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Biography of E.A. Goonasinghe pioneer Trade Unionist and able Politician

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Book review

Author: Dr. B.G.A Vidyathilaka
(632 Pages in Sinhala)
Published by Sarasavi (Pvt) Ltd,
First edition 2023

Absorbing and no-holds-barred- biography – a review by Jagath Savanadasa

This is a well researched and illuminating biography about the life, services and times of E.A. Goonasinghe the pioneer Trade Unionist and able \politician.The Labour and Trade Union movement in this country owes a debt of gratitude to its father figure E.A. Goonasinghe. He indeed gave life to it during a particularly difficult period when workers were subjected to harsh treatment by the employers. This was during early to near mid-20th century when the country was under British Colonial rule.

When one reads this book, one is exposed to the truth about working conditions during those turbulent years, in both public and private or mercantile sectors. Some of the tales about the strikes organised to alleviate the suffering of the mass of the employees groaning under the weight of injustice, pricks one’s conscience.It also raises the valid question why were British entities so unjust and why did they not improve working conditions of the employees?

It was during this early stage that the biography brings forth history of trade unionism and the arrival at the scene of a forceful and combative figure. It was he who led the suffering masses and helped to band themselves together to fight for justice and fair play.

The first part of the book is a virtual autobiography and its titled “My life and Labour”

Accordingly Goonasinghe has had his early education at St. Joseph College, Colombo and Dharmaraja College, Kandy. Even as a schoolboy he seemed to have been patriotic.And quite early in life Goonasinghe had been vehemently opposed to the Kandyan Treaty of 1815 which was an instrument of deception by the British. Goonasinghe had been an avid protestor at the centenary meeting of the above Treaty at the residence of well-known lawyer in Chilaw C.E.A. Corea.

The meeting led to the formation of an association named “The Young Lanka League”. While C.E.A. Corea was elected President of the league and Goonasinghe its Secretary.

Sinhala-Muslim riots of 1915

The Sinhala-Muslim riots of 1915 was a gruesome event which darkened the history of British rule of Ceylon.More than 100 men were killed during the riots which originated in Kandy and spread to various parts of the country.

The most unfortunate aspect of this grim episode was the misguided action of the British military who thought that the riots were instigated by the Buddhists leaders in Colombo. The British not only declared Marshal law but also arrested leading Buddhists like D.S. and F.R. Senanayake, Hewawitharana brothers, Sir D.B. Jayathilake, Piyadasa Sirisena, Aurthur V. Dias and also .A. E. Goonasinghe the main figure in this study.

Also during the course of the riots, Captain Pedris who had no hand in this grim affair was mistakenly shot dead. This was a grave error on the part of the British which led to serious repercussions on them.

The historic strikes.

The vivid biography also describes more than two dozen strikes in which Goonasinghe was deeply involved. These reflected Goonasighe’s will and strength in combatting ruthless forces in operation in the upper rungs of the Mercantile sector supported by the Police.The most serious of these were in the 1920’s. One such was the GOH strike, another the strike by the harbour unions, and the most devastating was the tram car unions strike.

It is interesting at this stage to look at the history of the last strike mentioned. A prominent Mercantile firm Whittal Boustead and Company Limited had owned and operated a network of Tram cars in the city. Older generations in Colombo will recall that it was a commendable “modus operandi” for travel within the city. The objective of the strike was to bring about better wages as well as persuading the company to improve working conditions of those who manned this important service.

It did lead to negotiations with the hierarchy of Whittals but they failed to grant the demands made by the Unions.More seriously the strikers had been challenged and provoked by the Maradana Police. The book observed that retaliatory violence led to the police shooting five people dead. Shocking accounts of this deadly action is revealed in the book. It had led to burning of the Maradana Police station completely.

The Final Outcome

The Book observes that the Inspector General of Police Hubert Dowbiggen had been condemned in no uncertain terms since he had acted in an arbitrary and ruthless manner which deepened the crisis.

