Educated at Dharmashoka College, Ambalangoda, where he excelled in sports and swimming.

[citation needed] Weerakkody joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an officer cadet in the general duties pilot branch in the officer cadet intake 1 of the Air Force Academy, China Bay on 12 January 1972.

Weerakkody served as the Senior Air Staff Officer, Base Commander SLAF Anuradhapura, Northern Zonal Commander, Director Operations and Chief of Staff.

He retired on 15 July 2002 and was appointed Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan.

His awards included thrice being awarded the Rana Wickrama Padakkama for gallantry and the service medals Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya and the Uttama Seva Padakkama.