Comrade V Kandasamy set correct example for youth
When we review the turn of events in the past six decades it would
reveal that there had been several struggles of different magnitude
where people came out to defend their rights. Among them the armed
struggle that started by the Sinhala youth under the leadership of
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna in 1971 which went on for several years and
ended without success and the armed struggle that was started by the
Tamil youth to protect their rights that went on for about three decades
and ended last year without success had caused the country lose valuable
lives of Sinhala and Tamil youth but also had caused unimaginable
sorrow, pain of mind and loss in all respects. But the causes for which
both sides opted to sacrifice their valuable lives still remain as
problems that need solution.
The basic causes that prompted the 1947 general strike of working
class of this country that failed are continuing in different form like
the cause of the struggles that took place subsequently continues
without a solution. The basic cause for these problems goes back to
pre-independence period.
Their maturity was exhibited when their demands went beyond their
economic need and other service related issues to the demand for full
independence for Sri Lanka and full trade union rights for government
servants. With this background in 1947 with the guidance of Sinhala,
Tamil and Muslim leftist leaders a massive struggle of the working class
of this country broke out. It was reported that among their demands the
demand for full independence for Sri Lanka and full trade union rights
for Government servants took pride of place. The workers of all sectors
public and private without distinction of race, religion, community
participated in struggle with firm will. This was an unprecedented
struggle in Sri Lanka.
The struggle was so successful that the capitalists of this country
panicked. There were several attempts to disturb the struggle. But all
attempts failed. A mass demonstration and meeting was organised on June
5, 1947. The demonstration proceeded towards Kolonnawa. On the orders of
the rulers the Police was alerted and ordered to stop the procession. As
the procession reached the Dematagoda the Police fired to disperse the
crowd. One young worker was seriously wounded and later he sacrificed
his life for the independence of the country and for the welfare of the
working class of this country. He belonged to the Tamil community. He is
no one else other than martyr Vellupillai Kandasamy.
He was born in Malaysia and returned to Sri Lanka with his parents in
his childhood. He was educated at Jaffna College, Vaddukkoddai and was
the eldest in the family. He belonged to middle class.
His sacrifice was endorsed with gratitude and respect by Sinhala,
Tamil and Muslim workers and people. This was demonstrated by setting up
a statue of their comrade V Kandasamy at the place where he fell victim.
It was also a practice to observe silence on June 5 each year at the
workplaces at 11 o’clock as a mark of respect to their respected
comrade.
This practice was followed for several years.
Till the death of his mother the Government Clerical Service Union
honoured her by making donation annually.
In order to come back to the prestigious position of partners in
nation building the young worker and the Swabasa educated Sinhala, Tamil
and Muslim youth must take leading role in fashioning their future.
The English educated population specially from international schools
is swelling the elite class as it prevailed during pre and post
independence period.
Let there be no hostility towards English language which is rich in
literature and culture.
However, it can serve our needs but it should not be allowed to be
the master.
- S Ramachandra
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