Features

M. D. Banda – The Indefatigable and Unassuming Representative of the People

Published

10 months ago

2025/10/5

Thilina Walpola

M. D. Banda

A Tribute:

September 18, 2025 marked the 51st death anniversary of M. D. Banda, who passed away in 1974. In a tribute to this great national figure, it seems fitting to quote from a message he wrote to the January–March 1966 issue of the quarterly magazine published by the Agriculture Department, Govikam Sangarava, as Minister of Agriculture:

“As a nation that has lived 18 years with independence, we now also need economic freedom. Increasingly, the food required by the country must be produced within the nation itself. Only then can true economic independence be achieved” [English translation of the Sinhala text].

The pinnacle of M. D. Banda’s 27-year-long political career (1943–1970) was his tenure as Minister of Agriculture and Food in 1965–1970, when he launched the “National Food Drive” in Ceylon. As his words above reveal, he believed that agriculture had a key role to play in achieving economic independence. Basing himself on this conviction, he strove tirelessly to achieve self-sufficiency in food for Ceylon. That his efforts proved successful is borne out by both the ‘Agricultural Development Plan – 1971-1977’ published by the Ministry of Agriculture of the ULF (United Left Front) Government given below and the Annual Report of the Asian Development Bank for 1970.

(See Table 1)

According to the statistics presented above, potato production increased annually and systematically from 360 tons in 1964 to 29, 521 tons in 1969. Similarly, chilli cultivation expanded from a mere 4 cwt in 1964 to 133 cwt in 1969, and red onion cultivation from 325 cwt to 741 cwt within the same period. The above data demonstrate the success of the “National Food Drive” and the progress achieved in agriculture within this short period of time. This is why Mr. Hector Kobbekaduwa, who succeeded Mr Banda as Minister of Agriculture in 1970, paid Mr Banda a high tribute in Parliament, stating that he wished to carry forward the scientific agricultural initiatives of Mr Banda.

The Asian Development Bank’s 1970 Annual Report confirmed that paddy production in Sri Lanka (Ceylon) recorded a similar growth.

(See Table 2)

Likewise, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistics indicate that between 1965–1970, Sri Lanka experienced the fastest growth in paddy production—22.3%—a rate never matched in later years, where it always remained below 10%.

In addition, Adam Pain in his 1986 article “Agricultural Research in Sri Lanka: An Historical Account” (Modem Asian Studies, 20, 4) points out that “There is no doubt that the strong organizational abilities of Banda and the effort given to increasing food production, coupled with a series of good growing seasons, were responsible for the very dramatic rise in production of rice from 1966 to 1970, so much so that by 1970 Sri Lanka was to achieve nearly 90% self-sufficiency in rice, with the target of self-sufficiency just round the corner.”

The Cabinet of Ministers with Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Ceylon. Taken in Aprl 1954. The Queen was 28 years of age. M.D.Banda is seated 6th from the left. He was the Minister of Education during 1952-56. Seated (L-R) Hon. Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, Hon. E. A. Nugawela, Rt. Hon. Sir John Kotelawala (Prime Minister), Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II, Hon. J. R. Jayewardena, Hon. M. D. Banda, and Hon. P. B. Bulankulame Dissawa. Standing (L-R) Hon. Dr. M.C.M. Kaleel, Hon. E. B. Wikramanayake, Hon. Sir Kanthiah Vaithianathan, Hon. R. G. Senanayake, Hon. S. Natesan, Hon. H. De Z. Siriwardana and Hon. C. W. W. Kannangara. *The two european gentlemen standing on either side are not identified.

Hon. M D Banda And his ” small” world Standing from left, daughter Lalitha ( now deceased), nephew Wing Commander Dr Nimal Wijetunge ( physician to Governor General HE William Gopallawa) , nephew Attorney at law Berty Wijetunge ( Private Secretary to Minister), daughter Sumangalika Seated from left, son Gamini , daughter Chithra , M D Banda , son Senarath, Wife Sittamma Kumarihamy Mahadivulwewa , daughter Visaka, son Señaka. 1963/64 in Colombo.Studio Donald’s.

