[1][2] One of the most respected poets in Colombo era,[3][4][5] Premathilake is notable as the founding editor of Sri Lanka's premier artistic newspaper 'Sarasaviya'.
He came to Ananda College, Colombo for higher education at a time when he was gaining a reputation as a poet.
While still in school, Sarath acted as a child actor in the films Sikuru Tharuwa and Parasathu Mal.
On the day of laying the foundation stone for Horana Sri Palee College by Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore and Wilmot A. Perera, a series of poems written by him under the title Govi Mahaththaya was published in 'Silumina' newspaper.
[9] After completing his education, Premathilake became an amateur journalist in Silumina newspaper under the supervision of then chief editor Martin Wickramasinghe in 1936.
[9] Describing his experience, he hid his name and published many poems including Ma Kavi Hadu Hati.
However, due to his artistic poetry, he was later appointed the Deputy Editor of the Lankadeepa Editorial Board.
However, Meemana returned to Lake House from Lankadeepa shortly afterwards and in 1961 became the Editor-in-Chief of the Silumina newspaper.
[13] During his busy journalist career, he wrote several books such as Val Alin Saha Væddan Mæda, Sundara Lankāva, Eroppe Katā, Atheetha Sundariya, Vīnākāraya and three volumes Maṭa Hitena Hæṭi.
The book of poems called Ethera was published by M. D. Gunasena after paid ten times more than Siriwardena Publications.