An important agreement

The book notes that the penultimate stage of this unfortunate affair was the investigation conducted in order to examine the causes, effects and solution. But nothing followed and thus the final outcome of the inquiry was not known.

Of course, there was one worthy development and this was the final settlement arrived at between the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the three Trade unions involved which revealed a sympathetic attitude of the Ceylon Chamber Chairman towards the workers and it was helpful in solving the issues.

Goonasinghe’s political carrier

Besides being a noteworthy trade unionist. Goonasinghe had also had an eventful political career during that final phase of the British colonial rule.At first Goonsinghe became a member of the Colombo Municipal Council in the 1920’s. The election to the Council had been a tense affair with several well-known politicians joining the fray.

First Sinhala Mayor

Goonasinghe had the honour of being the first Sinhala Mayor of the capital City which shows that in those distant days ethnicity, religion, caste and such other factors had been decisive in politics.

Member of the State Council

In 1931 Goonasinghe was elected to the State Council and quickly rose to be a Minister.A point of special interest revealed in the biographical account is that he was elected to the State Council through the UNP.

Other Highlights

Curiously Goonsinghe’s Ministerial portfolio did not specify his duties and exact responsibilities. But it did reflect some interesting facts. Though Goonsinghe, throughout his life represented the interests of lower rungs of employees, he was not strictly a leftist. But a liberal thinker and a democrat.

The book also reveals verbal duels in the State Council against the likes of Dr. N.M. Perera the prominent Sama Samaja leader. He had never given in to them. However, Goonasinghe was elected a member of the first post Independent House of Representatives in 1948. And a cabinet Minister in the first government of D.S. Senanayake

Goonasinghe had the honour of representing the local Trade Unions at conferences overseas and one of which was in London where he had the opportunity to interact with leading personalities in the British Labour party.

Goonasinghe during the course of a notable and varied carrier had also being Ceylon’s ambassador to Indonesia and Burma respectively. This enabled Goonasinghe a devout Buddhist to visit renowned temples and other historic sites especially in Indonesia. He also had the opportunity to establish ties with President Sukarno of Indonesia.

Adult franchise for eligible Ceylonese

Goonasinghe during the course of which fought relentless battle was to gain voting rights to eligible Ceylonese.

Death of D.S Senanayake Ceylon’s first Prime Minister and the father of the nation

Ceylon’s first Prime Minister D.S. Senannayake aslo called the father of the nation died suddenly in 1952 after falling from the horse he was riding. In a graphic description of the aftermath of his death the biography recounts the stirring address made by Goonasinghe in the parliament.

Goonasinghe recalled that D.S. and F.R. Senanayake the two brothers had laid the foundation for the independence of this nation from Colonial Bondage. Goonasinghe had added that D.S. did not have a degree from Oxford or Cambridge universities. But he was nourished by the ancient culture of this land and he became one of the greatest political leaders of the world.

Following the prime Minister’s death there was no tussle to succeed him. But the book highlights how an attempt was made by Sir. John Kothalawala to be the Prime Minister. But this was thwarted when a number of Parliamentarians who objected to it forwarded a petition to the Governor General.

The Book which is full of exhilarating history of this country notes how P. De. S. Kularathna an eminent educationist failed in his attempt to enter parliament through a misjudgement about voters of Maradana.

Was it a love-hate relationship?

Around the same time Goonasinghe was active in public life the field of Sinhala journalism was dominated by a great nationalist of the time Piyadasa Sirisena. Sirisena who was Publisher and Editor Sinhala Jathiya newspaper.

The Biography quotes Sinhala Jathiya’s comments on Goonasinghe’s role in public life. The Book also published many cartoons that appeared in Sinhala Jathiya from time to time. This writer feels that this newspaper’s portrayal of Goonasinghe seems to show two sides, both love and hate.

But readers may feel that this is a part of objective journalism.Sirisena was a great believer in democracy and also had rightist inclinations.This biography is a voyage of discovery. And readers should be grateful to Dr. Vidyathillake for his vital account on Trade Unionism and its pioneer.

