Draft:Hubert Weerasooriya

Hubert Edwin Weerasooriya (Sinhala :හියුබට් ඊ වීරසූරිය; 13 September 1916 – 25 November 2003) was a prominent lawyer and Crown Proctor, from the Galle District, Southern Province of Sri Lanka.

He was the vice president of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, and the President of the Galle Law Association in 1981. Weerasooriya practiced for over 50 years. . He was a member of the Weerasooriya family of Dodanduwa and Hikkaduwa.

Early life
Hubert Edwin Weerasooriya was born 13 September 1916 in Galle, the son of Edwin Robert Weerasooriya, a planter. Weerasooriya received his primary and secondary education at Richmond College, Galle, and later entered the Sri Lanka Law College to become a Proctor (Attorney-At-Law). Weerasooriya became a Proctor in 1949, and was then made Crown Proctor in 1969.

Personal life
Hubert married Rachel de Mel (17 December 1918 – 22 August 1987), daughter of A. P. de Mel and Alice (née de Soysa), and granddaughter of Joseph de Mel of "Villa Kon". They had 6 children, Shanthini, Manel, Rani, Nelun, Nissanka, and Chrisanthi. His daughter Manel Weerasooriya also became a Attorney-At-Law in 1982, She passed away in 2012.

Career
Weerasooriya became a Proctor in 1949, and later became a Crown Proctor in 1969. While being a Crown Proctor, Hubert also played a role as an Acting Magistrate of Galle. Later in 1981 he was appointed as the Vice President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and the President of the Bar Association of Galle. Weerasooriya had his chambers on the esplanade outside the Galle High court, inside the Galle Fort.

Legal Heritage
The Weerasooriya family's involvement in the legal profession in Sri Lanka spans many generations, especially in Galle. Beginning with Don Harmanis Weerasooriya, who became a Notary Public in 1826. Other members include.


 * Don Harmanis Weerasooriya (Notary Public - 1826) - The Weerasooriya family's legal legacy began in 1826 when Don Harmanis Weerasooriya assumed the role of a notary public, marking the family's inaugural step into the legal profession.


 * Alexander Theodore Weerasooriya (First Proctor enrolled - 1868) - In 1868, Alexander Theodore Weerasooriya, a nephew of Don Harmanis, became the first proctor in the family, initiating a new era in the family's legal heritage.


 * Theodoris Weerasooriya (Proctor enrolled - 1876) - Theodoris, son of Don Harmanis, enrolled as a proctor in 1876.


 * Robert Richard Weerasooriya (Proctor enrolled - 1890) - In 1890, Robert Richard Weerasooriya, grandfather of H. E. Weerasooriya, enrolled as a proctor. During a time when only a few lawyers practiced in Galle adding a compelling dimension to the family's legal history.


 * William Weerasooriya (Proctor enrolled - 1896) - William Weerasooriya took up the role of proctor in 1896.


 * Sam S. Weerasooriya (Proctor enrolled - 1903) - Enrolling in 1903, Sam S. Weerasooriya became a veteran proctor, leaving an enduring impact on the legal community until his passing in 1961 at the age of 87.


 * Manel R. Weerasooriya (Attorney-at-Law enrolled - 1982) - Hubert's daughter who continued in his footsteps, actively practiced in Galle. She passed away in 2012.


 * Asoka Weerasooriya (Attorney-at-Law enrolled - 1987) - Asoka is Hubert's nephew. A Richmond College Galle alumnus. With over 36 years of experience, he's a Senior Counsel specialising in criminal law. An Executive Committee Member of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.

Death
Weerasooriya died on 25 November 2003, at the age of 87.