He gave from the depths of his lion heart

Born on August 1, 1930 to Mudaliyar Peter Paul Weerasekera and Dona Francina Jayakody of Dambuwa Walawwa, in Yakkala, Gampaha, he was named Jagathsingha Chandrawansa Weerasekera, by the Anagarika Dharmapala.

Growing up in the crème de la crème of society, he shaped into an erudite intellectual and spirited business leader. He was fondly called ‘Singha’ a name that became synonymous with magnanimity and philanthropy. He lived a full, contented life, and passed away on

May 26, 2021, aged 91.

He was orphaned at the tender age of six, when his parents passed away within four months in 1937, due to illness. The appointment of Neil Hewavitarne, (a member of the State Council) as Singha’s guardian, marked a significant turning point in his growing years. When Mrs. Hewavitarne (his cousin) and their half-a-dozen daughters lovingly absorbed little Singha into their big happy family, little did they know that they were laying a solid foundation to raise him up, to be the best he could be.

Singha’s first school, Visakha Vidyalaya, and then Royal College Colombo were mere stepping stones until fate moved him to Trinity College Kandy (1938 - 1950) where he blossomed.

In 1952, a Colombo Plan Scholarship saw him obtain his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture at Gatton College of Agriculture, Queensland, Australia. On his return, he joined H. Don Carolis & Sons Ltd, as a marketing executive. Raja Hewavitharne, (the brother of his childhood guardian), was its then Chairman.

On February 16, 1956, Singha married his fiancée Mala Hewavitarne, the daughter of his Chairman.

In 1960 while at Don Carolis and Sons, he was picked by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to attend the MBA program at the first International Marketing Institute of the Harvard Business School (USA), open to marketing managers from across the globe, a learning experience he cherished.

In due course, Singha became the Managing Director and Chairman of H. Don Carolis & Sons Ltd, and Founder Chairman of Parquet Ceylon Ltd, Metal Pressing and Engineering Company Ltd, and Mitsui Construction Lanka (Private) Ltd.

Singha also served as the Chairman of the National Lotteries Board and Ceylon Match Company. When the Eastern Bank converted into the Commercial Bank, he was its youngest board member. He was a Director of many other leading business entities.

Inspired by his parents’ commitment to community service, Singha transformed their sprawling ancestral walawwa into the Peter Weerasekera Children’s Home. It was declared open by Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike on March 5, 1959, commemorating his mother’s death anniversary.

Genuinely caring for the less fortunate, he reached out to orphaned children to help them discover their full potential in life, the way he did. He gave his might to the upliftment and care of youth. His family, donors, and volunteer staff seconded his efforts. The home is managed by the Trustees of Peter Weerasekera Foundation under the supervision of the Department of Probation and Childcare Services.

Ever grateful for the blessings he received in his life through a trustee, Singha committed his services as a Board member of the Dharmapala Trust and Mudaliyar Don Carolis Hewavitharne Scholarship Trust. He was also appointed Vice President of the Mahabodhi Society.

He travelled widely, wrote his memoir, and enjoyed life to the full. He said “...The most blessed thing in my life is my wife Mala, and my children.”

Singha gave from the depths of his lion heart.

May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!