Features
A long ago tribute from NM Perera to Philip Gunawardene
“The Father of Socialism in Ceylon”
(Excerpted from NM – in his own words; as seen by others Edited by Prof. Colvin Goonaratna)
In a very real sense, Philip was the father of scientific socialism in Ceylon. It is true that at the ultimate stage of his life, he faltered and almost rejected his own political origins. But this cannot retract from the great contribution he made to the socialist movement in Ceylon. Literally, the formation of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party he inspired led the movement that became the strongest mass Trotskyist movement in the world. He came to Ceylon after an exciting and eventful career In the United States and in the West European countries.
He was a member of the Communist Party in England. He gradually moved away from Stalinism, and became a member of the left opposition in the Communist movement. He was fascinated by the profound criticism of the regime of Stalin by Trotsky, and accepted the leadership of Trotsky. He was instrumental in forming in England the Trotskyite group among the Ceylonese. It was this group which later founded the Sama Samaja Party in Ceylon.
Even in England, he was a force to be reckoned with. Hyde Park Corner used to reverberate with his thunderous voice. He threw himself wholeheartedly into the strong anti-imperialist movement that raged in England during this period. He collaborated closely with Krishna Menon in the activities of the India League. With all his active political work, he never relaxed his reading habit. I often met him at the British Museum browsing over books.
He had much difficulty in coming back to his homeland. The British Government no doubt inspired by the colonial set-up here put every obstacle in the way of his return to Ceylon. Eventually, he did succeed in reaching Ceylon early in 1932. I believe Colvin came thereabouts; Leslie a few months later.
But I returned only in 1933 September. Already, by the time I reached Ceylon, political work had been set on foot by Philip with his customary energy. A number of meetings had been conducted, moribund youth leagues had been resuscitated, and all manner of people had been canvassed to enlist support for the anti-imperialist struggle.
Philip had sufficient realism to understand that at this early stage, it was necessary to get the broad sympathy of all those to whom the independence of Ceylon was dear. Men in various walks of life, men who held divergent views on politics, but men who showed by their speeches or their actions that they were dissatisfied with the colonial set-up were all visited and urged to lend their support to the cause of independence. He was not averse to meet Mr. A. E. Goonesinha. With equal alacrity, he met Mr. Goonesinha’s opposite, Mr. R.Saravanamuttu.
We started the ‘Kamkaruwa’ paper. It did not sell at all. This is not surprising. Indeed, we were speaking a new language to the people. When Philip came on the scene, politics was still the prerogative of the educated and the rich. The common man had no place in the political life of the country. Most public meetings were held not in Sinhala, but in English. Almost all the so-called political leaders spoke to a select few who attended the meetings, in English. The capitalist press ignored us completely. We were not even worth a derisive comment.
Philip was not discouraged. Every conceivable opportunity was taken to get across the anti-imperialist message to the people. With rare courage, Philip chased after the Jayatilake-Senanayake combination and held meetings in the wake of the Reformist gatherings. Philip found in (his brother) Robert an able lieutenant, I may borrow an analogy from the Army. Philip was the Chief of Staff and Robert the General in the field. This collaboration worked effectively for a long time until the break took place in 1952 between the brothers.
The Suriya Mal Movement gave a rare opportunity to flood the country with anti-imperialist literature and meetings Philip was in his real element. In these early days, the very thunderous voice of Philip was an attraction and people came to listen to him for the pleasure of harkening to his voice. I am sure they went away galvanized by the dynamism of the man and the sincerity of his thoughts and feelings.
By this time we had also started building up trade unions. History will no doubt accord to him his rightful place in the political life of this country. In the years to come when lesser mortals like us have played their evanescent part and vanished into the limbo of the forgotten, a grateful socialist Ceylon will remember him with pride and place him on the worthy pedestal due to him.
The first break came with the strike of the workers of the Wellawatte Spinning and Weaving Mills. Motor workers, then scattered under different bus Mudalalis, peasant organizations particularly of the Hewagam Korale, in all these, Philip was the directing force. His advice and guidance were invaluable. His judgment was almost uncanny in its correctness.
Towards the end of 1934, the whole country was plunged into a malaria epidemic of unprecedented proportions. Thousands and thousands of people died. This epidemic disclosed the terrific apathy of the bureaucratic machine, the callousness of those at the helm of affairs, and the dire poverty consequent to the great depression of 1930. The Suriya Mal Movement went into action. We collected volunteers, distributed foodstuffs, clothes, and medicine in all affected areas. Harrowing tales of the poverty and the sufferings of the people kept ringing in our ears.
