“A Great Ceylonese of all Times” – Hon.Sir.Ponnambalam Ramanathan

“A Great Ceylonese of all Times” – Hon.Sir.Ponnambalam Ramanathan

‘SYMBOL OF UNITY IN DIVERSITY’

by : Dr.Nalliah Kumaraguruparan MPC 

“A Great Ceylonese of all Times” this is the unique decorum of Honorable Sir. P. Ramanathan maintained  all the time, appropriately observed by the father of the nation Right Honorable Don Stephen Senanayake.

Sir Pon. Ramanathan needs no better description than “A great Ceylonese of all times” by no one other than the first citizen of Ceylon “DS”.  Such a proud personality to maintain himself first as a Ceylonese even in unfortunate times and with bitter experiences, that the greatness.

As I Study through history, he has never provoked but maintained his illustrious immortal personality as a proud Ceylonese. This is the unique feature. Sir. P. Ramanathan has maintained and passed same sentiment on to his successors great G.G. Ponnambalam and later to S.J.V. Chevanayagam who resisted upto his Vaddukottai conclave. Up to this point Ceylonese preferred to be a “Ceylonese” or a “Sri Lankan” at the outset in spite of bitter experiences.

This is where Sri Lanka has failed and most Sri Lankan leaders have failed but Sir. P. Ramanathan has up held at high esteem. He maintained and projected himself only as a Sri Lankan in sprite. Others projected and claimed priority through ethnic identity which led Sri Lankan finally to war.

British identified as an intellectual – par excellent and as an excellent orator. Sir. P. Ramanathan was very much in the fore front in freedom movement. Perhaps, fortunate that ethnically he belonged to a non majority group, his admirer Right Hon. D.S. Senanayake stood first among equals as Premier.

During the Widespread Sinhala, Muslim riots from 1915 May 28^th to June 5^th 1915, the British Governor came down with a heavy hand on Sinhalese community. The Governor declared martial law from June 2^nd to August 30^th and ordered Army to arrest and imprison severel prominent Sinhala leaders.

In 1915, Sir. P. Ramanathan took the lead role during the widespread and prolonged Sinhalease-Muslim riots in Ceylon. When he battled for the release of the Sinhalese leaders who were held in detention in October 1915 he even made a hazardous journey to England during the first World War, to present their Case personally. He won their release and on his return the supporters of the Sinhala leaders, showed their love and gratitude by carrying him in a palanquin from the landing jetty to this residence at “Sukhastan” Ward Place in Colombo.

Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake, D.R. Wijewardana Dr. Cassius Perera, E.T.D. Silva, F.R. Dias Bandaranayake, A.H. Molamure, H. Amarasuriye were among several who were detained in prison. Sir P. Ramanathan was worried over the scenario, he consulted Anagarika Dharmapala. At his request Sri. P. Ramanathan came all out to the rescue of the Sinhala community went against the tyranny of the British Government embarked on a voyage journey. It was with love and gratitude. D.S. Senanayake the first Prime Minister called Ramanathan “the Greatest Ceylonese of all times”. Whereas Sri Baron Jayathilake the Head of the Cabinet in the State Council Complimented him “as the Greatest man Ceylon has produced in the past fifty years.”

This is the climax state of integrity demonstrated by Sir. P.Ramanathan. Among various issues he initialed where he projected Buddhism. Sir. P. Ramanathan was become active in the revival of Buddhism in Ceylon and Associated with Henry Olcott the  co founder of Theosophical Society in promoting Buddhism in schools. He was also responsible for the Government declaring Vesak a public holiday.

Ramanathan was nominated by the Government to represent Ceylon as a delegate to Golden Jubilee Celebration of Queen Victoria in 1987 at London. Ramanathan was described by Lord Salis bury as most accomplished speaker in the British Empire and Queen awarded a gold medal on the occasion.

Sir.P. Arunachalam was also equally in the forefront of the freedom movement and a respected nationalist. Sir. P. Ramanathan’s brother was also an intellectual on the Ceylon Civil Service Served Registrar General. When Ceylonese felt the necessity to form national alliance called Ceylon National Congress, it was Sir P. Arunachalam who had been chosen as the most suitable and eminent President to lead. Colombo Tamil Seat was considered a seriously felt due share. Ceylon National Congress assured   this seat for Sir P. Arunachalam unanimously. Later when time came up Sir P. Arumachalam and Colombo Tamil representation had been a deceived affair by the very same couple of friends. This had been also a bitter experience.

