Tilak Marapana Male
Lawyer & Politician
August 1, 1942
Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka0
0 likesAugust 1, 2026
304 days away14
Updated just nowVideo
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
Latest news about Tilak Marapana
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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.
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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.
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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
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Who is Tilak Marapana?
Tilak Marapana is a Sri Lankan lawyer and politician who has served as Attorney General, Defence Minister and Foreign Minister.
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When was Tilak Marapana born?
Tilak Marapana was born in August 1942.
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What key offices has Marapana held?
He has served as Solicitor General, Attorney General, Minister of Defence, Transport & Highways, Law & Order, and Foreign Affairs.
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Was Tilak Marapana ever Minister of Defence?
Yes, he served as Sri Lanka's Minister of Defence from 2001 to 2003.
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Did Marapana serve as Attorney General?
Yes, he was Attorney General from 1992 to 1995.
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Is Marapana still in active politics?
He remained active in politics at least through 2019, serving as Foreign Minister and Development Assignments minister.
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Which party is Tilak Marapana affiliated with?
He is affiliated with the United National Party (UNP).
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Does he have any relatives in law?
Yes, both his sons are lawyers and his brother Gamini Marapana was also a President's Counsel.
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What is his educational background?
He attended S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, and holds degrees in chemistry, mathematics and law.
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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.
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When was Tilak Marapana born?
Born on August 1, 1942
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What is Tilak Marapana best known for?
Tilak Marapana is known as a Lawyer & Politician from Sri Lanka.
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How old is Tilak Marapana?
Tilak Marapana is 83 years old.