Jagath Savanadasa is one of most senior Chamber of Commerce officials in the country with a career span of more than half a century. He has also published books on history and other trade related research works.He is currently the Secretary General/CEO of the Business Chamber of Commerce which was established in year 2000. This essay however is written in his personal capacity



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High govt. revenue and low foreign exchange reserves High foreign exchange reserves and low govt. revenue!

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First shipment of vehicles imported to Sir Lank after the lifting the ban on automobile imports

Government has permitted, after several years, the import of motor cars. Imports, including cars, were cut off because the government then wisely prioritised importing other commodities vital to the everyday life of the general public. It is fair to expect that some pent-up demand for motor vehicles has developed. But at what prices? Government seems to have expected that consumers would pay much higher prices than had prevailed earlier.

The rupee price of foreign exchange had risen by about half from Rs.200 per US$ to Rs.300. In those years, the cost of production of cars also had risen. The government dearly wanted more revenue to meet increasing government expenditure. Usually, motor cars are bought by those with higher incomes or larger amounts of wealth. Taxes on the purchase of cars probably promote equity in the distribution of incomes. The collection of tax on motor cars is convenient. What better commodity to tax?

The announced price of a Toyota Camry is about Rs.34 million. Among us, a Camry is usually bought by those with a substantially higher income than the average middle-income earner. It is not a luxury car like a Mercedes Benz 500/ BMW 700i. Yes, there are some Ferrari drivers. When converted into US dollars, the market price of a Camry 2025 in Sri Lankan amounts to about $110,000. The market price of a Camry in US is about $34,000, where it is usually bought by income earners in the middle-middle class: typically assistant professors in state universities or young executives. Who in Lanka will buy a Camry at Rs.34 million or $110,000 a piece?

How did Treasury experts expect high revenue from the import of motor cars? The price of a Toyota Camry in US markets is about $34,000. GDP per person, a rough measure of income per person in US, was about $ 88,000 in 2024. That mythical ‘average person’ in US in 2024, could spend about 2.5 month’s income and buy a Toyota Camry. Income per person, in Lanka in 2024, was about $ 4,000. The market price of a Camry in Lanka is about $ 133,000. A person in Lanka must pay 33 years of annual income to buy a Toyota Camry in 2025.

Whoever imagined that with those incomes and prices, there would be any sales of Camry in Lanka? After making necessary adjustments (mutatis mutandis), Toyota Camry’s example applies to all import dues increases. Higher import duties will yield some additional revenue to government. How much they will yield cannot be answered without much more work. High import duties will deter people from buying imported goods. There will be no large drawdown of foreign exchange; nor will there be additional government revenue: result, high government foreign exchange reserves and low government revenue.

For people to buy cars at such higher prices in 2025, their incomes must rise substantially (unlikely) or they must shift their preferences for motor cars and drop their demand for other goods and services. There is no reason to believe that any of those changes have taken place. In the 2025 budget, government has an ambitious programme of expenditure. For government to implement that programme, they need high government revenue. If the high rates of duties on imports do not yield higher government revenue as hypothesised earlier, government must borrow in the domestic market. The economy is not worthy of raising funds in international capital markets yet.

If government sells large amounts of bonds, the price of all bonds will fall, i.e. interest rates will rise, with two consequences. First, expenditure on interest payments by government will rise for which they would need more revenue. Second, high interest rates may send money to banks rather than to industry. Finding out how these complexities will work out needs careful, methodically satisfactory work. It is probable that if government borrows heavily to pay for budgetary allocations, the fundamental problem arising out of heavy public debt will not be solved.

The congratulatory comments made by the Manager of IMF applied to the recent limited exercise of handling the severity of balance of payments and public debt problems. The fundamental problem of paying back debt can be solved only when the economy grows fast enough (perhaps 7.5 % annually) for several years. Of that growth, perhaps, half (say 4 % points) need to be paid back for many years to reduce the burden of external debt.

