Theodore Braybrooke Panabokke

Who was Theodore Braybrooke Panabokke?

Theodore Braybrooke Panabokke was Sri Lankan politician, lawyer and diplomat. He was a former Deputy Minister of Justice & Agriculture, Member of Parliament and Ceylon's High Commissioner to India. He was the Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya.

Born to Sir Tikiri Bandara Panabokke Adigar first Minister of Health in the State Council of Ceylon. He was educated at Royal College Colombo and at the Colombo Law College. As his father, he became a Proctor and practiced in Gampola.

In 1947 he successfully contested the general elections for the first Parliament of Ceylon as a representative of the Galaha Electorate. He was a Member of Parliament from 1947–1956 and held the post of Deputy Minister of Justice and Agriculture. During this time he was a member of the Kandyan Peasantry Commission and was appointed as Chairman of the People’s Bank in 1965.

From 1976-1977 he was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sri Lanka Freedom from Hunger Campaign. In 1978 he was appointed High Commissioner to India and served till 1982, thus becoming the only father son pair to hold the post. From 1984–1986 he was Chairman of the Nation Builders’ Association.

He was appointed Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya in 1986 and held office until his death in 1989.