D.S. Senanayake Archives

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Celebrating Freedom: The Rich History of Independence Square in Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka Nestled in the heart of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, Independence Square stands as a symbol of the nation’s struggle for freedom and its triumphant journey towards independence. This historic landmark not only bears witness to the nation’s past but also serves as a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike. The story of Independence Square begins in 1948 when Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, gained independence from British colonial rule. The square, originally called Torrington Square, witnessed the historic moment when the Union Jack was lowered, and the Lion Flag of Ceylon was raised for the first time. Today, visitors can still sense the echoes of that momentous day as they explore the square’s various monuments and structures. Designed by the renowned architect Tom Neville Wynne-Jones, Independence Square boasts a blend of neo-baroque and ...

Dec 16, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Kalani Prabodha Tagged D.S. Senanayake, Independence Memorial Lake, Independence Square in Sri Lanka

Christmas In Ceylon In The ’50’s: Swing Bands And Grand Galas-by Roel Raymond Source:Media History records social transformation. It is through the lens of historical narrative that we see the ages and eras of the past and learn of the people, places, and events that made an impact. Documented history throws a light on the customs and rituals of people as they wend their way through time, leaving their mark on a particular epoch. In the 1950’s, Ceylon has just gained independence from the British Raj, the fruits of which were yet to be seen. Many of the cultural influences of the British were still apparent, including speaking the English language, clothing styles, and partaking in English customs and holidays. The major Christian holidays—Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas were all celebrated on the island, and going by documented history, Christmas in Ceylon in the 1950’s was a riotous time ...

Dec 6, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Chandra Arulpragasam, Christmas In Ceylon, D.S. Senanayake, Galle Face Hotel

71 years later… Commemorating ‘the Father of the Nation’-by Kamanthi Wickramasinghe Source:Dailymirror Statesman and first Prime Minister of Ceylon, Don Stephen Senanayake is referred to as the ‘man who architected the destiny of a nation’. He became the first Prime Minister of Ceylon as he facilitated the smooth transition of semi-colonization to independence with great charm and determination. His policies on agriculture, irrigation and colonization made Sri Lanka a food secure nation at the time. The Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in the island bears testimony to his vision. Prime Minister Senanayake is also remembered for his efforts to eradicate the malaria epidemic at the time, visiting villages infected by the disease and spending time in prisons, with a vision to develop the country. But 71 years after his passing away, Sri Lanka stands on the edge of a precipice. Why Sri Lanka requires an attitudinal shift Speaking at a ...

Mar 28, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged D.S. Senanayake, Karu Jayasuriya, Rukman Senanayake

Story of 75 years of independence – By Malsha – eLanka Sri Lanka gained its independence from British colonial rule on February 4, 1948. The road to independence was marked by various political, social, and economic developments, with several notable figures, including D.S. Senanayake and S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, playing a significant role in the independence movement. After gaining independence, Sri Lanka established a democratic government with a parliamentary system of government. The country’s first general election was held in 1947, and since then, Sri Lanka has maintained a vibrant democracy with regular elections and peaceful transitions of power. However, Sri Lanka’s journey towards independence was not without its challenges. The country faced various issues, including ethnic tensions between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils, which led to a 30-year civil war that ended in 2009. The country also struggled with economic issues such as poverty, income inequality, and high levels of ...

Mar 9, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged 75th anniversary of independence, D.S. Senanayake, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike

Sri Lankan Prime ministers – By Malsha – eLanka Here is a list of Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka since its independence in 1948: D.S. Senanayake (1948-1952) John Lionel Kotalawela (1953-1956) S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike (1956-1959) W.D. SENEVRATNE (1959-1960) Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike (1960-1965) Dudley Shelton Senanayake (1965-1970) Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike (1970-1977) J.R. Jayewardene (1977-1978) R. Premadasa (1978-1989) Dingiri Banda Wijetunga (1989-1993) Chandrika Kumaratunga (1994-2001) Ratnasiri Wickremanayake (2001-2004) Mahinda Rajapaksa (2004-2015) Ranil Wickremesinghe (2015-present) D.S. Senanayake Dudley Shelton Senanayake was the first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), serving from 1948 until his death in 1952. He was a central figure in Sri Lanka’s independence movement, and worked to gain independence from British rule. After independence, he focused on building the country’s infrastructure and promoting agriculture. He is widely regarded as the father of the nation and his son, Dudley Shelton Senanayake, became the second Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. ...