Hon.Sir. P. Ramanathan was elected representing the educated Ceylonese to the Legislate council by a great majority in 1911. He defeated Dr. Mascus Fernando a popular physician. He retained the seat for over ten years. It was a historic event as he was the first candidate to be elected to the legislature of the country by all Ceylon electorate prior to the introduction of universal franchise in 1931. He was re elected to this seat in the Legislative Council.  Later he returned to the Legislative Council elected through Valikamam West of Northern Province, whereas my Grand Father T.M.Sabarutnam returned very successfully defeating H.A.P.Chandrasekara from East constituency of Northern Province. Sir.W.Duraiswamy became the speaker of the house.

Therefore Sir. P. Ramanathan and his brother Sir. P. Arunachalam not only being talented intellectuals, served for the country, they were in fore front of the freedom movement of Ceylon. Very vital role is that they have left a foot path towards a strong “Sri Lankan role” as nationalist role model.

                        Infact G. G. Ponnambalam QC too an intellectual, eminent lawyer & Statesman taking over the leadership of Tamils from Sir P. Ramanathan followed the same foot print as Sri Lankan Nationalist. He led the Sri Lankan delegation to UN and played a positive Tamil politics towards national development, which has been really constructive. If not for Sir.P.Ramanathan’s guidelines G.G. Ponnambalam wouldn’t have come out with two large factories in the north and one in the east which has provided ample employment in north and east. G. G. parallely with his role as Tamil leader extended responsive cooperation to the then government. In the same manner S.J.V. Chelvanayagam too given the portfolio to Mr. Thiruchelvam QC and extended his coorporation to the then government. He embarked on two political pacts “Banda - Chelva “And “Dudley Chelva” Pacts. In spite of both failed SJV did not withdraw his support to Dudley’s Govt since he was convinced of Dudley’s gentlemanship. Hence, political history, categorically establish a co-operative, positive conflict free psyche of those great Tamil Leaders.

                        What is important here is that from Sir  P. Ramanathan downwards up to “SJV” played only a positive politics and extended responsive co-operation to the ruling governments but not a communal politics.

                        Sir. P.  Ramanathan as philanthropist has contributed for colossal educational development. If there had been a majestic traditional building for Jaffna University,  it is none other than the very same Parameshwara College and Ramanathan College built by Sir. P. Ramanathan, a great Philanthropist. These are monuments we are to be proud. If there had been a change in this Tamil Psyche after the SJV’S “Vadducotai conclave”, a serious research to seek the cause for the change is important and attended to solve the conflict. We can’t confine Sir. P. Ramanathan’s life into few columns here, such a legend is his life. In the contemporary history at this juncture, if all Sri Lankans must take up Sir. P. Ramanathan’s attitude and conviction should we can make a graceful Sri Lanka beyond all and any racial differences.

This article was published in the Asian Tribune on 30th November 2010 - http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/11/30/%E2%80%9C-great-ceylonese-all-times%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-honsirponnambalam-ramanathan.

A Sri Lankan identity with equality and dignity irrespective of race, cast & creed!

It has now again and again takes turn to insult the minorities particularly insult Tamils and Muslims. Recently it was observed that Minister Patali Champika Ranavake’s turn to insult the minorities. Troops approaching Vanni if would made him to think minorities as visitors to Sri Lanka he is sadly misconceived. In the backdrop of history of Tamils, Muslims & Sinhalese in search of Coexistence in harmony, Army Commander Sarath Fonseka’s reported statement some times back that minorities should not make unnecessary demands from the government is not only an unwarranted Politicized statement from a high command state official, but also insulting all minority races. These are the attitudes which cause fundamentalists groups of Sinhalese, Tamils & Muslims to be more aggressive.A True Sri Lankan must think in terms of Coexistence and living in harmony. Majority must understand the vital role played by minorities such as Sir P. Ramanathan during 1913 riots. Being a northern but solid Colombo living intellectual and a commanding Tamil Sir P. Ramanathan gave prominent priority to the racial harmony and of Co. Existence. It was Sir P.Ramanathan who initiated matters to declare Vesak a Public holy day in this country. Independence of Sri Lanka is an out come of Sinhala, Tamil & Muslim leaders who laboured united together for the independence. Sir P. Ramanathan and Sir P. Arunachalam and their dynasties can not be forgotten by the history. Sinhalese honoured Sir P.Ramanathan respectfully on his return after his particular mission . It is a pity that making communally politicized statements without knowing the history or ignoring the history. Sir P. Arunachalam had been the first President of Ceylon National Congress. Sarawanamuthu had been the first Mayor of Colombo and various Tamils after that held highly respected positions. Sir P. Arunachalam was assured the Colombo Tamil representation by Ceylon National Congress. Major General Dr. Thurairajah, long before Army Chief Anton Muthucumaru , Navy Chief Rajan Kadirgamar.& Police Chief Rudra Rajasingham can not be forgotten figures in our history.