Further, during the 1965 – 1970 period, as Minister of Agriculture and Food, Mr Banda enabled dairy farmers to upgrade their livelihood by launching the fresh milk processing plant at Thamankaduwa, Polonnaruwa, the powdered milk factory at Welisara and the one at Ambewela. As mentioned earlier, the most significant project undertaken by the UNP government, often considered its flagship project, was the “National Food Drive”. In recognition of the phenomenal success of this project, Mr Banda was appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, a post he was invited to continue in, even after his defeat at the polls in 1970, due to the IRRI’s faith in his ability to share his knowledge, expertise, and experience with other Asian countries.

A People Centric Approach

One of M.D. Banda’s greatest strengths, it could be argued, lay in his dedication to the people he served as a representative in the national legislature and his trust in their ability to affect change through active involvement in national endeavours. As he himself emphasised, “The government may provide the necessary programmes and facilities, but the success of achieving food self-sufficiency ultimately depends on the active participation of the people” (English translation of the Govikam Sangarava message quoted above). This belief in the importance of community participation played a major role in the success of the agricultural revolution during his tenure.

Agriculture and Food Minister M.D. Banda with Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake (1955-70) during the popular Agricultural Development Programme ’Food Drive’

The 2nd Cabinet of Ceylon formed in June 1952. Prime Minister, Dudley Senanayake, H. W. Amarasuriya, M. D. Banda, P. B. Bulankulame, A. E. Goonesinha, Senator Oliver Goonetilleke, J. R. Jayewardene, M. C. M. Kaleel, C. W. W. Kannangara, John Kotelawala, V. Nalliah, S. Natesan, E. A. Nugawela, G. G. Ponnambalam, Senator Lalita Rajapaksa, A. Ratnayake, R. G. Senanayake, C. Sittampalam, and Senator Edwin Wijeyeratne.

A convivial moment with Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake

Bradman Weerakoon, who worked closely with M.D. Banda during this period, reveals the impact of the “National Food Drive” on the general populace of the country in the following terms:

“To me who was closely associated with the monitoring and evaluating aspects of this great national enterprise, it remains unexampled as an undertaking that was not only crowned with the greatest success but which also inspired and united the people of the country. There was something to be done by everyone – not only the farmers and their families who got a new respect and dignity for their labour but even for the children who got into the paddy fields in their school uniforms for weeding and other simple farming tasks.”

Public Service

M. D. Banda’s public career, which spanned over 35 years (1938–1970), began in 1938, following the completion of a BA (London) from the Ceylon University College (1938). His first appointment as DRO (District Revenue Officer) was to Udahevaheta, where his ability to inspire community participation was evident not only through the manner in which he addressed the post-WWII food shortage issues but also in how he garnered community support to create new roadways, thoroughfares and waterways, in areas that were deemed inaccessible.

It is this tireless dedication and empathy towards those he served that inspired the people of the area to seek him out in 1943 when the State Council seat for the area fell vacant. They came on deputation to his home in Panaliya, Polgahawela and would not take ‘no’ for an answer. Thus, Mr Banda contested and won the seat and entered the State Council as the representative for Mathurata in 1943, at the young age of 29.

Although his stint in the State Council was short lived, his efforts on behalf of the Mathurata area was rewarded once again when he contested and won the seat in the Parliamentary Elections of 1947. He was thus a member of the first parliament of Ceylon and, in recognition of the capabilities demonstrated both as a young DRO and as a Member of the State Council, he was appointed to the post of Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Social Services (as the post of Junior Minister was then known) in 1948, mere months after he entered parliament.

He was appointed to the post of Minister of Labour and Social Services in 1950, became the Minister of Education (1952–1956), the Minister of Agriculture & Lands, and Food, Commerce & Trade (March – July 1960), and the Minister of Agriculture and Food (1965–1970).