In this campaign, Philip, as usual, was the dynamo of activity. A special tribute must be paid to the work done by Dr. S. A. Wickramasinghe during this epidemic. With the termination of the anti-malaria work of the Suriya Mal stalwarts, this group of young political enthusiasts led by Philip was ready to launch the political party. On December 17, 1935, the Lanka Samasamaja Party was officially launched. With characteristic ability he pushed forward Colvin as the President, but we were only too conscious of the fact that Philip was the leader of the movement.
I would here like to place on clear record that were it not for Philip, I would never have contested the Ruwanwella seat. Were it not also for the constant encouragement and help that I received from Philip and Robert, Ruwanwella could never have been won by me at this first election in 1936. Philip fought Avissawella. I fought Ruwanwella. Both of us won. Dr. Wickramasinghe re-contested Morawaka and lost. So did Leslie Goonewardene who fought Panadura for the first time against Susantha de Fonseka.
We were the two Samasamajists of the Second State Council and we were affectionately or otherwise dubbed the political Siamese twins. We worked together harmoniously till 1954 when Philip decided to break away from the re-organized and re-united LSSP and thus were put asunder nearly 20 years of close personal friendship.
More than one article is required to speak of Philip and his activities. I hope, someday, I will be spared the time to do justice to Philip. We became the terrible twins and the scourge of the Jayatilakas and Senanayakes . We fought them not only in the House but also outside. With the help of the colonial bureaucracy, they tried to silence me. They locked us up in jail on April 17, 1940, Philip, Colvin, Edmund and myself. Leslie they were never able to find.
When the Japanese bombed Ceylon, our plans to break jail had matured. In this escape, Robert Gunawardane, Doric de Souza and the late Reggie Senanayake played key roles. We hid for some time in Colombo and eventually Philip and I escaped to India. We lived for some time there before we were caught. I earned sufficiently as Secretary to a Bank to keep some of the other comrades going.
Eventually, we were traced and followed. One night, I took train to Ahamedabad to join Rabindranath Tagore, and escaped the vigilance of the Police. Philip took over my flat as his own flat was no longer safe. But that very night, Police raided my flat and took Philip into custody. I was traced to Ahamedabad and was caught before I could get to Tagore. We spent about six months in Indian gaols together. Then we were brought back to Ceylon, tried for breaking jail and sentenced to six months’ rigorous imprisonment. Both of us husked coconuts in jail, and learnt to rattan chairs.
At the end of our term of imprisonment we joined the other comrades in Badulla detention camp. We were released from Badulla in August 1945. Unfortunately, when we came out of jail dissension had crept into the Party and it was divided into two. Various efforts were made to bring the two sections together. Eventually in 1954, we succeeded in re-combining our forces, but then Philip fell out.
He took a turn which led him to the formation of a new organization called the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, which subsequently joined forces with Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, and contested the elections of 1956 as one United Front. From 1956 our paths diverged and our estrangement grew wider.
With the defeat of this coalition in the elections of March 1965, Philip joined hands with Mr. Dudley Senanayake and became the Minister of Industries in that Cabinet. During the period 1965-1970, erstwhile friends of 20 years became almost bitter enemies, many harsh words were spoken both by me and by him.
I am sure he has forgotten and forgiven as I have done. I will always remember him as the firm friend who created the Socialist movement in Ceylon. It is this image of the implacable foe of exploitation, the arch enemy of imperialism, the great protagonist of a new social order, that Philip will continue to abide in our memory for all time.
Richard Gere, known to be a meditator and friend of the Dalai Lama, stunned the Hollywood audience that gathered to see him receive a lifetime achievement award recently. He began his address with the usual platitudes and then switched to the country that he said was in a mess. He blamed the US voters who brought Donald Trump in as Prez. And then he called Trump ‘bully and thug’. They are strong words, repeated to make sure his opinion got through.
Another actor, Alec Baldwin, donned an orange hair wig and acted in skits of Trump in the Oval Office and while electioneering. Hilarious and yet of import as it displays the extent to which Trump is derided and openly abused in his own country. Tweets came streaming in from Trump that the actors are old, spent forces, etc. But the public heard and saw the opinion of two very popular and respected actors.
To Cassandra, the disgraceful display of feuding between Elon Musk and Donald Trump made public on X, is the best thing that could have happened to America and the world at large. They are both acting child-like (an insult to children to class these two with them) while displaying their ignorance except about money. The latest as Cass pens this is that Musk has apologised for some of the tweets he sent maligning Trump.
