[1] A planter by profession, he is known for the jackfruit propagation campaign he pioneered throughout the country, which earned him the name "Kos Mama" (Sin.
A national hero of Sri Lanka, Dias also helped a number of educational establishments in the country.
Before Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule, he was imprisoned by the colonial government and sentenced to death, although he was later released.
The British colonial government of Ceylon issued a decree in 1912, that permitted taverns to be opened throughout the country.
This prompted a temperance movement, which was pioneered by some prominent personalities in the country such as Anagarika Dharmapala, D. S. Senanayake, F.R.
Dias was a member of the first board of governors of Visakha Vidyalaya, and helped Ananda College financially.
[1] He also donated a plot of land for the Sri Sumangala College in Panadura, on which the school was built.