A grateful nation prepares to commemorate two political giants, Don Stephen Senanayake and Don Philip Rupasinghe Gunawardena, on their seventy-second and fifty-second death anniversaries falling on March 22 and 26, respectively. Affectionately known as ‘DS,’ Don Stephen Senanayake was the son of Don Spater Senanayake. Senanayake family roots trace back to the Anuradhapura period in AD 253-266. According to folklore, a King dispatched a delegation from Mahiyangana with a Bo sapling to be planted at Attanagalle. During their journey, the delegation placed the sapling at a specific spot to rest for the night, only to discover that the sapling had taken root by morning.
This led to the name “Bodhi-tale,” signifying a place where the Bo sapling took root, eventually evolving into “Bothale.” The Senanayake family eventually settled in Bothale, Ihalagama, a village near Mirigama, Hapitigame Korale of the Gampaha district, making it their home.
Don Jakolis Rupasinghe Gunawardena, hailing from a lineage of affluent landowners, dedicated himself to serving the British government in the late 18th century, holding the esteemed position of vidanearachchi, which encompassed roles as both a local police officer and headman. Revered by the local populace, he earned the endearing moniker “Boralugoda Ralahamy.” His legacy was carried forward by his son, Don Philip Rupasinghe Gunawardena, an eminent figure whose presence loomed large over the political landscape of our nation for more than four decades. Renowned as a great statesman, Don Philip was not just a political figure but a vibrant personality whose influence shaped the course of our country’s history.
Nascent stages of the Legislative Council
Revered as the Father of socialism in Sri Lanka, he was affectionately dubbed the “Lion of Boralugoda,” a title that encapsulated his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to his ideals.
DS’s involvement in political and organizational affairs dates back to the colonial era, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of governance in Ceylon. He was actively engaged in the nascent stages of the Legislative Council of Ceylon, which marked the initial foray into representative administration on the island, established in 1833 based on the recommendations of the Colebrooke-Cameron Commission. As Sir Ivor Jennings aptly noted, DS recognized the power of effective non-cooperation as a means to achieve independence, drawing inspiration from figures like Mahatma Gandhi. Unlike many other struggles for independence that involved violent conflict, Ceylon gained its independence without shedding a drop of blood. This achievement underscored DS’s astute leadership and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes with wisdom and strength.
Jennings further emphasised DS’s indispensable role in safeguarding the path to independence, stating that without DS’s presence, the history of Ceylon would have unfolded very differently. DS’s leadership and foresight ensured that the terms of reference for independence was upheld, preventing any potential interference that could have derailed the journey toward self-governance. His enduring legacy as a statesman and visionary leader continues to shape the historical narrative of Ceylon’s march towards independence and self-determination.
In the early 1930s, the young and fervently Marxist/Trotskyite activist and revolutionary, Philip, emerged as a formidable force. A product of Wisconsin University in the USA, he possessed not only a profound understanding of Marxist theory but also fluency in Spanish and French. Born into the lineage of Boralugoda ancestry, Philip seemed to inherit the fearless traits of the Pantheraleo, the lion from his forebears. In a display of remarkable courage and dedication to the cause, Philip volunteered for a perilous mission: to traverse the risky Pyrenees mountain range, which served as the natural border between France and Spain. With peaks soaring as high as 3,360 meters, crossing the Pyrenees on foot was an arduous and hazardous undertaking. Undeterred by the risks, Philip embarked on this journey, carrying with him a bundle of secret documents destined for a revolutionary movement in France.
Tumultuous decades
Navigating rugged terrain and enduring harsh weather conditions, Philip’s journey was fraught with danger at every turn. Security checks and the looming threat of discovery added an additional layer of peril to his mission. However, driven by his unwavering commitment to the cause of revolution, Philip pressed on, undeterred by the obstacles in his path.His daring feat would later become emblematic of his indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to the revolutionary cause.
DS was a pragmatic visionary of remarkable caliber—he readily engaged with individuals from all walks of life, eager to absorb valuable insights from anyone willing to contribute. His principles and priorities remain as relevant today as they were in the tumultuous decades of the 1930s and 1940s. Recognising the critical role of nutrition in shaping food production policies, DS articulated his views on various facets of agricultural development in his book. Chapters on land policy, colonization, irrigation, rural indebtedness, and agricultural labor underscored his comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector. In the early months of 1949, the Commonwealth’s economy encountered significant difficulties, prompting attempts to exert authority over Ceylon by manipulating its Dollar Reserves through the ‘Sterling Assets Agreement.’ In response, DS Senanayake demonstrated unwavering patriotism and resolve. The situation demanded diplomatic intervention, leading to the formation of a delegation tasked with visiting the UK.
DS’s astute judgment led him to select J R, accompanied by his American adviser John Exter, for the Finance Minister’s Conference convened by the British. DS’s decision to include an American adviser, John Exter, reflected his skepticism towards British intentions. Before their departure, DS provided invaluable guidance to the delegation.
“We are a sovereign nation. Our dollar reserves are our own. If we are not allowed to act autonomously, then obviously we must quit the ‘Sterling Area.’ The UK cannot oppose this. Tell them you will leave unless you are allowed to keep your country’s earnings.” – Extract from speeches by J R Jayewardene, found in Presidential Archives File 195-a.
In 1936, Philip’s ascent to the legislature marked the beginning of his impactful political career. Utilising pressure tactics on the ruling class, he advocated for the recognition of certain social and economic reforms, tirelessly striving to address the grievances of the marginalised segments of society.
Most significant triumphs
Throughout the late 1930s and into the 1940s, Philip assumed a prominent role as the leader of the opposition benches in The State Council of Ceylon. A fiery revolutionary at heart, he remained steadfast in his dedication to championing the rights of the oppressed village peasantry, even during his tenures as a Cabinet Minister in the governments of SWRD Bandaranaike and Dudley Senanayake. One of Philip’s most significant triumphs came during his tenure as Minister of Food Agriculture and Cooperatives with the enactment of the Paddy Lands Act, also known as the “Kumburu Panatha,” in 1958. This landmark legislation granted security of ownership to tenant cultivators who diligently worked the fields, despite being obligated to surrender half of their harvest to the landowners.
Philip’s efforts to pass the Paddy Lands Act were met with formidable opposition from powerful factions within the government. However, undeterred by the challenges, he spearheaded a monumental social transformation by successfully implementing the legislation. Through his unwavering commitment to social justice and equitable land reform, Philip left an indelible mark on the landscape of Sri Lankan politics and society.
Philip’s commitment to the betterment of his country transcended his ideological inclinations, leading him to set aside his socialist policies for the greater good. In 1965, he collaborated with Dudley Senanayake to form a National government, recognizing the imperative of unity and cooperation in steering the nation forward.
His son, Dinesh, has admirably carried forward his father’s legacy, earning pride for his contributions as Prime Minister. Teaming up with Ranil, a kinsman of Senanayakes, they share the responsibility of navigating through challenging times, despite the formidable obstacles they face. The question arises: will the wisdom accumulated across generations guide them towards a brighter future? Will they heed the lessons of history and uphold the principles of justice and democracy, ensuring that the “light at the end of the tunnel” represents genuine progress rather than the looming threat of regression?
As the nation faces its challenges, there is hope that today’s leaders will learn from the wisdom of those who came before them, guiding the country towards prosperity and righteousness. It’s crucial for them to stay committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the independence of the judiciary. By doing so, they can light the path forward with the beacon of justice and integrity.