Pro-Palestinian Activists pushed out of Israel
Conveying a symbolic amount of emergency supplies, pro-Palestinian activists from France, Sweden, Brazil. Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Turkey, calling themselves the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, sailed to Israel in their barge the Madleen to protest against what Israel is doing to the few people left in Gaza – shelling them day and night and determined to chase them all out of the Strip. But the protestors’ visit was short; they were not allowed to dock or land, rather was the aid boat seized by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean on Monday. Thunberg and twelve others were deported from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion airport to France, the following day. However, six French activists refused to sign their deportation orders and would be brought before an Israeli judicial authority and probably transferred to Ramle Prison, near Tel Aviv.
Such a brave onslaught on Israel in person should be highly acclaimed. Protests occur all over the world, but Netanyahu and the Israel Armey Commander seem not to take notice. As long as the US under Trump supports Israel, the Palestinian bid for freedom to occupy their land in Gaza
Local shark caught in the corruption net
Bureaucrats are being netted in; not only politicians. We have seen the highest in the prison’s department remanded. True, it may not be he who released a prisoner surreptitiously when on the last Vesak Poya, prisoners were pardoned and released. But he signed the papers and so is ultimately responsible.
A member of a former ruling family has been questioned on how come he claimed damages for the destruction of a house of his by the Aragalaya thugs. The question is how a non est house, maybe one dreamed up, came to be claimed as one gutted. The money, of course in millions, seems to have been paid to this elder Rajapaksa brother. Now, he is being questioned and one firmly hopes the money received by the foulest means will be paid back to the country’s till. Cass for one is shocked beyond words and belief at the lies and dastardly subterfuges thought up by these self-seeking minds, and the greed for more and more lucre. The immunity they conferred on themselves being a family that could not be touched by the arm of law and thus the carte blanche they enjoyed to do as they pleased AND with the nation’s money, seems to be ended. It looks to be.
Two local women: one celebrated, the other mourned
Iranganie Meedeniya Serasinghe
, well beloved by all Sri Lankans, celebrated her 98 birthday recently. We wish her very well and hope she can go through the rest of her life with minimum pain and illness. One fact that can be said about her is that she gained in facial beauty as she aged.
She is considered an iconic artiste who was a pioneering figure in theatre, the local silver screen and small screen. She did not just take to acting, she imbibed the art and craft of it at the well-known (probably the world’s best) Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. She also studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School under the mentorship of Prof EFC Ludowyk, a founder of Sri Lankan theatre.
My brother hired her ex-Ayah to look after his son, so this dame was ever fond of regaling us with stories of her beloved Chandi Appo (the child Iranganie). She was born in the Meedeniya Walauwa very close to Yatiyantota and schooled at Bishop’s College, Colombo, and for her ALs at Girls’ High School, Kandy. This exam was known as the Higher School Certificate Exam (HSC) – entrance exam to the University of Colombo or Peradeniya. It was actually at KHS that she went into theatre acting. Well remembered by Cass as a younger student is Mrs de Mel producing Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, forerunner to My Fair Lady. Producing and staging Pygmalion was certainly a hazardous task, but probably intrepid Mrs de Mel thought she had a star player to tackle the role of Professor Higgins. Iranganie was him and Rani Perera was Eliza Doolittle, fluently speaking Cockney and then metamorphosing to a near princess.
Iranganie was first in theatre but then, as good fortune would have it, Lester James Peries scripted and directed Rekawa (Line of Destiny) in 1956. It was the first Sinhala film fully shot in Ceylon and outdoors, eliminating any Indian influence. Iranganie played a major role while Winston Serasinghe too was in it. Willie Blake was cinematographer. Entered in 1957 to the Cannes Film Festival, it was included in the main competition and was nominated for the Palme d’Or; honour enough and is still the only Sinhala film honoured thus far.
Iranganie outsmarted traditional conventions, especially Kandyan radala conservatism, by going into films. Remembered best by Cass is her role in Yashorawaya where she played self-sacrificing mother to Richard de Zoysa.
She also founded Ruk Rekaganno, and went about trying to prevent the wanton cutting down of trees. Cass’ second brother was in the movement. Once on a journey out of Colombo. Iranganie had wanted a cup of tea. Only wayside tea kiosks were available. All four were willing to patronise one of them. The boutique keeper was nonchalant and even wary of these city types until his wife recognised Iranganie. “Aney appé,” she shouted and out came levariya and tea in cups and saucers!
Malini Pethiyagoda Kulatunge
passed away in Australia a couple of days ago. Mention is made here since she was the first woman to pass the newly instituted CAS examination for recruitment of Ceylon Administrative Services officers which replaced the Ceylon Civil Service, started by the British under their colonial rule. This first exam was in 1971. Malini, too, had her education at Girls’ High School from where she entered the University of Peradeniya. Malini, sister of Dr Upatissa Pethiyagoda, migrated soon after to Australia with her young family.
