D W Rajapathirana (1959 – 1967)

Mr. D W Rajapathirana was the fourth Governor, assuming duties in July 1959 and vacating his position in August 1967.

Mr. Rajapathirana studied at Ananda College, Colombo and started his university education at the Ceylon University College in 1923 by winning an entrance scholarship. Upon entering the London School of Economics the next year, he won the Cassel Scholarship. This scholarship awarded by the London University granted him a year’s studies in America where he joined Columbia University’s School of Business. 

His first job upon returning to Ceylon in 1927 was Assistant Accountant at the Ceylon Government Railways. He joined the Income Tax Department in 1932 and subsequently became Additional Controller of Exchange and then the Commissioner of Income Tax in 1947. He was also a member of the Board of Accountancy in Ceylon and was appointed as an Adviser to the Central Bank in 1951 by the Monetary Board. He was also granted the opportunity of representing Ceylon and several other countries on the Board of Directors at the International Monetary Fund (I.M.F). 

Mr. Rajapathirana became Deputy Governor of the Central Bank in 1953 and Governor in 1959, holding office for eight years.