Early Life & Education
J.R. Jayewardene, the eldest in a family of 11 children, was the son of Hon. Justice Eugene Wilfred Jayewardene KC, a Chief Justice of Ceylon. He was educated at the prestigious Royal College, Colombo, where he played for the college cricket team, debuting in the Royal-Thomian series in 1925, and captained the rugby team at the annual "Royal-Trinity Encounter" (which later became known as the Bradby Shield Encounter). Excelling in both studies and sports, he became the head prefect in 1925 and also represented the school in football and boxing; he was also a member of the cadet corps. He would later serve as the Secretary of the Royal College Union.
Jayewardene entered the University College, Colombo, in 1926; he attained a distinguished academic record and showed a keen interest in sports. In 1928 he entered Colombo Law College and passed out as an advocate, starting his practice in the unofficial bar, for a brief period. Jayewardene converted from Christianity to Buddhism in his youth.
Read more about this topic: Junius Richard Jayewardene
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