What have we to look forward to next week? A Colombo Municipal Council formed, with hopefully Vraie Cally Balthazaar, graduate, researcher, entrepreneur and media professional of the bright sparkling face, as Mayor?
At least we hear fumigation going on. We also hope mosquito breeding places are being eliminated. Fast spreading dread diseases have to be stalled. It’s the duty of the local councils of the country, and if extra care is taken, we could live safe and healthy.
I first met Professor Arjuna de Silva as his patient. I was immediately impressed by this consultant physician, especially by his considerable knowledge, remarkable efficiency and commitment. I also remember thinking that he was a bit arrogant, even bordering on the rude. He was just being matter-of-fact, strictly focused on diagnosis, prognosis and prescription. In the 25 years that have passed since then, I have had ample reason to conclude that behind the confident and sometimes stern exterior that I first encountered, there was a sensitive, intelligent, and scrupulously honest friend just waiting to be discovered.
Over the years this no-nonsense physician, affectionately known as Prof. Arjuna, became one of my closest and dearest friends. His selfless service to our circle, especially his steadfast care for our parents, is nothing short of heroic. The dedication with which he looked after my own parents, particularly my late father, speaks volumes about his loyalty and kindness. In fact, if there was an Olympic medal for “Friendship and Care,” Arjuna would be standing proudly on the podium, gold medal and a bouquet of roses, probably delivering an acceptance speech explaining why he deserves it more than anyone else!
We became firm friends and eventually our brotherhood would include a third, Johann Wijesinghe. The three of us shared a bond tested in the toughest of times. When Johann fell seriously ill, Arjuna stepped up not just as a friend but as a guiding light. Emotionally shaken though he was, Arjuna managed to steer Johann and his wife Kalpana through complex medical treatments while keeping the rest of us, who were understandably anxious, calm and hopeful. Watching him juggle this immense responsibility without panicking was nothing short of inspiring. It was only when Johann passed away that I was able to see him with his guard down; I had never seen Arjuna so deeply shaken before.
His sobriety in his professional life was quite in contrast to how he was when he put aside his ‘doctoring.’ It is no exaggeration to say that I have never met any medical professional who parties like Arjuna does. Arjuna and his wife Thulani are the ultimate hosts; they are supreme when it comes to hospitality and entertainment. Arjuna loves company and celebrations so much that I often joke that if there is a lot of light and music Arjuna would be there or should be. He wouldn’t miss these things if he could help it.
An Oxford-qualified professor, Arjuna’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. His contributions to sports, both specific disciplines and the broader sporting community, cannot be matched by any doctor I know. A proud Thomian, he embodies grit, determination, and just the right touch of flair that has earned him the affectionate nickname “Dr. Shahrukh Khan.” And yes, he encourages it with that charming smile and a mischievous wink.
Arjuna isn’t one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, but as a very close friend, I can vouch for his sensitivity and sometimes even a need for attention. Those close to him know he has his weaknesses, for example his legendary reluctance to forgive easily. Arjuna remembers both the good and the bad. For all this, he is the first person many would call in a medical emergency, knowing he will be there without hesitation. I will never forget how he visited my father almost every single day when he became critically ill.
Above all, Arjuna is a proud and loyal Sri Lankan, a true patriot in every sense.
My dear friend Arjuna knows how sorry I am that I cannot be with him tonight as he celebrates the milestone of reaching 60. However, as we have joked and agreed, his party would be better without me for I share his weakness to be unforgiving at times. He will have a blast, nevertheless, for Arjuna is irrepressible. He will take note and smile when I wish him a wonderful time. It will be a blast, as always and Arjuna will enjoy every moment and raise a cheer with those present with a nod to those who, like me, are not there, to many more years of friendship, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
Happy 60th, Prof. Arjuna!
by Krishantha Prasad Cooray ✍️
This is about the children of Kytes Island J/Thambaddy Government Tamil Mixed Vidyalayam and J/Delft Maha Vidyalayam in the northernmost inhabited island of Sri Lanka. They travelled to Colombo and won in the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Regatta Junior (Under 18) section held in the Diyawannawa lake last week.
Delft Maha Vidyalam commenced on 17 January 1946, as one of the first Maha Vidyalayam established by the Father of Free Education, Dr C. W. W. Kannagara, then Education Minister. Declared open by Sir John Kotelawala with five teachers and 23 students; the school has classes from Grade 1 to Grade 13 today. There are 179 students (117 boys and 62 girls), 20 teachers (10 males and 10 females). This is the northernmost Maha Vidyalayam in Sri Lanka. A ferry voyage from the Jaffna mainland to Delft takes about one and a half hours.
