The Independence movement in Sri Lanka was a peaceful political movement which aimed at achieving independence and self rule for Ceylon from the British Empire. It was initiated around the turn of the 20th century, led mostly by the educated middle class. Ultimately on February 4, 1948, Ceylon was granted independence as the Dominion of Ceylon. Dominion status within the British Commonwealth was retained for the next 24 years until May 22, 1972, when it became a republic and was named the Republic of Sri Lanka. Those who are considered to have played a major role in the Sri Lankan independence struggle are honoured as National Heroes. We give below, some of the National Heroes of the 20th century.
Don Stephen Senanayake
D. S. Senanayake (1884 – 1952) was an independence activist who served as the first Prime Minister of Ceylon from 1947 to 1952. He played an active role in the independence movement, first supporting his brother F. R. Senanayake. After his brother's death in 1926, D. S. took his place in the Legislative Council and led the independence movement. His most distinctive contribution to the nation was his agricultural policy. He is known as the 'Father of the Nation.'
Frederick Richard Senanayake
F. R. Senanayake (1882 – 1926) was a Sri Lankan politician and independence activist. A Barrister-at-Law at Lincoln’s Inn, London, he was a leading member of the Sri Lankan independence movement in the early parts of the 20th century and was an active member of the Legislative Council.
Sir James Peiris
Sir James Peiris JP (1856 – 1930) was a prominent figure in the Sri Lankan independence movement and a Vice President of the Legislative Council. Peiris led the campaign for a Royal Commission of Inquiry and the vindication of the reputations of those who had been falsely accused during the riots of 1915.
He initiated a memorandum to be drawn in great secrecy along with other prominent members of society in order to bring it to the attention of the King and his majesties government. It was taken to England hidden in the sole of a shoe by E. W. Perera. As a result of this the governor Sir Robert Chalmers was recalled.
Don Richard Wijewardena
D. R. Wijewardena (1886 – 1950), was a Sri Lankan press baron who was a leader in the Sri Lankan
independence movement. A successful entrepreneur, he established the Lake House newspapers and played a major role in the independence movement. He organized the first deputation to the Secretary of State for the Colonies with H. J. C. Perera along with E.W. Perera, as a result of which the Ceylonese were given a concession of a seat in the British dominated Legislative Council.
Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan
Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan, KCMG, KC (1851 – 1930) was a Solicitor-General and a Tamil political leader, who was nominated as an unofficial Member of the Legislative Council from 1879 to 1892.
Ramanathan was elected representing the educated Ceylonese to the Legislative Council of Ceylon by a sweeping majority in 1911. In 1915, when the British Governor had several Sinhalese leaders imprisoned, Ramanathan came to their rescue and fought against the tyranny of the British Governor.
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