Sri Lankan lawyer and politician who served as a Member of Parliament and held various ministerial positions, known for his contributions to the country's legal and political landscape.
A. Thangathurai was a Sri Lankan Tamil lawyer, politician, and Member of Parliament who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of the marginalized and improving the lives of his people. As a prominent figure in Sri Lankan politics, Thangathurai is known for his tireless efforts to address communal tension, promote social justice, and challenge state-sponsored colonization schemes.
Thangathurai was born on January 17, 1936, in the village of Killiveddy, near Mutur in Trincomalee District, along the bank of Allai tank. His father was a rural register and a landowning farmer, and the family had good relations with the Sinhalese villagers, particularly those from Dehiwatte, many of whom would come to Killiveddy to buy curd and register with his father.
Thangathurai's family's financial situation meant that he did not pursue higher education, but opted instead to join the clerical service. He worked for the Department of Irrigation and was an active member of the Government Clerical Services Union, where he worked to improve the lives of the residents of Killiveddy and adjoining areas.
Thangathurai's family's agricultural activities increased, and they purchased and leased more land, eventually amassing a significant amount of wealth, which in turn gave them a great deal of social and political stature in the area. He passed the Ceylon Administrative Service examinations and became a Divisional Revenue Officer, further solidifying his position as a respected leader in his community.
As a leftist, Thangathurai did not identify with the Tamil nationalist Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi's (ITAK) Federal Party and All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC). Instead, he worked to address the concerns of the local people, who were alarmed at the state-sponsored colonization schemes. Thangathurai was critical of these schemes and fought tirelessly to promote social justice and equality.
Thangathurai was married to Sathyashri, and they had two daughters, Dharmini, and one son, Ahilan. Despite his many accomplishments, Thangathurai remained humble and dedicated to his family and community.
A. Thangathurai's legacy is one of courage, conviction, and dedication to the people. His tireless efforts to promote social justice, challenge state-sponsored colonization schemes, and improve the lives of his people have left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan politics. Today, he is remembered as a champion of the people, and his contributions to Sri Lankan society continue to inspire generations to come.
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