Dilith Susantha Jayaweera, born on September 18, 1967, in Sri Lanka, is a multifaceted figure renowned for his roles as a businessman, entrepreneur, media tycoon, lawyer, and politician. His remarkable contributions have garnered significant recognition over the years. In 2011, he was honored as one of the ten ‘Business People of the Year’ by LMD, a prestigious business magazine. Furthermore, in 2020, he was listed among the top 100 corporate leaders shaping Sri Lanka’s economic landscape in the LMD’s A-list.
Jayaweera serves as the Chairman of George Steuart & Co., Sri Lanka’s oldest mercantile establishment, and holds a prominent position in Derana, one of the country’s largest media networks. His foray into politics commenced officially in September 2023 when he assumed leadership of the Mawbima Janatha Party.
Educated at St. Aloysius’ College, Galle, Jayaweera pursued his legal studies at the University of Colombo and Sri Lanka Law College, qualifying as an Attorney-At-Law. Additionally, he holds an MBA from the University of Wales. Leveraging his legal background, Jayaweera co-founded Triad Advertising (Pvt) Limited in 1993, which has since become Sri Lanka’s most acclaimed indigenous advertising agency.
Triad Advertising, under Jayaweera’s leadership, spearheaded numerous high-profile campaigns, including ‘Api Wenuwen Api,’ which aimed to bolster the image of the Sri Lankan armed forces during the latter stages of the civil war against the LTTE.
Diversifying his business interests, Jayaweera established over 20 subsidiaries, expanding into various sectors such as media, travel and leisure, pharmaceuticals, property, and manufacturing. His media investments include national television and radio channels, as well as newspapers under Liberty Publishers.
Jayaweera’s strategic acumen played a pivotal role in supporting Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s successful presidential campaign in 2019. As the Founder and CEO of TV Derana, Jayaweera orchestrated a comprehensive media strategy that significantly amplified Rajapaksa’s message, shaping public discourse in his favor.
Formalizing his entry into politics, Jayaweera assumed leadership of the Mawbima Janatha Party in 2023, signaling a new phase in his career trajectory. His active involvement in politics has generated considerable interest, particularly due to his vision of fostering a new brand of politics rooted in entrepreneurial principles.
Married to Nelum, whom he met during his university days, Jayaweera hails from Galle, Sri Lanka, where he grew up with his three brothers. His father served as an Additional Registrar of Lands, while his mother was a School Principal.
Moreover, Jayaweera has been associated with Dinesh Palipana, Queensland’s first quadriplegic intern, providing crucial support in Palipana’s journey following the accident that left him quadriplegic.