Domestic use of additional resources can increase annually by no more than 3.5 percent, even if the economy grows at 7.5 percent per year. Leaders in society, including scholars in the JJB government, university teachers and others must highlight the problems and seek solutions therefor, rather than repeat over and over again accounts of the problem itself.

Growth must not only be fast and sustained but also exports heavy. The reasoning is as follows. This economy is highly import-dependent. One percent growth in the economy required 0.31% percent increase in imports in 2012 and 0. 21 percent increase in 2024. The scarcity of imports cut down the rate of growth of the economy in 2024. Total GDP will not catch up with what it was in (say) 2017, until the ratio of imports to GDP rises above 30 percent.

The availability of imports is a binding constraint on the rate of growth of the economy. An economy that is free to grow will require much more imports (not only cement and structural steel but also intermediate imports of many kinds). I guess that the required ratio will exceed 35 percent. Import capacity is determined by the value of exports reduced by debt repayments to the rest of the world. The most important structural change in the economy is producing exports to provide adequate import capacity. (The constant chatter by IMF and the Treasury officials about another kind of structural change confuses the issue.) An annual 7.5 percent growth in the economy requires import capacity to grow by about 2.6 percent annually.

This economy needs, besides, resources to pay back accumulated foreign debt. If servicing that accumulation requires, takes 4% points of GDP, import capacity needs to grow by (about) 6.6 percent per year, for many years. Import capacity is created when the economy exports to earn foreign exchange and when persons working overseas remit substantial parts of their earnings to persons in Lanka. Both tourism and remittances from overseas have begun to grow robustly. They must continue to flow in persistently.

There are darkening clouds raised by fires in prominent markets for exports from all countries including those poor. This is a form of race to the bottom, which a prominent economist once called ‘a policy to beggar thy neighbour (even across the wide Pacific)’. Unlike the thirty years from 1995, the next 30 years now seem fraught with much danger to processes of growth aided by open international trade. East Asian economies grew phenomenally by selling in booming rich markets, using technology developed in rich countries.

Lanka weighed down with 2,500 years of high culture ignored that reality. The United States of America now is swinging with might and main a wrecking ball to destroy that structure which they had put up, one thought foolishly, with conviction. Among those storms, many container ships would rather be put to port than brave choppy seas. High rates of growth in export earnings seem a bleak prospect. There yet may be some room in the massive economies of China and India.

Consequently, it is fanciful to expect that living conditions will improve rapidly, beginning with the implementation of the 2025 budget. It will be a major achievement if the 2025 budget is fully implemented, as I have argued earlier. Remarkable efforts to cut down on extravagance, waste and the plunder of public funds will help, somewhat; but not enough. IMF or not, there is no way of paying back accumulated debt without running an export surplus sufficient to service debt obligations.

Exports are necessary to permit the economy to pay off accumulated debt and permit some increase in the standard of living. Austerity will be the order of the day for many years to come. It is most unlikely that the next five years will usher in prosperity.

By Usvatte-aratchi

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BLOSSOMS OF HOPE 2025

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An Ikebana exhibition in aid of pediatric cancer patients

This Ikebana exhibition by the members of Ikebana International Sri Lanka Chapter #262, brings this ancient art form to life in support of a deeply meaningful cause: aiding the Pediatric Cancer ward of the Apeksha Cancer Hospital, Maharagama and offering hope to young warriors in their fight against illness.

Graceful, delicate, and filled with meaning—Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement, is more than just an expression of beauty; it is a reflection of life’s resilience and harmony. “Blossoms of Hope”, is a special Ikebana exhibition, on 29th March from 11a.m. to 7p.m. and 30th March from 10a.m. to 6p.m. at the Ivy Room, Cinnamon Grand Hotel and demonstrations will be from 4p.m. to 5p.m. on both days.

