Fifty second death anniversary of SWRD Bandaranaike today

S W R D Bandaranaike and Mahinda Rajapaksa - their contributions

Dharmaratne HERATH

Bandaranaike the much loved Premier of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) succumbed to the fatal injuries inflicted on him, by an assassin, on 25th day morning of September, 1959, and passed away the next day i.e. 26th September, despite the best available medical care, at the General Hospital, Colombo.

Dr P R Anthonis together with a team of surgeons performed an eight-hour long surgical operation on the premier, who survived for a few hours, expressed his desire to issue a message to the countrymen. The message said “a misguided person in robes shot at me this morning at my residence. With the help of my doctors I believe I would recover and be back to serve you. I urge my countrymen, my friends, and my family members to be calm at this unfortunate hour, and have mercy on my assassin too”.

Assassinated leader had an important official programme, to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York, subsequently to attend functions at Oxford University. The speech meant for Bandaranaike at Oxford was finally delivered by Lakshman Kadirgamar, yet another great patriot, an undergraduate at the time at the same seat of learning, Kadirgamar also unveiled the photograph of the premier. Kadirgamar, later became a distinguished Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka met with his death at the hands of the LTTE terrorists.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa

Former Prime Minister S W R D Bandaranaike

Great orator

Bandaranaike was born on Jan.8, 1899, as the only son of Sir Solomon Dias Bandaranaike, a diehard imperialist who had occupied a special position in the upper echelons of the British colonial rule in Ceylon.

Young Solomon was initially educated at Horagolla Walawwa by a university graduate from England and thereafter admitted to S. Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia; finally he was admitted to Oxford University, where he acquired an indepth knowledge of Western classics, history, law and political science, having mastered the languages of English, Latin and Greek. Bandaranaike through his marvels of oratory became the best orator at Oxford, and became the Secretary of Oxford Union, the first Asian to hold such prestigious post. He became the treasurer, too.

The progress of Bandaranaike at Oxford was such that it became conspicuous that in the future he would as a great orator illuminate not only the legislature of his motherland, but also other august assemblies attended by world leaders capable of determining the course of history. At Oxford, Anthony Eden, a close colleague of young Solomon came out with a prophecy that the latter would be a future Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Both of the colleagues became premiers of their respective countries. Oxford was the Garden of Hesperides for Bandaranaike who was in search of the golden apples of wisdom, fortitude and an unbounded understanding and capacity to serve the people. Bandaranaike plucked the above golden apples at Oxford, later became a Barrister-at-Law.

Young Bandaranaike while at Oxford was highly motivated by the Indian Freedom Movement fighting against the British colonial rule. Great Indians namely, Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose (who formed the Indian National Army to drive away the British invaders from India), Mohamed Ali Jinnah, Motilal Nehru, Patel, Dr Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, Abdul Gaffar Khan, were in the forefront of the above freedom struggle.

Bandaranaike was seriously mindful of the Sri Lankan freedom struggle and was aware that Indian freedom struggle was a conspicuous impetus reinforcing Sri Lankan freedom movement.

On many an occasion Bandaranaike willingly shouldered to represent the interests of the Indian freedom struggle before the Oxford Union, where he made use of his oratory to convince the British authorities that to deny freedom to India was unjust and not in keeping with the declared ideals and principles of democracy for which the British stood and fought.

Freedom struggles

During the above period Philip Gunawardene, Dr N M Perera, Dr Colvin R de Silva, Dr S A Wickramasinghe, T B Subasinghe and a host of other great Sri Lankan patriots were in London, where they engaged in effective and constant political demonstrations along the streets of London, the primary object of which were to accelerate the freedom struggles launched by masses in Sri Lanka, India, other Asian counties, especially Burma where heroic freedom fighter General Aung San was leading his countrymen.

Jomo Kenyatta (who became the first Head of State of independent Kenya) V Krishna Menon (who became the Foreign Minister of independent India) Jaya Prakash Narayan also from India had organized political campaigns with the above Sri Lankan freedom fighters. Jawaharlal Nehru of Cambridge University (later became the Prime Minister of independent India) was a close friend of Bandaranaike.

Young Barrister-at-Law Bandaranaike returned to the motherland in year 1925, had the opportunity to receive invaluable advice from especially great patriot F R Senanayake, himself an Oxon and Anagarika Dharmapala, the principal architect of modern Buddhist renaissance in Sri Lanka, India, Japan, other Asian countries, Europe and America.