Ponnambalavaneshwarar Temple has its long history in Colombo. Sir Raseek Fareed and T.B. Jaya can not be forgotten figures in Sri Lanka. It was G.G. Ponnambalam QueensCounsel once led the Sri Lankan delegation to UN. Whose elequent speech was praised by Western leaders. “Minorities” yes only in numeric census but played valuable &vital role in the country holding every highest office even now such as Attorney Generals and Chief Justice & Justices.

Sri Lankan Sinhalese had never been Hindus but Temples of Koneshwaram in Trincomalee & Ketheeshwaram in Mannar , Muneeshwaram in Chilaw hails from several century old history in Sri Lanka. Which witness the inhabitants religion & race. It was Sir Raseek Fareed said once that we must work together for the harmony & prosperity of Sri Lanka.

Muthiah Muraleetharan perhaps may not be given a chance to captain Sri Lankan team but he has made Sri Lankan team & Sri Lanka fame at the international Level. He has symbolically captained a non Srilankan team .If Sri Lankan cricket had been known at international level in the very recent past Muraleetharan too has contributed for this.

Any sincere Sri Lankan must understand that this is a country of pluralistic ethnicity and to cultivate the Sri Lankan identity beyond races & religion. That is the beauty of India we see and the same with beautiful Singapore having R.S. Nathan President of Singapore. If you try to differentiate and split national texture that will spoil the Sri Lankan fabric and ethnic harmony. Only a Buddhist can lead a national Party to be elected the head of the country it has been an unwritten criteria.

India & Muslims

In spite of the fact Pakistan was created as separate country for Muslims when India gave birth to Independent Dr. Abdul Kalam had been whole heartedly accepted as the President of India. Late Rajaji &, R Venkatraman had been the Presidents of India That’s the beauty of India as a real democratic country. Even Muslims in Tamil Nadu Claim themselves first as a Tamil ,they come to the religious identity only if specifically looked at.

King Sangiliyan had been the last a king of Jaffna. Even now his heirs tamils who later lived in Moratuwa are living after ethnic riots in Norway & Denmark. They have been admitted within the society of Dynasty of monarchs in UK.IT is from the contemporary history we find King Pandarawannian in Vanni.

Anuradhapura

Tamils had been powerful in Anuradhapura. Crown Proctor Sampanthar ,his son Natarajah and his son Advocate Pathmanathan had been crown proctors of three generations in Anuradhapura. Late Natarajah Vamadeva has been the Commissioner of Marketing and he who established MD canning factory for MD products. Later Natarajah had been the Chairman of urban council for 13 years without a contest every time. late Mr Sampanthar was in active practice during the early 20th century before world war I . A Governors note then says that he is one of the two gentleman of some standing in Anuradhapura the other being Bulankulame Disame. Therefore no doubt Sri Lanka had been a multiethnic society; Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims & Burgers constituted the demography.

Galle

It has been a history of ignorance triumph and Drum but when they are enlightening it will be too late for them to act prudently.

Tamils had history in Galle and Polannaruwa too we can find two solid Temples of lord Shiva, Poojas were conducted by Tamil Hindu Bhramin. Pogroms’ & genocides can destroy people but not the historical paramount features. Let who loves Sri Lanka think about working out solution for all the communities to live in harmony in Sri Lanka. Whether any individual or group likes it or not but reality which stands. We must digest the truth perhaps bitter at times. As much as one loves Sri Lanka, must respect the constitution. Winning the war doesn’t mean chasing out the minorities out of the country or the historical ethnic turmoil is settled. Responsible citizen must speak with all responsibility. Unwanted, irresponsible, lucid talks make the soup spoil. It has become a dire need to educate or at least create awareness among Police and service personnel on Political History and norms of Human Rights, particularly among those who directly deal with people. Handful of mere political parties’ uses communal and religious discriminative politics, because that is the only trump card or moto used in their advantage. Most funny part is that they are prejudiced of certain linguistic terms such as Devolution of power, self determination “United “Federal” beyond Clarity of thinking. That is a pity.

Fundamentalists

It has been the reality that every where in the whole world there will be ethnic based or religious fundamentalists be a handful. But democratic frame work must work strongly not to allow this handful of fundamentalists and communalists to “Veto “the majority manned by democracy.

New order

New President of the Republic of Maldives has honoured the predecessor with out any prejudice on account of the past! What a highly appreciatable example, a highly civilized degree of democracy. Pakistan compared to the history now has recorded a best transition of power this time. On top of these, America with few adverse comments in the eve of the recent election has showcased their top civilization beyond colour, race, cast, creed and religion.

Let Sri Lanka to move forward in democratic civilization accepting the reality of pluralistic, multi ethnic, multi religious country and cultivate a culture free of animosity and revenge but with under standing the reality. Patriotic must accept this reality. British has beautifully devolved power asymmetrically as demanded for respective region, without any fear to avoid separation Cream of Sinhala Nation, Sinhala intelligentsia and right thinking Sinhalese had always for cosmopolitan peaceful existence of all communities living with dignity and equal rights in this country. But this has failed to produce the object “A Beautiful Sri Lanka”, but now a country known well for ethnic conflict, pogroms, war, Air attacks, bomb blasts ,failed past APC’s ,Human Right Violations and failed international negotiations.