Each floral arrangement in this exhibition is a tribute to strength, renewal, and love. Carefully crafted by skilled Ikebana artists, who are members of the Chapter. These breathtaking displays symbolize the courage of children battling cancer, reminding us that even in adversity, beauty can bloom. The graceful lines, vibrant hues, and thoughtful compositions of Ikebana echo the journey of resilience, inspiring both reflection and compassion.

Visitors will not only experience the tranquility and elegance of Japanese floral art but will also have the opportunity to make a difference. Proceeds from “Blossoms of Hope” will go towards enhancing medical care, providing essential resources, and creating a more comforting environment for young patients and their families.

This exhibition is more than an artistic showcase—it is a gesture of kindness, a symbol of solidarity, and a reminder that hope, like a flower, can grow even in the most unexpected places. By attending and supporting “Blossoms of Hope”, you become a part of this journey, helping to bring light and joy into the lives of children who need it most.

Join in celebrating art, compassion, and the Power of Hope—one flower at a time.

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St. Anthony’s Church feast at Kachchativu island

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Fort Hammenhiel

The famous St. Anthony’s Church feast this year was held on 14 and 15 March. St. Anthony, as per Catholic belief, gives protection and looks after fishermen and seafarers like me. Many Buddhist seafarers are believers in St. Anthony and they usually keep a statue of the saint in their cabins in the ship or craft.

St. Anthony died on 13th June 1231 at age of 35 years, at Padua in Holy Roman Empire and was canonized on 30 May 1232 by Pope Gregory IX.

I was unable to attend last year’s feast as I was away in Pakistan as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner. I was more than happy to learn that Indians were also attending the feast this year and there would be 4,000 devotees.

I decided to travel to Kankesanturai (KKS) Jaffna by train and stay at my usual resting place, Fort Hammenhiel Resort, a Navy-run boutique hotel, which was once a prison, where JVP leaders, including Rohana Wijeweera were held during the 1971 insurrection. I was fortunate to turn this fort on a tiny islet in Kytes lagoon into a four-star boutique hotel and preserve Wijeweera’s handwriting in 2012, when I was the Commander Northern Naval Area.

I invite you to visit Fort Hammenhiel during your next trip to Jaffna and see Wijeweera’s handwriting.

The train left Colombo Fort Railway Station on time (0530 hrs/14th) and reached KKS at 1410 hrs. I was highly impressed with the cleanliness and quality of railway compartments and toilets. When I sent a photograph of my railway compartment to my son, he texted me asking “Dad, are you in an aircraft or in a train compartment? “

Well done Sri Lanka Railways! Please keep up your good work. No wonder foreign tourists love train rides, including the famous Ella Odyssey.

Travelling on board a train is comfortable, relaxed and stress free! As a frequent traveller on A 9 road to Jaffna, which is stressful due to oncoming heavy vehicles on. This was a new experience and I enjoyed the ride, sitting comfortably and reading a book received from my friend in New York- Senaka Senaviratne—’Hillbilly Elegy’ by US Vice President JD Vance. The book is an international best seller.

My buddy, Commodore (E) Dissanayake (Dissa), a brilliant engineer who built Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Plants for North, North Central and North Western provinces to help prevent chronic kidney disease is the Commodore Superintendent Engineering in the Northern Naval Area. He was waiting at the KKS railway station to receive me.

I enjoyed a cup of tea at Dissa’s chalet at our Northern Naval Command Headquarters in KKS and proceeded to Fort Hammenhiel at Karainagar, a 35-minute drive from KKS.

The acting Commanding Officer of Karainagar Naval Base (SLNS ELARA) Commander Jayawardena (Jaye) was there at Fort Hammenhiel Restaurant to have late lunch with me.

Jaye was a cadet at Naval and Maritime Academy, (NMA) Trincomalee, when I was Commandant in 2006, NMA was under artillery fire from LTTE twice, when those officers were cadets and until we destroyed enemy gun positions, and the army occupied Sampoor south of the Trincomalee harbour. I feel very proud of Jaye, who is a Commander now (equal to Army rank Lieutenant Colonel) and Commanding a very important Naval Base in Jaffna.