Anagarika Dharmapala was a defiant critic of the British colonial rule in Sri-Lanka. Young Bandaranaike accompanied by F R Senanayake was before Anagarika Dharmapala who looked sharp in to the eyes of the young Barrister-at-Law and exclaimed in his usual profound tone, “Oh! You are the son of that Maha Mudaliyar who did nothing for the people of this country, but did everything for the colonial administration”.

Young Bandaranaike listened with respect and patience but his reply came as lightning. “Sir, however that Maha Mudaliyar has given a son like me to serve the people of this country”. At this Anagarika Dharmapala was highly pleased about Bandaranaike and gave some finer points to him, which became the guidelines illuminating the latter’s epoch-making public career.

Having entered the Colombo Municipal Council elections, Bandaranaike defeated the well-known trade union leader of the day, A E Goonesinghe, and marked his first political victory. With the introduction of universal franchise in 1931, and establishment of the State Council under the Donoughmore Commission, Bandaranaike was elected uncontested as the member for Veyangoda. From 1931-1947 he was in the State Council where he was the Minister of Local Government and Health for 15 years. Also, he functioned as the acting leader of the House on many an occasion.

Oxford University

Bandaranaike was a person of kindness, justice and fairplay, who never tolerated injustice perpetrated on people. Once he sent a stern warning to a chairman of a Village Committee, in Jaffna, conveyed through the Government Agent, that unless seating accommodation was provided to the so called low caste members at the meetings, he would as the minister dissolve the local body, subsequently, the chairman provided the respective members with seating accommodation, which was denied to them previously. Until then the two so called low caste members had to squat on the floor and take part in the official proceedings, though they were elected representatives of the people. Similarly, when Lalith Athulathmudali an undergraduate at Oxford University had to undergo unforeseen financial difficulties owing to the untimely death of his father, Premier Bandaranaike was instrumental in granting a government scholarship, despite opposition from both the United National Party and Lanka Sama Samaja Party in Parliament.

During the tenure of the State Council S W R D Bandaranaike as a member and Minister of Local Govt and Health was instrumental in moving important proposals aimed at achieving legal reforms, so that the motherland would gain full freedom devoid of colonial rule.

In these exercises Bandaranaike was fortunate to work with all the members including Moors/Malay and Tamil members in an environment of complete unison, a clear testimony to the said fact was when Dr T B Jayah, A R A Razaak, Dr C M M Kaleel, J G Rajakulendran, S P Vythilingam, V Nalliah, S Dharmaratnam, together with the Sinhala members, supported a bill, which Bandaranaike moved in connection with rejection of his famous ‘Free Lanka Bill’ by the Secretary to State for the Colonies. Bandaranaike moved the relevant bill on Jan.19, 1945. It is worth mentioning here what Bandaranaike expressed on that occasion.

“Of course I am not suffering under the delusion that any change in the govt in England would make a very fundamental difference in British colonial policy, but a change would make an important difference to us, if not now at least three or four years hence, when I have not the least doubt that a Labour govt would be in power in England with a sweeping majority. At that stage if in the meantime we have been able to create the necessary measure of unity amongst ourselves, we should be able to achieve our object”.

Political parties

When Sri Lanka became independent in 1948, through the sacrifices of all our patriots, past and present, D S Senanayake, a colossus in Sri Lankan politics became the Prime Minister and Bandaranaike, the minister, became the Leader of the House, who had committed to co-operate with the govt of D S Senanayake. However, during that period, eminent lawyer Herbert Sri Nissanka, Q C met Bandaranaike and strongly urged the latter to be the Prime Minister of a government they were to form together with support from other political parties, especially the Lanka Sama Samaja Party and the Communist part. However Bandaranaike refused the request of Nissanka, saying that he had already assured Senanayake the wholehearted support in forming a govt. In the new government, Bandaranaike had acted as the acting Prime Minister, since he was the most senior member in the Cabinet next to D S Senanayake.

However, on matters of principle, Bandaranaike the Minister and Leader of the House resigned from the government in July, 1951 having made a memorable speech in which he paid a glowing tribute to D S Senanayake, the Prime Minister, for the kindness, and guidance extended to him. On the eve of Bandaranaike’s cross over to the Opposition in 1951, there occurred an incident of very great significance to Sri Lanka, when the leader of the people of Ruhuna, Member of Parliament D A Rajapaksa an erstwhile colleague of Bandaranaike, also joined him, thus laying the foundation for a new political party, committed to grant equal opportunities to the countrymen, especially the downtrodden masses who were yearning for social justice in a newly independent country.

