Sir John Kotelawala’s visit to Australia and New Zealand – by EARLSON FORBES Ceylon’s third Prime Minister, Sir John Kotelawala, was known as an outspoken, strong, and as some would say, a flamboyant leader. He had a chance of being the next Prime Minister of Ceylon when the first Prime Minister of Independent Ceylon, D. S. Senanayake, passed away in 1952. Sir John was a strong contender for the vacant position. However, he was overlooked for appointment and the son of D. S. Senanayake, Dudley was appointed to the position As fate would have it, Sir John did not have to wait long for his second shot at the Prime Ministership. Dudley Senanayake’s period as Prime Minister was riddled with civil unrest. In 1953, he resigned and this time around Sir John was chosen as the third Prime Minister of Ceylon. John Kotelawala (Snr) Sir John’s elevation to the highest ...
Sep 13, 2024
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Tagged 1955 state visit, Ceylon and Australia relations, Ceylon diplomatic visits, Ceylon history international relations, Ceylon Prime Ministers, Colombo Plan development projects, Colombo Plan history, Commonwealth leaders 1950s, Laxapana hydroelectric project, Melbourne Cup 1955, New Zealand visit 1955, Royal Military College Duntroon visit, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike election victory, Sir John Kotelawala, Sir John Kotelawala Australia tour, Sir John Kotelawala Bandung Conference, Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme visit, United National Party (UNP) history