In this back drop of writings on the wall, by whom and how to change the psyche is still an unanswered question.

Mamanithar Kumar Ponnambalam – A Tribute

It will be quite appropriate for me to open this blog with a tribute to Kumar Ponnambalam! through his legacy I see my dawn of politics.

This Article was published in The Sunday Observer on 15/08/2004.

On that vociferous volcanic voice of the Tamils of our time is no more with us. Yes it is now four years, snatched away from us in the dawn of 2000, the first martyr at the dawn of the millennium. If he is alive he will count his sixty sixth birthday on this August 12. That is my great late leader Kumar Ponnambalam, the son of G.G. Ponnambalam, acknowledged leader of Tamils of the by gone era.

Kumar was born in to wealth and circumstances. Born and bred and first among the equal elites of Cinnamon Gardens. But inheritance was that he was proud to say that he is a Tamil. He had been proud and delighted in flaunting it. Secondly he being the son of the great Tamil leader G.G. Ponnambalam who had been the father of the Tamil Nationalism and an eminent lawyer, Kumar considered this too a symbol of pride.

Millennia of pride and independence the Tamils cherished were manifest in Kumar. His courage was indomitable. Situation too demanded his role. The wisdom from his learning, his successful and profession were readily available at the services of his community.

I am really proud of my past twenty-five years with Tamil Congress as a student of politics working very closely with my leader Kumar Ponnambalam. In the changing political scenario in the North East, the need of the hour is the solidarity of Tamils and Tamil parties.

Kumar realized this very strongly and initiated this only a couple of days before his assassination and I was with him at these talks. Hence beyond individual party politics north east people realized that need of a common alliance to grant a people’s mandate and it had been 95% successful and a sole representation is identified with people’s mandate. In this backdrop of nationally and internationally acknowledged and accepted role of LTTE as sole representatives of the Tamils of north east traditional homeland. I’m sure if Kumar is living he would have had an influential role.

The reality is that his dreams and his far-sighted political aspirations are taking its shape into reality only now.

Kumar dedicated his life to the Tamil cause but differed from others who did politics on Tamil Cause in exposing the hypocrisy and intransigence of Sinhala leadership. He expected a transparent political scenario and did not believe in behind the scene affairs. He never believed in political gimmicks and mincing words for self-centered politics because he never needed political power for his bread and butter.

He had two primary issues in Tamil cause. Firstly he believed that a respectable solution can be worked on the basis on Thimpu Principles and believed that as prerequisite for Sinhala nation to recognize first, to pave way further.

There is a strong reason behind this . Kumar’s convictions was that the insistence of the recognition of Thimpu first will expose the Sinhala nation if they genuinely recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil Nation in principle before going further. If the basic principle is accepted by the Sinhala nation sincerely which will facilitate the subsequent stages of peace process. Secondly he realized that all other Tamil parties then were only interested in narrow political gain and convinced that the LTTE to be the only organization that was genuinely dedicated towards fighting for the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil Nation and recognized it to be the sole representative of the Tamil Nation. Kumar supported openly the political ideology of LTTE.

Yes, those pragmatic vision of later Kumar are the drawings we see on the wall now. It is because of this political belief and also because of the role he played as a human rights activist in openly challenging the Sri Lankan government’s policies of human and political rights of Tamils, did he meet with his death. As an activist, he addressed the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva in 1997 and 1999, and the European Parliament in Brussels in 1998.
His involvement in the Krishanthi Kumaraswamy rape and murder case and the presence of mass graves in Chemmani to mention a few, brought to light the atrocities committed by the Sri Lankan Sinhala Army in the Tamil homelands.

He appeared for innocent youths and Tamil girls who suffered in the hands of Sri Lankan forces. I can remember my leader Kumar went even in mid night to stop police bulldozing a Tamil house in Wellawatta. If called to safeguard a Tamils right even in mid night Kumar had the blessed extra courage of Lord Krishna.

Inherited late G.G.’s inborn Tamil pride and indomitable fighting spirit Kumar carried it to it’s zenith.

My leader Kumar never being a member of parliament or even a local council, yet he was a mighty single man challenged the then government of the day. I have heard that pen is mightier than a sword in reality we have seen only our late leader Kumar’s pen had that calibre. The power of his pen and the volleys of truth it fired were as devastating, that they gunned down our dearest leader.

The Tamil nation honoured him posthumously with the title of Mamanithar Great man. A sincere soul never sleeps in slumber is the almighty’s creation.