Sitting on two chairs with an umbrella in hand

W. Annesley Sumith Fernando

Finding an answer to this question was a bit difficult task then, but today it has become a near impossibility. However some analyst of the past arrived at an answer when the intricacies surrounding the question were disentangled. In spite of the answers provided by the past masters, the question remains as elusive as the 'Tower of Babel' to the today's young generation. It looms large before them as the 'Gordian Knot', begging to be exposed and expounded.

This question indeed is political in nature. At the general election in 1956, R. G. Senanayake, a heavy weight in the politics had entered the fray, not only in his sure and secured seat of Dambadeniya, but in Kelaniya too which was an un-chartered territory. Reference to two chairs was coined because of this dual attempt.

Incidentally he fought under the symbol of umbrella. Confounding the political pundits and their forecasts RG won both seats handsomely. It was a record for any local politician. It remains unbroken to date. Through his memorable feat RG carved name and fame for himself and carved his name in indelible in the cannels of Sri Lankan politics.

RG had aristocratic origins. He was the son of F. R. Senanayake, elder brother of D. S. Senanayake, the Father of the Nation and first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. He was a cousin brother of Dudley Senanayake, who ruled the country as Prime Minister on four occasions.

No doubt, that the manner in which RG stepped into politics would serve as eye opener to youth of the day. When members were selected to the State Council in 1936, RG's brother-in-law Siripala Samarakkody opposed the former member W. H. De S. Jayasundera at his own electorate, Narammala.

Both were from the legal fraternity, leading and famous lawyers. But Siripala Samarakkody has an extra feather in his cap. (He was the elder brother of Edmand Samarakkody: Founder member of LSSP spent days behind prison bars in the company of Greats like Philip, NM and Colvin;). Siripala Samarakkody emerged victorious and he was elected as a member for, of the State Council over 1,000 votes. But on his demise in 1944, his brother-in-law R.G., contested the elections and won the seat defeating N. H. Keerthiratne with effortless ease.

In 1947, at the very first general parliamentary election, RG fought under the UNP banner and won Dambadeniya with a majority of 8269 votes and entered parliament.

He was appointed as the junior minister for Defence and External Affairs in the DS government. In 1952, RG repeated his wins and retained Dambadeniya with a thumping majority of 15563 votes and he was appointed as the Minister for Trade.

RG did not shine much at the State Council, but on being appointed as a junior minister he began to show his true colours, as astute and able politician. In fact politics was not his preferred profession.

He was drawn into politics as evidenced by what he often said, "It's uncle DS who forced me. If not I would have been in Paris today, at London, tomorrow and somewhere else on another day". Soon he matured as a politician and dedicated himself in the cause of UNP.

RG was a 'trouble shooter'; he was quick witted and a man of action. He provided solutions wisely and adroitly, for the problems he confronted with conviction and command. The manner RG acted on DS's death, speaks volumes about his calibre and potential.

It was RG who did everything to ensure that cousin Dudley is crowned as the Prime Minister. Sir John Kotalawela has made pointed references to RG in his book 'Agamathi Poraya' where RG has been nicknamed as 'Kehetha Dicky'.

On being appointed as Minister of Trade in the Dudley government in 1952, RG started to play his role diligently and fruitfully. He feared not to rise above traditional approaches and accepted norms. He explored different options, alternative approaches in trade.

He was the architect of the Rice-Rubber Pact which he entered with China to ensure the steady supply of rice, the staple food of the people. RG laid the foundation for a barter agreement covering rice which abundantly needed and rubber which was abundantly available.

RG had no free passage; it was achieved against much opposition, as China was looked down upon with suspicion. This achievement on the part of RG also gave rise to the RG-JR conflict, RG the practical socialist and JR the diehard capitalist.

The Hartal of 1953 and series of commotions and contradictions which ensued thereafter forced Dudley to resign. It is worthy of noting how RG conducted himself during that turbulent period. Sir John had already fired his guns against RG through his publication 'Agamathi Poraya'.

RG the practical statesman he was, he held no grievances against Sir John. He wanted to avoid a cabinet level conflict so he sided with Sir John.

It was apparent that if not for Sir John's presence ambitious and calculating JR would have gained in upper hand with the cabinet. By a quirk of fate RG and Sri John stood on the same bank which brought to nought JR's dreams of filling PM's post following Dudley's resignation.

Though RG endeavoured to do a job of work as a minister under Sir John's cabinet the developments around him hindered them. JR had been offered the Ministry of Agriculture against his preferred option, i.e. Ministry of Finance.

RG reached the breaking point; the situation turned worse day in day out. Conflicts of interest and differences in ideology between RG and JR grew vicious and violent.

This conflict became a public secret and reasons contributing to the conflict were widely discussed. Of all the reasons four gained wide acceptance. They were RG's pro China stand, JR's pro American stand, JR's opposition to banning of liquor and the differences they had over the Indian issue. In addition it was no secret that JR had a grudge against RG for RG has entered politics by challenging JR for Kelaniya electorate.

The battle at Kelaniya has a number of interesting episodes. Battle for Kelaniya had its beginning when Sir D. B. Jayatillake, the then State Councillor for Kelaniya was forced to quit politics and packed to India as the High Commissioner.

 To be continued