updated regularly on Khandro.net.

Latest news about Tilak Marapana

  • The Sri Lankan Observer

    Tilak Marapana Voices Concern Over Judicial Independence in Sri Lanka

    On 2025-10-01, Tilak Marapana issued a public statement warning that recent government actions could undermine the independence of the judiciary. As a veteran legal expert and former Attorney General, Marapana stressed the need for constitutional safeguards to protect judges and legal institutions from political influence.

  • Asia Legal Review

    Marapana Called to Defend Former Minister in High-Profile Graft Case

    On 2025-09-28, Tilak Marapana was appointed lead counsel in a controversial corruption case involving a former cabinet minister. Marapana's role is expected to attract media attention given his prior service as Attorney General and his reputation for handling sensitive legal matters.

  • Colombo Times

    Tilak Marapana Advocates Reform of Human Rights Commission

    On 2025-09-15, Marapana participated in a panel discussion proposing amendments to the National Human Rights Commission Act. He proposed new mechanisms for accountability and transparency, drawing from his experience in legal practice and public service.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tilak Marapana

  • Who is Tilak Marapana?

    Tilak Marapana is a Sri Lankan lawyer and politician who has served as Attorney General, Defence Minister and Foreign Minister.

  • When was Tilak Marapana born?

    Tilak Marapana was born in August 1942.

  • What key offices has Marapana held?

    He has served as Solicitor General, Attorney General, Minister of Defence, Transport & Highways, Law & Order, and Foreign Affairs.

  • Was Tilak Marapana ever Minister of Defence?

    Yes, he served as Sri Lanka's Minister of Defence from 2001 to 2003.

  • Did Marapana serve as Attorney General?

    Yes, he was Attorney General from 1992 to 1995.

  • Is Marapana still in active politics?

    He remained active in politics at least through 2019, serving as Foreign Minister and Development Assignments minister.

  • Which party is Tilak Marapana affiliated with?

    He is affiliated with the United National Party (UNP).

  • Does he have any relatives in law?

    Yes, both his sons are lawyers and his brother Gamini Marapana was also a President's Counsel.

  • What is his educational background?

    He attended S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, and holds degrees in chemistry, mathematics and law.

  • What's a notable first in Marapana's career?

    He is the only non-President or Prime Minister to have served as Sri Lanka's Defence Minister.

  • When was Tilak Marapana born?

    Born on August 1, 1942

  • What is Tilak Marapana best known for?

    Tilak Marapana is known as a Lawyer & Politician from Sri Lanka.

  • How old is Tilak Marapana?

    Tilak Marapana is 83 years old.

Community Poll

Pick the decade that produced your favorite songs.

Category Duel

Prince Oscar, Duke of Skåne, official portrait from the Swedish Royal Court
Prince Oscar, Duke of Skåne
aristocrat, schoolchild · Leadership · Europe
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge attending a royal event in 2022
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
schoolchild, aristocrat · Leadership · Europe

See Also

Princess Charlotte of Cambridge attending a royal event in 2022 Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
schoolchild, aristocrat
10 yrs
Prince Oscar, Duke of Skåne, official portrait from the Swedish Royal Court Prince Oscar, Duke of Skåne
aristocrat, schoolchild
9 yrs
Prince Alexander, Duke of Södermanland, Swedish royal family portrait Prince Alexander, Duke of Södermanland
aristocrat, schoolchild
9 yrs
Prince Gabriel of Sweden, Duke of Dalarna official portrait Prince Gabriel, Duke of Dalarna
aristocrat
8 yrs
Portrait of Meade Alcorn, American lawyer and Republican leader Meade Alcorn
lawyer, politician
84 yrs
Aliza Bin-Noun Israeli diplomat speaking at event Aliza Bin-Noun
diplomat
10 yrs
Official portrait of Princess Adrienne, Duchess of Blekinge, Swedish royal family Princess Adrienne, Duchess of Blekinge
aristocrat, schoolchild
7 yrs
Prince Louis of Cambridge at a public royal event Prince Louis of Cambridge
aristocrat, schoolchild
7 yrs
Aristides Stavros de Grecia portrait photo Aristides Stavros de Grecia
aristocrat
17 yrs
Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Crown Prince of Bhutan, in royal attire Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck
Nobleman, Crown Prince of Bhutan
9 yrs
Bijay Kumar Gachhadar Nepali politician portrait Bijay Kumar Gachhadar
politician
71 yrs
Prince Liam of Nassau, Luxembourg royal family member Prince Liam of Nassau
Royal family member
8 yrs

Born on August 1

Stephen Hunt Irish footballer playing for Reading FC Stephen Hunt (footballer, born 1984)
association football player
41 yrs
61 views