|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Saturday, 30 August 2003 |
 |
|
 |
Features | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Remembering a great leader of the hills by P. Rajaratnam
The 90th birth anniversary of late Saumiyamoorthy Thondaman falls today. He was a legend throughout his life as a leader, who toiled for the working class of the country particularly the plantation workers, the people of Indian origin, a statesman, a politician for all seasons. He was described by his colleagues and leaders as a "Kingmaker" in any crisis relating to politics or major workers' struggles. He had ups and downs during his 60 year public life, but gallantly fought against them to victory. He was an outspoken leader on any matter, and once he pronounced that if the country had to solve the ethnic conflict, nothing could be achieved other then through a negotiated settlement. He went on to say that the North and East should be given to Prabhakaran for some period and see his achievements. It was unfortunate that he was not among the living at the moment. To commemorate the 90th birthday a series of religious functions have been organised all over the hill country including in Buddhist temples. In addition the CWC has offered scholarships and university grants to children of plantation workers. A veteran planter for over fifty years and one who belonged to the colonial era, L. H. C. Tissera describes Thondaman as a modern and a dignified personality, who not only delivered the goods to his own lot but never hesitated to help the planting community who sought his assistance and help. Above all he was concerned about the economic viability and well- being of the plantation industry and felt the need to protect the "Hen which laid the golden eggs" and for its continued sustenance. Tissera added at the moment such dedication and patriotism were lacking in the present management companies. The late Thondaman was all the time concerned about his people's economic upliftment and created a series of small-scale industries in the hill country and the moment he was appointed Minister of Livestock Development in 1981 he imported high breeding heifers from Netherlands, Australia and other countries and distributed them in the hill country, mid country and suitable species for the South. He was against the animals being slaughtered, especially the pregnant lot. The plantation workers and the people of Indian origin, including the majority community feel the loss of this great leader Thondaman specially at a time when the country is involved in the peace process in which late Thondaman continuously played a positive and decisive role. It was ironical he breathed his last in Nuwara Eliya on October 30, 1999 which electorate he nurtured so much and for its people over the years, first on being elected to Parliament in 1948 and thereafter for a considerable period of time. On his last journey to Nuwara Eliya, as usual he had stopped his vehicle near a Hindu temple on the roadside at Talawakelle to offer poojas. Surprisingly he had found the tray which contained the 'Holy Ash' virtually empty - this bad omen had upset the leader and had asked the rest of the occupants why it had happened for the first time. The others had consoled him that everything will be OK. But the same night he fell seriously ill and was taken to Colombo by a chopper! |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