We cannot speak about the contributions of Rajapaksa of Giruwa Pattuwa, Ruhuna-Magampura, without first mentioning the name of heroic Ruhuna leader D M Rajapaksa, better known in the island as ‘Lion of Ruhuna’. Unfortunately, while addressing the State Council, where he was the representative for Hambantota, this fearless, great leader collapsed and fell on the chair, and passed away on admission to hospital. On the sudden demise of ‘the Lion of Ruhuna’, his younger brother, D A Rajapaksa had no choice but to continue the great services of his elder brother, by entering the State Council uncontested, since the opposing candidate however rich and powerful, decided at the last moment that it was futile to contest Rajapaksa, an upright and beneficent leader loved and liked by the people.

Progressive leaders

Bandaranaike ably assisted by D A Rajapaksa, Herbert Sri Nissanke Q C, S D Bandaranayaka, D M Jayaratne, A P Jayasuriya, I M R A Iriyagolle, Badi-Ud-Deen Mohamed, C S Marikkar, T B S Godamunne, Piyasena Tennakoon, T B Illangaratne, T B Tennakoon, Henry Abeywickrema, D B Monnekulama, with the backing of the progressive forces formed the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, which became the driving force to form the ‘People’s Govt’ of 1956, called the Mahajana Eksath Peramuna Govt. Sri Lanka Freedom Party which has recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, has ruled the country for over 34 years since independence.

Bandaranaike had invited Philip Gunawardena and a number of other progressive leaders to accept ministerial portfolios in the 1956 government and together with the support of his Cabinet ministers introduced a number of reforms to give the rightful status to the people of Sri Lanka. Under the government of Bandaranaike great effort was made to revive the indigenous heritage which faced a grave setback during the 450 years of European colonial rule, ending 1948.

The Maha Sangha, physicians, teachers, cultivators, workmen were provided with care and necessary assistance by the govt. eminent indigenous physicians and teachers proficient in vernacular languages were appointed to the ‘Senate’ (the upper House of Parliament) for the first time since independence. Ayurvedic medicine was given a new lease of life, a Ministry of Cultural Affairs was established for the first time. An environment was created throughout the country for the people to shed dependent mentality and to rise up as free citizens to build their country.

Local film industry, drama and other aesthetic fields received tremendous state patronage. Filmmakers were facilitated to produce films locally, thus saving foreign exchange. Films such as Rekhawa of Dr Lester James Peiris, which brought fame at international film festivals were made during this period. Local industrialists were given the necessary assistance and guidance with the result some of the entrepreneurs became exporters, too.

In foreign affairs the concept of Non-alignment was effectively implemented. Hitherto existing diplomatic links with the Western countries, and our neighbours were strengthened, whilst diplomats were exchanged between countries which belonged to ‘Socialist Bloc’, such as USSR, People’s Republic of China and the other East European countries, also with Indonesia, and a number of other countries. Non-alignment policy was effectively followed when Premier Bandaranaike strongly urged the withdrawal of Anglo, French and Israeli forces from Egypt and the USSR forces from Hungary, immediately and unconditionally, since both factions had invaded the territories of sovereign states.

Fairplay and justice

As stated at Peradeniya University that he was engaged in a caesarean operation on the womb of time, Bandaranaike lost no time in introducing much needed legislation and avenues enabling the people of the country to enjoy fairplay and justice which were denied them during the nearly 450 years of European colonial rule. The much awaited Employees Provident Fund was established, thus sefeguarding the interests of employees in the private sector.

Sri Lanka Transport Board was established. For the development of paddy cultivation Paddy Lands Act was introduced, the co-operative sector was widened in respect of which Minister Philip Gunawardena had made a tremendous contribution. Unfortunately, due to internecine differences among the Cabinet ministers, Philip Gunawardena was compelled to leave the government with his colleagues.

Existing major and minor irrigation schemes were restored and new ones constructed; some major schemes such as Rajangana irrigation scheme and also Chandrika Lake at Uda-Walawe.

On the request of Premier Bandaranaike the British government recalled their forces who were stationed at Trincomalee and Katunayake during the last so many decades.

The teachings of Christianity, Mohammedan faith and Hinduism have influenced, guided and enriched the lives of millions of people inhabiting Europe, the Middle East and India respectively. Similarly, the Buddhist teaching had influenced, guided and enriched the lives of the Sri Lankans, and the cradle of Sri Lankan culture was the city of Anuradhapura.

After the fall of Anuradhapura as the capital city of Sri Lanka, it so happened that the area comprising the ancient city was neglected to such an extent, that the places of religious interest were in grave danger. The Buddhist leaders agitated for the preservation of ‘Anuradhapura’ and it was Bandaranaike as the Prime Minister who took effective action to shift the government offices, commercial buildings and some of the dwelling houses, too, out of the sacred city, and a new town was planned and built, to preserve the sacred city for the benefit of the future generations, too.