The present Navy Commander Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda had been in SLNS ELARA a few hours before me and he had left for the Delft Island on an inspection tour.

Commander Jaye was very happy because his Divisional Officer, when he was a cadet, was Vice Admiral Kanchana (then Lieutenant Commander). I had lunch and rested for a few hours before leaving Karainagar in an Inshore Patrol Craft heading to Kachchativu Island by1730 hrs.

The sea was very calm due to inter-monsoon weather and we reached Kachchativu Island by 1845 hrs. Devotees from both Sri Lanka and India had already reached the island. The Catholic Bishop of Sivagangai Diocese, Tamil Nadu India His Eminence Lourdu Anandam and Vicar General of Jaffna Diocese Very Rev Fr. PJ Jabaratnam were already there in Kachchativu together with more than 100 priests and nuns from Sri Lanka and India. It was a solid display of brotherhood of two neighbouring nations united together at this tiny island to worship God. They were joined by 8,000 devotees, with 4,000 from each country).

The church

All logistics—food, fresh water, medical facilities—were provided by the Sri Lanka Navy. Now, this festival has become a major annual amphibious operation for Navy’s Landing Craft fleet, led by SLNS Shakthi (Landing Ship tanks). The Navy establishes a temporary base in a remote island which does not have a drop of drinking water, and provides food and water to 8,000 persons. The event is planned and executed commendably well under Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Thusara Karunathilake. The Sri Lankan government allocates Rs 30 million from the annual national budget for this festival, which is now considered a national religious festival.

The Indian devotees enjoy food provided by SLN. They have the highest regard for our Navy. The local devotees are from the Jaffna Diocese, mainly from the Delft Island and helped SLN. Delft Pradeshiya Sabha and AGA Delft Island. A very efficient lady supervised all administrative functions on the Island. Sri Lanka Police established a temporary police station with both male and female officers.

As usual, the Sinhalese devotees came from Negombo, Chilaw, Kurunegala and other areas, bringing food enough for them and their Catholic brothers and sisters from India! Children brought biscuits, milk toffee, kalu dodol and cakes to share with Indian and Jaffna devotees.

In his sermon on 22nd December 2016, when he declared open the new Church built by SLN from financial contributions from Navy officers and sailors, Jaffna Bishop Rt Rev Dr Justin Bernard Ganapragasam said that day “the new Church would be the Church of Reconciliation”.

The church was magnificent at night. Sitting on the beach and looking at the beautiful moon-lit sea, light breeze coming from the North East direction and listening to beautiful hymns sung by devotees praising Saint Anthony, I thanked God and remembered all my friends who patrolled those seas and were no more with us. Their dedication, and bravery out at sea brought lasting peace to our beloved country. But today WHO REMEMBERS THEM?

The rituals continued until midnight. Navy Commander and the Indian Consul General in Jaffna Sai Murali attended the Main Mass.

The following morning (15) the Main Mass was attended by Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and his family. It was a great gesture by the Navy Commander to attend the feast with his family. I had a long discussion with Indian Consul General Jaffna Sai Mulari about frequent incidents of Indian trawlers engaging in bottom trawling in Sri Lankan waters and what we should do as diplomats to bring a lasting solution to this issue, as I was highly impressed with this young Indian diplomat.

The Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese, my dear friend, Very Rev Father P J Jabarathnam also made an open appeal to all Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen to protect the environment. I was fortunate to attend yet another St. Anthony’s Church feast in Kachchativu.

By Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne WV,

RWP& Bar, RSP, VSV, USP, NI (M) (Pakistan), ndc, psn,
Bsc (Hons) (War Studies) (Karachi) MPhil (Madras)
Former Navy Commander and Former Chief of Defense Staff
Former Chairman, Trincomalee Petroleum Terminals Ltd
Former Managing Director Ceylon Petroleum Corporation
Former High Commissioner to Pakistan

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