Sri Lankan educator and politician who served as the Minister of Education and was a pioneer in promoting free education in Sri Lanka. He played a crucial role in shaping the country's education system.
A. Thiagarajah, a prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politician, is known for his tumultuous career, which was marked by controversy and tragedy. Born on April 17, 1916, Thiagarajah was a teacher-turned-politician who served as a Member of Parliament and played a significant role in Sri Lanka's political landscape during the 1970s.
Thiagarajah's entry into politics was marked by his victory in the 1970 parliamentary election, where he represented the All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) in the Vaddukoddai constituency. This election saw him take a seat in Parliament, where he would go on to make his mark. However, his decision to defect to the governing Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and vote in favor of the new republican constitution would later earn him the label of "traitor" among Tamil militants and nationalists.
In 1972, Thiagarajah's decision to switch parties would come back to haunt him, as he was targeted in an assassination attempt at his Colombo home. This attempt on his life failed, but it marked a turning point in his career. Thiagarajah went on to contest the 1977 parliamentary election as an independent candidate, but he was soundly defeated by the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) candidate, T. Thirunavukarasu.
In 1981, Thiagarajah chose to contest the District Development Council election in Jaffna District as the lead candidate of the United National Party (UNP). This decision would prove to be fatal, as Tamil militant groups had warned candidates not to contest on behalf of the UNP. On May 24, 1981, Thiagarajah was shot by the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) as he addressed an election meeting in Moolai. He succumbed to his injuries the next day, on May 25, 1981, in hospital.
A. Thiagarajah's life and career serve as a cautionary tale of the complexities and dangers of politics in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 1980s. While his decision to defect to the SLFP was seen as a betrayal by some, others viewed it as a pragmatic move to advance the interests of the Tamil people. Love him or hate him, Thiagarajah's legacy continues to be felt in Sri Lankan politics to this day.
Born in 1899
A lawyer-turned-politician who championed Sinhalese nationalism and led Sri Lanka towards self-sufficiency, introducing sweeping reforms in education, agriculture, and industry. He's remembered for his bold, if sometimes divisive, leadership.
Born in 1916
The world's first female prime minister, who broke gender barriers in politics and led her country through a tumultuous period of economic and social change. She paved the way for future generations of female leaders.
81 Years Old
A pioneering female leader who served as Sri Lanka's first female President, known for her efforts to bring peace and reconciliation to the war-torn nation. She implemented policies to promote economic development and social welfare.
80 Years Old
A Sri Lankan lawyer and politician who served as the 6th President of Sri Lanka, known for his role in ending the country's 26-year civil war. He's also infamous for alleged human rights abuses during his tenure.
77 Years Old
The 13th Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, a seasoned lawyer and politician, led the country through significant economic and political reforms, earning him a reputation as a champion of democracy and development.
Born in 1906
A Sri Lankan lawyer and politician who served as the 2nd President of Sri Lanka, known for introducing a new constitution and establishing a presidential system of government. He's also credited with opening up the country's economy and promoting market-oriented reforms.
