President’s Counsel Daya Pelpola, a respected lawyer, politician and diplomat, has passed away at the age of 85.

He served as Legal Secretary of the United National Party for over 15 years and later as Acting General Secretary, playing a key role in strengthening the party’s legal and organizational framework. 

During the Yahapalana administration, Pelpola served as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Italy from 2015 to 2019, contributing to closer bilateral ties.

Pelpola also held several senior public sector positions, including Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, the National Lotteries Board and the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.

His remains lie at No. 78, Liyanage Mawatha, Pelawatta, Battaramulla. 

Preliminary rites will be held today (December 16) at 3.00 p.m. at the Pelawatta Lyon Baston Roman Catholic Church, followed by burial at Borella Kanatte at 4.30 p.m.