Tamil language

There are critics who maintain that Bandaranaike’s ‘Sinhala only’ Act of 1956 and Tamil (Special Provisions) Act of 1958 paved the way for communal unrest. However, it was in 1944 that the Kelaniya member in the State Council, J R Jayewardene, moved a five-fold proposal to make ‘Sinhala’ the official language. In the above proposal nothing was mentioned about the Tamil language. Before the 1956 parliamentary general elections the then Prime Minister Sir John Kotelawala made it clear that in case he would return to power, his first bill to be introduced in Parliament would be the ‘Sinhala only’ Bill, and nothing was mentioned by him about the Tamil Language.

Prior to that at Kokavil in Jaffna, Premier Sir John made it clear that he would grant parity status to both Sinhala and Tamil languages.

Asian countries

Subsequently, Premier Sir John at Dodangaslanda said that he would make ‘Sinhala only’ as the official language. However, in 1956 Sir John’s party was defeated, and Bandaranaike won and became the Prime Minister. Had Sir John formed the government in 1956, he too, would have implemented ‘Sinhala only’ as the official language, and not given parity status to both Sinhala and Tamil languages. During the relevant period the tendency with regard to the official language was that the language spoken by the majority community should be the official language of the country, of course, at the same time ensuring legal protection for the other languages used in the country. The said tendency had influenced India and a number of other Asian countries, and Sir John and Bandaranaike too.

The fervent wish of S W R D Bandaranaike was to make available the benefits to the indigenous population, irrespective of nationality, religion, caste or political ideology.

The induction of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the fifth Executive President of Sri Lanka through free and fair elections in November 2005, is an important milestone in the glorious history of Sri Lanka, for especially during the beginning of the 21st century, Sri Lanka was most seriously threatened by the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Eelam, world’s most ruthless terrorist organization, which possessed high-tech weaponry, armed cadres, air and naval power, financed and backed by certain countries, too, whose sole aim was to carve out a separate country through terrorism. In short, existence of Sri Lanka as one unitary state was in grave danger, when President Rajapaksa took the reins of office.

Sri Lankan governments had struggled for 30 long years to eradicate LTTE terrorism, however, the results were disastrous for the people and the country. LTTE was to convert the country into a pool of blood and carve out their state of Eelam. Through skills of state craft, rare courage and unparalleled patriotism, President Rajapaksa gave the correct leadership in such a way, that the heroic security forces were able to defeat the terrorists, once and for all, at Nandikadal on May 19, 2009, bringing total freedom to all the citizens.

The historic exercise of President Rajapaksa is nothing but a repeatition of the deeds of the great kings of Sri Lanka who valiantly led their forces to safeguard the motherland in our glorious past. For the first time in world history it was in Sri Lanka under President Rajapaksa, that the resettlement of over 300,000 Tamil brethren was done speedily and in a most humane manner.

If one has the time to go through the length and breadth of the country, one would see that President Rajapaksa had set in motion a tremendous development effort to build the entire country, considering the same as one unit, since previously, especially the Western Province was developed, having neglected the rest of the country.

Economic recession

Under President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the first time since independence, forget about the 450 years of tyrannous European occupation, the paddy cultivator started receiving a 50 Kg bag of fertilizer at Rs 350, while the actual cost to the government is over Rs 7000 per bag. Despite economic recession suffered even by leading Western countries, our economy was safeguarded.

Very large bridges (marvels of construction) at Kinniya, Arugam Bay, and Sangupiddy, and a new harbour at Ruhunu Magampura were constructed. Katunayake Airport developed and also the Colombo harbour. Security of service in the public sector was guaranteed, through continuation of the pension benefits. Including the disabled war heroes, the heirs of the war heroes are constantly protected and looked after, having provided employment facilities to the semi-disabled war heroes.

The foreign policy of President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been extremely beneficial to Sri Lanka. With USA, UK, India, Pakistan, People’s Republic of China, Iran, Vietnam, Nepal, Maldives, Malaysia, Venezuela, Cuba, Libya, South Africa, European Union, Russian Federation and the rest of the countries, Sri Lanka maintains most cordial diplomatic relationship.President Mahinda Rajapaksa had to undergo such serious challenges that no other state head had to face. However, undeterred by whatever challenge, President Rajapaksa is committed to make Sri Lanka, the Miracle of Asia, solely for the benefit of all Sri Lankans.

The late father of the writer was a founder member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party who became the chairman, Village Committee, Polgahawela, in the year 1953, worked tirelessly for the people’s victory of 1956 and guaranteed his unwavering support at all times, passed away in 1992.