Premathilake was born on 20 September 1918 in Meemana village in Horana, Sri Lanka. He started education from Taxila Central College, Horana and later from Vidyarathna Maha Pirivena in Horana. He came to Ananda College, Colombo for higher education at a time when he was gaining a reputation as a poet. He gave up higher education hopes after failing London Matriculation Exam.

 

On 20 April 1942, he married his longtime partner, Adeline Hathamune. The couple had two daughters: Ramani, Saroja and four sons: Sunil, Sarath, Saman and Sandun. Saman died in infancy His three sons and daughter Ramani also worked at Lake House. Sunil Madhava Premathilaka is a member of the editorial board of 'Silumina'. Sarath Premathilaka became the editor of 'Kreeda' newspaper. While still in school, Sarath acted as a child actor in the films Sikuru Tharuwa and Parasathu Mal. Sandun Premathilaka, who was on the editorial board of 'Kreeda' newspaper, passed away prematurely. Sadun captained the First XI Team of Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya. Sunil and Sarath studied at Ananda College whereas the Ramani and Saroja studied at the Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo. Mihiri is a civil engineer in Australia.

 

On 10 July 1965, he was admitted to Ratnam Hospital and for two days he was in a coma. He died on 12 July 1965 at the age of 48.[10] He was buried in Kanatte Cemetery. His wife Adeline died in May 2015 at the age of 94.

 

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