In examining the work undertaken by M.D. Banda in these different but significant ministerial posts, it is clear that his approach to national development has been consistently people centric. In this light, it is a little known but true fact that although the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) was presented to parliament in 1958, the conceptualization of the scheme and initial preparations for instituting it was undertaken during Mr Banda’s short but significant stint as Minister of Labour and Social Services (1950-1952). This was to ensure that all employees received retirement justice. What is also of note is that Ceylon was the first South Asian country to introduce such a scheme.

A Transformation in Education

A revolutionary change that occurred during Mr. Banda’s tenure as Minister of Education (1952-1956) was the upgrading of the Central School system established in accordance with the ‘Kannangara Reforms’, by equipping them with all the necessary facilities and amenities and, additionally, enabling access to equal educational opportunities to everybody by expanding Swabhasha (Sinhala & Tamil) medium education. According to available data and statistics, in 1952 there were 89 state schools which increased to 309 by 1956. The number of Assisted state schools in 1952 stood at 245 which rose to 297 by 1956, and the total number of schools (inclusive of the Central schools) increased to 600 in 1956, from 334 schools in 1952 during the time when Mr. Banda was Education Minister of Ceylon.

During this decade, school enrolment “increased faster than population growth” says Prof Swarna Jayaweera in her article “Education in Sri Lanka – Fifty Years Since Independence”. Prof GH Peiris observes that “The four-year period over which M.D. Banda served as the Minister of Education was, in several respects, a crucial phase in formal education in Sri Lanka”. In addition to the factors discussed above, one other reason for Prof Peiris’ observation was probably the establishment of the University of Ceylon at its Peradeniya site in 1952, when Mr Banda was Minister of Education. This enabled the expansion of tertiary education in the country, opening up possibilities for a greater number of students to obtain a university degree.

Legacy

A perusal of the election manifestos and publicity leaflets produced during his elections in Mathurata (1947 – 1960), Hanguranketha (1960 – 1965) and Polgahawela (1965 – 1970), reveal how Mr Banada has understood the problems facing his constituents in each of these areas and has worked diligently to improve their living conditions. However, despite his immense service at village, regional, national and international levels, M.D. Banda faced his first and only electoral defeat in 1970. That this came on the heels of one of the most productive national movements, as attested by statistical data as well as academic and other analyses of the ‘National Food Drive’, is as astounding as it is unbelievable. Nevertheless, he accepted the Polgahawela people’s verdict with innate graciousness and equilibrium.

In an exemplary manner one can only associate with leaders of his calibre, Mr Banda immediately resigned from all government posts, gave up his official residence in Colombo and came back to his village, Panaliya, his honesty, integrity, and dignity, character traits that had come to be intimately associated with him in his long and illustrious political career, unshaken. Remembering leaders like M. D. Banda is vital—not only because we must honour their service and acknowledge just how much they have contributed to the wellbeing of our country but also to inspire future generations with their exemplary lives.

by D. S. Karunanayake. ✍️

All News Advertisement

Features

The hard challenge of clinching a political settlement in the Middle East

Published

11 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Bruised hearts: Displaced Palestinian civilians in the Gaza.(Photo by Mustafa Hassona/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Despite some sections of the Trump administration persisting with the view that the possibility could not be entirely ruled out of there being a diplomatic solution to the current US-Iran hostilities in West Asia, the skeptic could not be blamed for thinking otherwise. The intensity, scale and frequency of the tit-for-tat strikes by the antagonists over the past few days against selected military targets and civilian infrastructure in particular in West Asia make the adoption of this stance excusable.

The continuing hostilities render the mentioning of the MOU signed between the warring parties in mid-June a laughable matter. While it could very well be that the foes are wishing privately for a cessation of hostilities before long, what seems to be uppermost on their minds right now is to negotiate with each other from a position of strength. This strategy compels them to incapacitate each other militarily to the extent possible, lest they have to concede too much to each other during negotiations. Hence the stepped-up hostilities.

However, even on the question of there being a negotiated political settlement in the West Asian theatre in the longer term, the skeptic could come to be seen as scoring over the optimist. Developments on the ground account for this.