Feb 10, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged Chandrika Kumaratunga, D.S. Senanayake, Dingiri Banda Wijetunga, Dudley Shelton Senanayake, J.R. Jayewardene, John Lionel Kotalawela, Mahinda Rajapaksa, R Premadasa, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike, Sri Lankan Prime ministers, W.D. SENEVIRATNE

Lamentations: Jeyaraj’s Black Review of Sri Lankan History-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis DBS Jeyaraj, in The Daily Mirror, 4 February 2023, where the title reads “75 Years of Independence and the Tamils of Sri Lanka“ A SUMMARY: They invited Indian political leaders to the peninsula and held mass rallies and processions. Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, C. Rajagopalachariar, Sarojini Nayudu and Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay are some of these. It was only in 1833 after the Colebrooke-Cameron Reforms of 1832 that predominantly Tamil territories were integrated into a unified Ceylon. Until then they were administered separately. The rationale was that independence from the British had only resulted in being ruled by the Sinhalese. There was only a change of masters. So, Independence Day was nothing to celebrate, but only to be observed as a black day, it was argued. ...

Feb 8, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged D.S. Senanayake, modern Nation State, President Wickremesinghe, Sir Oliver Goonetilleka

Remembering DS Senanayake on Sri Lanka’s Independence Day – By Michael Roberts Source : thuppahis The first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) D.S. Senanayake entered the National Legislature in 1924. He was relatively unknown in the country and was pushed into prominence by his elder brother F.R. Senanayake, who was a very popular and active figure in the social and political arena. Many were surprised and taken aback to see D.S. entering the political field, as they were expecting his brother F.R. to fit the role. Perhaps the only person who had faith in D.S’s capability at that time was none other but F.R. Senanayake himself. Ceylon (Sri Lanka) as it was then known was under foreign domination from 1505 to 1948. Three Colonial Powers namely the Portuguese, Dutch and the British ruled parts of the island till 1815 when the entire country was subjugated to the British Government. ...

Feb 5, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged C.W.W. Kannagara, Ceylon, D.S. Senanayake, F.R. Senanayake, first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Lanka’s Independence, Sri Lankan leaders

Christmas In Ceylon In The ’50’s: Swing Bands And Grand Galas Source:Roar.media History records social transformation. It is through the lens of historical narrative that we see the ages and eras of the past and learn of the people, places, and events that made an impact. Documented history throws a light on the customs and rituals of people as they wend their way through time, leaving their mark on a particular epoch. In the 1950’s, Ceylon has just gained independence from the British Raj, the fruits of which were yet to be seen. Many of the cultural influences of the British were still apparent, including speaking the English language, clothing styles, and partaking in English customs and holidays. The major Christian holidays—Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas were all celebrated on the island, and going by documented history, Christmas in Ceylon in the 1950’s was a riotous time with all ...

Dec 7, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Chandra Arulpragasam, D.S. Senanayake, Galle Face Hotel dinner dance, Grand Oriental Hotel

The Changing Faces of Galle Face ANDREW NICHOLL- HORSE RACING AT GALLE FACE Source:Dailymirror Galle Face is Colombo’s most-prized open-aired public space, extending over a mile along the Fort oceanfront in Colombo. Over the course of Sri Lanka’s history, it has been the de facto stage for landmark public gatherings. Most recently over the months of April to July 2022, the Galle Face Green was the centerstage of the People’s Aragalaya, a protest movement that arose from economic hardship in Sri Lanka. During those weeks the protestors renamed it GotaGoGama (GGG) and even had a Google marker to prove it. On July 9th 2022, unprecedented crowds from all parts of Sri Lanka gathered in the Galle Face Area breaking attendance records of Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake funeral in 1952, the 1953 hartal, and Pope Francis’s holy mass in 2015. While it seems like it has been iconized by the Aragalaya ...

Oct 10, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged D.S. Senanayake, Galle Face

Crowned Emperor of silver screen. GAMINI FONSEKA – by Sunil Thenabadu Gamini Shelton Fonseka-Nidhanaya Sembuge Gamini Shelton Fonseka is comprehensively measured as the undisputed emperor of the silver screen enthroned. Almost 13 years ago Sri Lanka’s heroic epoch era of Sinhala cinema died, alongside with the abrupt demise of the legendary film celebrity and politician. It was analogous to the shutting down of the screen of the Sinhala cinema where he stood very elevated for nearly three decades dominating in various spheres spaced out with his unique, characteristic own inimitable techniques of performing. Gamini Fonseka was born on 21 March 1936 in Dehiwala the third child of William and Daisy Fonseka. After starting school at Presbyterian Girls School along station road, Dehiwala, located in his neighbourhood. Gamini was later admitted to the prestigious S.Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia. As a youngster, he had impressed with his innate talents when he gained ...

Jul 22, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Sunil Thenabadu Tagged D.S. Senanayake, Gamini Shelton Fonseka, Ranasinghe Premadasa