Abeywardana is one of the most senior leaders with 38 years of political experience in the party (apart from President Ranil Wickremesinghe, John Amaratunge and few others).

Wajira Abeywardana previously served as Minister of Public Administration, Management and Reforms[1] in the UNP government led by Ranil Wickramasinghe in 2001.

Born to parents both of whom were teachers in Uluvitike of Galle, Wajira Abeywardana had the opportunity to study at Mahinda College where his father has been teaching.

Wajira Abeywardana received the opportunity to pursue higher studies at the University of Moratuwa after successfully completing his school education.

He was appointed as the Co-Chief Organizer of the Akmeemana Electorate in 1987 by His Excellency the President J.R. Jayewardene - then Leader of United National Party.

He contested for the Southern Provincial Council in 1992 for the second time and got elected as a Councilor by obtaining the second highest number of preferential votes in Galle District just behind the Chief Ministerial Candidate.

Wajira Abeywardana contested for the Southern Provincial Council in 1993 in the By-election and got elected again as a Councilor by obtaining second highest number of preferential votes (31,000) in Galle District just, behind the Chief Ministerial Candidate.

He became the Chairman of the UNP Subcommittee on Provincial Councils and Local Government in 2005 and operated all over Sri Lanka to strengthen the United National Party.