At the time of writing Israel’s Netanyahu government is going ahead in fairly care-free fashion with the establishment of more Jewish settlements in the Gaza and the West Bank, and it’s all happening under the apparently complacent gaze of the US. In fact, some quarters estimate that Israel is in control of some 65% of the Gaza Strip. Ethnic cleansing, that is, is being drastically stepped-up.

Accordingly, in terms of the power relations of West Asia, the world is almost back to the status quo of the late forties of the last century when the state of Israel was established and the Palestinians were reduced to a microscopic minority in the land they came to inhabit. Therefore, even the impartial observer would be compelled to ask: ‘Will a negotiated peace be ever possible in the Middle East?’

The humanist in the observer would prefer to answer this question in the affirmative and it is indeed the ideal stance to adopt considering the staggering human and material costs of the conflict. But the way ahead to peace could be expected to be highly hazardous and arduous. Among other odds, it would also prove an uphill endeavour to win minds and hearts.

The US’ Trump administration would need to be counted out in this pursuit. This is on account of the fact that it has been far too wayward in its management of West Asian affairs in particular over the past couple of years. Given its unpredictable character it is a matter for conjecture whether it could be counted on to live up to its commitments.

Moreover, Israel could be expected to ‘go it alone’ in the Middle East regardless of whether US help is coming or otherwise. It has indicated as much in recent times and Israel could be doubted on this score only at the doubter’s peril. Because time and again Israel has demonstrated that it could steadfastly defend its interests even single-handedly in the Middle East. History bears this out.

However, a durable alliance with the US would stand Israel in good stead. On the matter of military and intelligence assistance, for example, the US’s help proved invaluable for Israel in the past and going forward this is bound to be so as well. Moreover, it is unlikely that the Trump administration would give up on Israel, considering that a strong Israel is crucial for the furtherance of the US’ strategic and economic interests in West Asia.

But whether the above factors would have a considerable bearing on the question of working out a durable solution to the West Asian tangle is an entirely different matter. Israel, as in the case of the Palestinian enclaves, is acutely security conscious and would need to satisfy itself fully that it could live in a security environment that would guarantee its complete safety, going forward.

The Middle East is badly in need of another peace effort on the lines of the Oslo Accords of the mid-nineties that brought the key actors together and helped hammer out a solution that addressed some of their notable concerns. To be sure, that process did not prove to be the ideal answer to the tangle, but it yielded some respite to the region and drove home that one-time sworn foes could indeed negotiate with a degree of success. The West Bank authority, although falling short of fulfilling some key Palestinian aspirations, is testimony that a degree of success is possible if the intent is right.

Given the current realities of West Asia, peace-making is bound to be an uphill challenge. The violence faced in recent times by the Palestinian community, in particular, has been nothing less than mind-numbing. Merciless has been the violence visited on them by the Israeli side. In such circumstances, durable peace in the region could smack of an idealist’s dream.

Nevertheless, there needs to be urgently, a meeting of minds over the divides. The US would need to be counted out as an honest broker in bringing the sides together but the rest of the West would do well to step up to the challenge.

In this exercise the onus would be on the world’s democracies to take the initiative and doggedly stay the course. An acceptable combination would be the EU and the UN. Given their credentials, the main sides in West Asia ought to find them the least controversial.

Even if the relevant institutional and political arrangements could be shored up to take a reconciliation process forward, winning hearts and minds for the peace drive would prove a grueling challenge. Over the past few years in particular tens of thousands of hearts and minds on both sides of the divide have been bruised badly in the runaway murderous violence that has come to define the Middle East.

These badly scarred personalities would need to experience healing without much delay. It is therefore a multi-faceted challenge that is at hand. Since wide-ranging expertise would be needed in the healing process, people’s participation in peace-making, ranging over the divides, would need to be made a durable reality. It will be a time for enthroning humanity and ensuring the rejection of all forms of violence and coercion.

Features

Amazing Thailand …right here in Colombo

Published

11 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

For many Sri Lankans, Thailand is the go-to holiday — beaches, temples, food, and that famous warm hospitality.

