Sir John Kotelawala, the third Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, was a prominent figure in post-independence Sri Lanka. His tenure lasted from 1953 to 1956, and he is credited with introducing a number of progressive reforms that helped transform Sri Lanka into a modern, independent nation. Although he is remembered for his political contributions, there are many things about Sir John Kotelawala that are still unknown to many. Here are five of the lesser-known facts about the leader.
1. Early Career
Before entering the political arena, Sir John had a successful career in the business world. After graduating from Royal College Colombo, he joined the Ceylon Civil Service and worked in the Inland Revenue Department. He went on to become the Manager of the Board of Trustees of the Galle Face Hotel, one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in Sri Lanka. He also served as the Manager of the Ceylon Exhibition Company and the Ceylon Insurance Company.
2. Political Beginnings
Sir John Kotelawala entered politics in the 1940s when he joined the United National Party. He served as the Minister of Transport and worked in the cabinet of D.S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. During his tenure, he helped establish the Ceylon Government Railway and improved the transportation infrastructure. He also implemented a number of reforms to improve the functioning of the government.
3. Nationalization of Banks
One of Sir John Kotelawala’s most significant political accomplishments was the nationalization of the banking sector in 1954. He believed that the banking system should be controlled by the government in order to protect the interests of the people. This decision was controversial at the time, but it has been credited with helping to reduce financial inequality in the country.
4. A Strong Nationalist
Sir John Kotelawala was a strong advocate for Sri Lankan independence. He worked to strengthen the country’s economy, promote the industry, and improve the standard of living of the population. He also sought to reduce the influence of foreign powers in the country and encouraged the formation of a strong military.
5. A Proud Legacy
Sir John Kotelawala left behind a proud legacy in Sri Lanka. He was a passionate advocate for democracy and human rights, and his reforms helped to improve the lives of the people. He also established a number of institutions, such as the University of Ceylon, the Kotelawala Defence Academy, and the Kotelawala Defence University, which are still in operation today.
Sir John Kotelawala was an influential figure in post-independence Sri Lanka, and his legacy is still felt today. His reforms helped to shape the modern Sri Lankan nation and his dedication to the country is remembered fondly by many. Although much is known about his political career, there are still many things about Sir John Kotelawala that are unknown. These five lesser-known facts help to shed light on the life and accomplishments of the third Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
