Born into a family steeped in legal tradition, Justice Menaka Wijesundera unfolded her path with purpose, culminating in her appointment to the highest court in Sri Lanka. Justice Menaka Wijesundera received her education at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo. She pursued higher education at the University of Peradeniya and completed her legal studies at the Sri Lanka Law College, subsequently qualified as an Attorney-at-Law in 1993.
Prior to entering the legal profession, Justice Menaka Wijesundera worked in the field of journalism, contributing to The Island and The Sunday Times. Despite her interest in writing, her strong legal background and the influence of her late father, who served as a former member of the Supreme Court in the 1970s, led her to pursue a career in law.
Justice Menaka Wijesundera began her legal career in 1994 when she joined the Attorney General’s Department as a temporary Acting State Counsel. She was later confirmed in the Department and promoted to Senior State Counsel. During the 15- years, she gained experience by appearing in courts, from Magistrates’ Courts to the Supreme Court, particularly in criminal proceedings.
In 2009, Justice Menaka Wijesundera joined the judiciary as a Judge of the High Court. As a High Court Judge, she served in several judicial zones, including Anuradhapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Kandy. She has been sent on foreign training as a High Court Judge, in India, and England and later in the USA as a Judge of the Court of Appeal.
In 2020, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal, where she was provided with valuable insight into the justice system and helped to shape a balanced, fair-minded judicial philosophy with ethical integrity.
In 2025 January, Justice Menaka Wijesundera was appointed to the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. She brings to the court over three decades of service in the legal field, marked by dedication, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law. She is grateful for the guidance and influence of her late parents, and for the unwavering support from her husband, Prof. Ashoka Dangolla