In fact, I’ve been to Amazing Thailand 24 times myself, and was honoured with the Friends of Thailand International Media Award by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for promoting Thai tourism.

The good news I have for you today is that you don’t even need a passport to get a taste of Amazing Thailand.

The Royal Thai Embassy, in Colombo, is bringing a vibrant slice of Thailand, to the city of Colombo, with Thai Festival 2026 — a cultural experience like never before.

Whether you are an avid enthusiast of Thai culture, a total novice, or simply just interested in exploring foreign cultures, Thai Festival 2026 is going to be the perfect opportunity for you to get more than just a glimpse into one of the most celebrated cultural heritages in South East Asia. And ENTRANCE IS FREE.

The festival will be held on the 1st and 2nd of August, 2026, at Siam Nivasa, 43, C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 7, and the East Parking Area, of the Colombo Municipal Council, from 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Both days will be full of live entertainment, and dispersed throughout with Thai cultural displays, including exhilarating traditional dance performances and breathtaking Muay Thai demonstrations.

Exploring art and craft specific to Thailand, tasting irresistible authentic Thai cuisine, and playing arcade games, are just a few more fun-filled events available for visitors at the festival premises.

An array of Thai products will also be available for purchase.

While at the festival, you will find Sri Lankan Alumni from Thai universities sharing their experiences with you and willing to answer any questions you might have, related to studying abroad in Thailand.

You can also register for the Muay Thai workshop that will be happening on the 7th and 8th of August, 2026, in Colombo.

Irresistible authentic Thai cuisine

Visitors can also stand a chance to win traditional Thai souvenirs, get exclusive photo opportunities, and, the big one — to enter the raffle draw, at the end of each day, for the grand prize of an all-inclusive round trip to Thailand.

Be sure to avail yourself of this exceptional opportunity and add a cultural spin to your weekend.

To keep up with the latest updates on Thai Festival 2026, head over to the Thai Festival official social media pages.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo official webpage:

https://colombo.thaiembassy.org

Official social media:

Facebook: @RTEColombo

Instagram: @thaiembassysrilanka

Thai Festival official social media:

Facebook: Thai Festival in Colombo

Instagram: @thaifestival_colombo

TikTok: @thaifestival.incolombo

Features

Thicker, stronger hair …

Published

11 hours ago

2026/07/23

Sahan Weerasooriya

Hair fall, in this heat, can be so frustrating, and noticing a thin patch is even more worrying. The good news is … yes, with a little care and kitchen ingredients, you can nourish your scalp and support healthy regrowth.

Try these four easy home remedies … even our grandmothers trusted:

* Coconut Oil and Curry Leaves Tonic:

Warm 04 tablespoons of coconut oil, with a handful of curry leaves, till the leaves turn black. Cool, strain, and massage into scalp 02-03 times a week. Leave for 01 hour, or overnight.

Why:

Coconut oil deeply nourishes, while curry leaves help strengthen roots and add shine.

* Onion Juice for Spot Treatment:

With cotton, dab the juice of 01 small onion, directly on the thin/bald patches. Leave for 20-30 minutes, and then wash with a mild shampoo. Use twice a week.

Why:

Rich in sulfur, onion juice helps boost blood circulation to the scalp.

* Aloe Vera and Castor Oil Mask:

Mix 02 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 tablespoon castor oil and apply to the scalp, focusing on thinning areas. Leave for 45 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

Why:

Aloe vera soothes the scalp, while castor oil coats hair to make it look thicker.

* Fenugreek and Curd Strengthening Pack:

You will need 02 tablespoons fenugreek seeds, soaked overnight, and 02 tablespoons plain curd.

Grind to a paste, apply to scalp for 30 minutes, and then wash.

Why:

Fenugreek strengthens strands and reduces breakage.

Extra Tips for Healthy Hair:

Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.

Eat iron and protein rich foods: greens, dhal, eggs, fish.

Use lukewarm water, not hot.

Be gentle when brushing and drying.