Degree in Law, University of Colombo. 1972, enrolled as Advocate, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. Practised as a lawyer for five years. 1977, elected to Parliament. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Jayewardene. Then appointed to the Cabinet as the Minister of Youth Affairs and Employment. Later on, was given the portfolio of Education. 1989, made Leader of the House under President Premadasa. Also served as Minister of Industries, Science and Technology. 1993-94, 2001-04 and since Jan. 2015, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Leader of the United National Party (UNP), Sri Lanka's largest political party. Has written and spoken widely on Sri Lankan history, Buddhism and world politics. Chair, Dhayakasabha of one of Sri Lanka's historic temples, the Kelaniya Vihara. Dhayakaya of Gangaramaya, Walukaramaya and the Weragodalla (Sedawatte) temples. Interests: cutting-edge developments in all fields of knowledge globally and locally; Sinhala music, western classics and opera.