A Sri Lankan Tamil merchant seaman and politician who played a key role in the country's independence movement and later became a prominent figure in local politics. He's remembered for his efforts to promote Tamil rights and interests.
A. Chandranehru is remembered as a stalwart of the Tamil struggle for self-determination in Sri Lanka. Born on October 15, 1944, he dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the Tamil people, first as a merchant seaman and later as a politician and Member of Parliament.
Chandranehru was born in Thirukkovil, southeastern Ceylon, to a family deeply rooted in the Tamil independence movement. His father, K. A. W. Ariyanayagam Arappor Ariyanayagam, was one of the founders of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi Federal Party. Growing up, Chandranehru was inspired by his father's commitment to nonviolent protest and was named after two Indian independence activists, Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru.
As Chandranehru grew older, he became disillusioned with the nonviolent approach, witnessing the brutal suppression of Tamil protests by the Sri Lankan government. He participated in the satyagrahas of 1956 and 1961, but eventually turned to supporting militant armed struggle as a means to achieve a separate Tamil state.
Before entering politics, Chandranehru worked as a merchant seaman, rising through the ranks to become a captain. He worked on Maldivian ships for six years, but his life took a dramatic turn when he was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act during a holiday in Sri Lanka.
After his release from prison, Chandranehru returned to Sri Lanka and became a businessman, owning several shops. However, his passion for Tamil rights soon drew him into politics. He contested the 2001 parliamentary election as a candidate for the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in Ampara District and was elected to Parliament.
Throughout his life, Chandranehru remained unwavering in his commitment to the Tamil cause. His unrelenting spirit and dedication to the freedom struggle earned him the respect and admiration of his people. Though he may have been defeated in the 2004 parliamentary election, his legacy as a champion of Tamil rights continues to inspire generations to come.
Chandranehru's family was Protestant Christian, and his brother Ruban was a Methodist pastor. His son, Chandrakanthan, followed in his footsteps and became a Member of Parliament.
Chandranehru's life is a testament to his unyielding commitment to the Tamil cause. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope for those fighting for self-determination and freedom.
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