Thambaddy Government Tamil Mixed Vidyalayam is on Kytes island. It has 179 students in classes from Grade 1 to Grade 11, and 19 teachers. It has produced excellent swimmers who won 18 medals in the last Provincial Swimming meet, even though they do not have a swimming pool. They practise in a village pond!
-
- J/ Thambaddy Government Tamil Mixed Vidyalayam
-
- Girls category competition
Boys Junior Dragon boat event was won by J/Thambaddy GTMV team consisting of twelve paddlers who pulled their boat in unison with much vigour and morale. They were followed closely by another team from Jaffna Islands (Delft) J/Delft Maha Vidyalayam. During the last stages of the race, there was a close competition between these two teams. The results were as follows:
1. Gold medal – Thambaddy GTMV, Kytes Island, Jaffna
2. Silver medal- Delft Maha Vidyalayam, Delft Island, Jaffna
3. Bronze medal- D S Senanayake College, Colombo
4. St Patrick’s College, Jaffna
5. Wesley College, Colombo
6. Gateway International College, Colombo
7. Wesley College, Colombo, (team 2)
This great achievement by Jaffna Island schools was due to unstinted support and guidance they receive from the Sri Lanka Navy, especially Secretary of the Canoeing and Kayaking Association of Sri Lanka, Captain (SBS) Chaminda Wijesiri, an injured war veteran. This potential international level talent was spotted by him when the Canoeing and Kayaking Association held the National Canoeing and Kayaking Regatta six months ago in the Jaffna lagoon adjacent to the picturesque Jaffna Dutch Fort.
The Chinese Embassy of Sri Lanka and Sports and the Youth Affairs Ministry jointly organised the Regatta at Diyawannawa lake, which was to be held near the Port City. It had to be shifted to the Diyawanna Lake due to rough seas. The Army and Navy Commanders and Director General Sports (Retired senior Naval officer Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando) helped transport the Jaffna teams to Colombo.
Winners with Preethi Perera the former President of the Canoeing and Kayaking Association
The teams were provided with accommodation at the Sports Hostel, Colombo, and the Youth Council Hostel, Maharagama free of charge, and Rear Admiral Shermal Fernando took care of their meals.
Girls from these two Jaffna islands also performed extremely well. They lost to Vishaka College Colombo team, but secured Silver and Bronze medals. The final results of Girls category were as follows:
Gold medal- Vishaka College Colombo.
Silver medal- J/ Thambaddy GTMV, Kytes Island, Jaffna .
Bronze medal- J/ Delft Maha Vidyalayam, Delft Island, Jaffna.
WP/ Jaya/ Janadipathi Balika Vidyalaya, Nawala.
Five fully equipped Dragon Boats donated by China were handed over by Chinese Ambassador in Colombo Qi Zhenhong to the Canoeing and Kayaking Association. Chairman of Canoeing and Kayaking Association, Rear Admiral (SSD) HNS Perera has already decided to keep two boats in Jaffna for the use of the northern children.
Winners with Rear Admiral Damien Fernando (Chief of Staff of Navy) and Captain (SBS) Chaminda Wijesiri
Our next step is to train combined Jaffna schools teams (both girls and boys) to take part in the world famous Snake Boat Race in Backwaters of Kerala, India scheduled to be held in September this year. Bravo to these children! Mother Theresa once said, “We can’t do great things – but we can do small things with great love”. Keep paddling children!
(The writer is Former Navy Commander and Former Chief of Defence Staff, Former Chairman, Trincomalee Petroleum Terminals Ltd., Former Managing Director Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, and Former High Commissioner to Pakistan.)
by Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne ✍️
WV, RWP and Bar, RSP, VSV, USP, NI (M) (Pakistan), ndc, psn, Bsc
(Hons) (War Studies) (Karachi) MPhil (Madras)
Heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts
Opp. forms alliance to seize control of hung councils including CMC
Committee probing IGP to meet daily from June 16
-
Business6 days agoRegional Ambassador for Wildlife Photography
-
Business6 days agoDialog Enterprise reaffirms commitment to Sri Lankan SMEs as the Title Sponsor of Industry Expo 2025
-
Features4 days agoLTTE and Canadian complicity
-
Business6 days agoThe Evolving Story of Pure Ceylon Tea
-
News4 days agoIranganie celebrates her birthday today
-
Business6 days agoSLIM partners with ministry to produce Sri Lanka’s top Business Advisors
-
Sports5 days agoMathews’ 10,000- run regret
-
News2 days agoUK confirms ongoing war crimes investigation into British mercenaries in Sri Lanka